Role of nanoparticles in animal and poultry nutrition: Modes of action and applications in formulating feed additives and food processing

Abstract

Nanotechnology is the promising and emerging technology that has tremendous potential to revolutionize agriculture and livestock sectors globally. The concept of nanotechnology was introduced to alter the particle size to few nano meters. The synthesis of nano particles with reducing agents leads to change in physical and chemical characteristics of the molecules/element under study. These nanoparticles have the ability to transport various components under various environmental conditions. Nanoparticles are now-a-days widely used in various sectors, nutrition, therapy, targeted drug delivery, preparations of vaccines and various purifications processes in textile industries, etc. Earlier, the synthesis of these nanoparticles was by chemical method, which leads to excretion of chemicals into the environment. Recently, the preparation of nanoparticles from plant sources-referred as green synthesis is gaining importance. As this process involves plant extracts which consists of sugars, polyphenols, terpenoids, proteins, etc. These phytochemicals acts as a reducing agent to maintain the minerals in reduced state during the synthesis process, their excretory products are highly biodegradable and hence no adverse effect to the environment. In animal nutrition, the nanotechnology is mainly used in preparation of nano-minerals especially trace minerals, whose bioavailability is low. In addition, minerals as nanoparticles reduce intestinal mineral antagonism, thereby reducing excretion and environmental pollution. Studies have suggested that feeding of nanoparticles improved the digestive efficiency, immunity and performance in livestock and poultry. The present review covers various aspects of nanotechnology including production of nanoparticles, their role in animal nutrition and their future prospective.