Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on the Growth Performance and Immune Response of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): A Systematic Review: ZnO-NPs on the Growth and Immune Response of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Ayesha Ali; Fariha Ibrahim; Iffat Imran; Bushra Anzar

doi:10.54393/fbt.v6i1.234

Authors

Ayesha Ali Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Fariha Ibrahim Department of Biotechnology, Bahria University, Karachi, Pakistan
Iffat Imran Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
Bushra Anzar Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54393/fbt.v6i1.234

Keywords:

Aquaculture, Nile Tilapia, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles, Immune Response, Growth Performance

Abstract

Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is a globally important aquaculture species. Production of this species is confronted with challenges such as disease outbreaks and environmental stress. However, the application of nanoparticles in aquaculture, especially zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), has been reported with remarkable positive results due to high bioavailability, but there is limited information about optimum doses and their potential toxicity. Objective: To determine the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on the growth performance and immune system in Nile tilapia. Methods: In this study, 20 research articles published from 2020 to 2025 were reviewed. These articles were specifically selected for their focus on the impacts of ZnO NPs on Nile tilapia. Results: A total of twenty studies were considered in the present review. The use of ZnO NPs was found to be effective in enhancing the weight gain, antioxidant activity, IgM content, and survival rate of Nile tilapia. The best concentration of ZnO NPs was found to be in the range of 10-60 mg/kg for the diet and 0.5 mg/L for water. However, high concentrations of ZnO NPs reported a negative impact on fish health. ZnO NPs could improve growth and immunity of Nile tilapia at the optimum dosage. Conclusions: This review shows that optimized doses of ZnO NPs improved the growth and immunity of Nile tilapia. However, green-synthesized nanoparticles are comparatively safer. Doses above recommended limits can be toxic for Nile tilapia.

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