Studies on innovative technologies for incorporating veterinary drugs into feed aiming to optimize fish treatment and mitigate the risks associated with the practice

• Grant number: 24/03412-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Wanderley Pereira Oliveira
• Grantee: Wedja Timóteo Vieira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/08152-0 - Challenge of the use of drugs in fish farming in the context of One Health: evaluation of efficacy, safety and risk analysis, AP.TEM

Abstract

The treatment of fish with veterinary medicines typically involves oral administration through medicated feed, which is directly introduced into the water. There are several methods for incorporating the drug (or a premix of Pharmacologically Active Ingredients, PAI) into the feed. This addition can take place at the beginning of the feed manufacturing process, together with the original ingredients, at the end of the pelleting process, or following extrusion.In common practice, the most frequently used method involves the in situ addition of the drug (or premix) to commercially available feeds. This procedure employs a concrete mixer, where producers initially add the feed, followed by a prepared solution of the drug in water or mineral oil (based on the drug's solubility), which is then poured or sprayed over the agitated feed.However, incorporating the drug into the feed presents several challenges aimed at ensuring the correct dosage for treatment and minimizing the risks of environmental contamination. These challenges include: (i) ensuring the feed contains the intended drug concentration, accounting for potential losses during the incorporation process or possible degradation of the drug; (ii) ensuring the drug is evenly distributed among the feed pellets; (iii) maintaining the feed's palatability; (iv) minimizing the leaching of the drug into the water; and (v) ensuring the drug's bioavailability. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the effectiveness of the intended treatment and for safeguarding the health of consumers and the aquatic environment.Therefore, the current challenge involves exploring different technologies for incorporating PAIs into commercial feed, to identify the best alternative for each PAI being studied. Among the various incorporation techniques, those involving micro or nanotechnology mark a significant innovation. The use of micro or nano carrier particles can enhance the release and efficacy of antimicrobial drugs, potentially reducing the required dosage of the PAI during treatment. Nonetheless, selecting the material type for this purpose requires careful toxicological evaluation, as toxin accumulation in the body could pose a threat to consumers and potentially restrict the inclusion of nanotechnology in animal production. Hence, the importance of choosing only biocompatible and, preferably, biodegradable nanoparticles for inclusion in feeds is emphasized.