Effect of β-1, 3 glucan binding protein based zinc oxide nanoparticles supplemented diet on immune response and disease resistance in Oreochromis mossambicus against Aeromonas hydrophila

Recently, several immunostimulants such as β-glucan, microbial and plant products have been used as dietary supplements to combat disease outbreaks in aquaculture. The present study investigates the potential of Portunus pelagicus β-1, 3 glucan binding protein based zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ppβ-GBP-ZnO NPs) supplemented diet on growth, immune response and disease resistance in Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. The immune-related protein β-GBP was purified from the haemolymph of P. pelagicus using Sephadex G-100 affinity column chromatography. Ppβ-GBP-ZnO NPs was physico- chemically characterized and experimental feed was formulated. Fish were separately fed with commercial diet (control-group I) and Ppβ-GBP (group II, III, IV), Ppβ-GBP-ZnO NPs (group V, VI, VII), chem-ZnO NPs (VIII, IX, X) mixed diet at the concentration of 0.001%, 0.002% and 0.004% respectively. Triplicate groups of O. mossambicus were fed with experimental diets twice a day for 30 days. Fish receiving Ppβ-GBP-ZnO NPs supplemented diet showed a significant increase (P