Reduced toxic effects of nano‑copper sulfate in comparison of bulk CuSO4 on biochemical parameters in the Rohu (Labeo rohita)

Considering the wide application of nanoparticles in various fields of life and growing concern regarding their toxic effects, the present study was designed with the aim to evaluate the potential risks of using copper sulfate nanoparticles (CuSO4-NPs) in comparison to bulk form. Nanoparticles of CuSO4, having mean size of 73 nm were prepared by ball milling method, and fingerlings of Labeo rohita were exposed to two levels, 20 and 100 μg L−1 of CuSO4 in both bulk and nano forms for 28 days and their comparative effects on the metallothioneins (MTs), heat shock proteins 70 (HSP 70), lipid profile, cholesterol (CHOL) and triglyceraldehyde (TG) levels, activities of some metabolic enzymes Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) Akaline phosphatase (ALP), and genes expressions of HSP-70, TNF-α and IL1-ß were investigated. CuSO4 showed the concentration and particle type dependent effects. The over expression of HSPs and MTs, significant decreases in CHOL, TG, low density lipid (LDL) levels and ALP activity, while significant increases in high density lipid (HDL)level as well as ALT and AST activities and HSP-70, TNF-α and IL1-β expressions were observed in response to higher concentration of both bulk and nano form of copper sulfate. At lower concentration (20 μg L−1), however, only bulk form showed toxicity. Thus, low concentrations of CuSO4-NPs pose negligible threat to freshwater fish. [Display omitted] •CuSO4 showed concentration and type dependent effects on fish physiology.•Both nano and bulk forms of CuSO4 appeared toxic at higher concentration (100 μgL−1).•At lower concentration (20 μgL−1) only bulk form CuSO4 showed toxicity.•Low threat of nanoform of CuSO4 in fish aquaculture was predicted.