Short description:
Metal nanoparticles (NPs) are interesting materials that can be used in a wide range of biomedical applications, including drug delivery and bioactive compounds. Among these materials, the two magnetic forms of iron oxide, magnetite and maghemite, are considered suitable for in vivo applications as their surface can be easily modified to meet specific requirements. In addition to the possibility of allowing the selective binding of different bioactive molecules and maintaining their magnetic properties, iron oxide NPs are hydrophilic, biocompatible and show limited toxicity. These characteristics make them particularly interesting for biomedical applications. The subject of this research line focuses mainly on the use of nanoparticles for the purpose of transporting active ingredients in fishes of interest for aquaculture; in particular, sea bream or sea bass such as marine species and trout or sturgeon as freshwater species will be employed. In a first step we intend to test the potential toxicity, and the possible accumulation and excretion of the nanoparticles administered during the phases of larval, postarval and juvenile development. In the second phase of the research, the nanoparticles will be used to transport active ingredients in order to improve welfare conditions and solve problems related to recurrent bacterial infections in aquaculture.
Five publications related to the Research Topic for the interview: