Nanotechnology; A novel and practical approach in aquaculture and seafood products processing

Given the increasing recognition of the vital role of aquatics in producing high-value-added products and enhancing human health, fisheries and aquaculture industries have secured a significant position in the world. Nevertheless, these industries confront numerous challenges such as water pollution, disease outbreaks, slow growth of aquatics, low quality and strength of feed, and many other issues. On the other hand, seafood products are highly perishable due to the presence of compounds such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and proteins; therefore, obtaining new maintenance methods is of particular importance for them. Based on this, nanotechnology can be useful as a cutting-edge technology with multifaceted capabilities to address these challenges. The objective of this research is to investigate the pivotal applications of nanotechnology as an innovative tool across various sectors of aquaculture and seafood products processing. The findings of this study indicate that nanotechnology can be employed in diagnosis and management of aquatics diseases, efficient drug delivery and vaccine production, enhancement of fish growth, augmentation of fishing yield and harvest, aquaculture engineering, biological sediments control and ponds management, water purification and management of aquatic environments. In the realm of seafood products processing, nanostructures such as nanotubes, nanocomposites, nanoemulsions, and nanoliposomes offer diverse applications in encapsulation and controlled release in food products, improving bioavailability and stability, preserving nutritional value, and extending the shelf life of seafood products. Additionally, nano-biosensors, nano-labeling, and nano-coding technologies play crucial roles in ensuring the freshness and quality of seafood products. They facilitate the detection of counterfeit substances, toxins, and allergens, product identification and tracking, risk analysis, and enhanced supply chain management. However, it's worth noting that the unprincipled and excessive use of nanomaterials, along with their uncontrolled release into the environment, can pose health risks to aquatics and humans. Hence, a more accurate and principled approach to nanomaterial management is imperative in this domain.