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Nanotechnology

Nanoparticles Show Promise in Improving Catfish Growth and Health

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Gadjah Mada University have made a significant breakthrough in using nanoparticles to enhance the growth and health of catfish. The study, led by Sri Juari Santosa, found that the addition of Fe3O4-NPs (nanoparticles) to catfish feed improved growth performance, feed efficiency, and survival rate, with no signs of toxicity. The researchers also noted that the nanoparticles had a positive impact on the histology of gills, liver, and muscle, with heavy metal levels in fish flesh remaining below safety limits set by the FAO (2021).

Key Takeaways:

  • The study evaluated the effectiveness of Fe3O4-NPs as a nutritional supplement in catfish feed.
  • Financial support for the research came from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP).
  • The nanoparticles were synthesized via the coprecipitation method, producing cubic crystalline particles averaging 11.99 +/- 0.42 nm in size.
  • Three experimental feeds with Fe3O4-NPs doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg were prepared and compared to commercial feed as a control.
  • Basal Feed 60 mg/kg dose Fe3O4-NPs (BF60) yielded the best results, with optimal growth performance, high survival rate, and normal tissue morphology.
  • Histological observations indicated no toxicity, and heavy metal levels in fish flesh from BF60 remained below FAO (2021) safety limits.
  • The research concluded that 60 mg/kg Fe3O4-NPs is a safe and effective dietary supplement for improving catfish growth performance and health.

Statistics:

  • The Fe3O4-NPs were synthesized via the coprecipitation method, producing cubic crystalline particles averaging 11.99 +/- 0.42 nm in size.
  • The nanoparticles were used in three experimental feeds with Fe3O4-NPs doses of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg.
  • The basal feed 60 mg/kg dose Fe3O4-NPs (BF60) yielded the best results, with an optimal protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 0.50, specific growth rate (SGR) of 1.57%/day, and high survival rate.
  • Heavy metal levels in fish flesh from BF60 remained below FAO (2021) safety limits: Zn (17.849 mg/kg), Fe (4.695 mg/kg), Cu (0.800 mg/kg), with other metals undetected.

Sources:

  • "Effect of Adding Nanoparticle Magnetite (Fe3O4-NPs) and Probiotics In Feed On the Growth Performance of Catfish (Clarias Batrachus)" published in Aquaculture International, 2025;33(6).
  • Sri Juari Santosa, Gadjah Mada University, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Dept. of Chemistry, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
  • Vivin Viani and Suyanta, additional authors for the research.

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