Dietary silver nanoparticle effects on Penaeus vannamei growth, histopathology, faecal microbiome, and acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease survival

This study examines acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) in shrimp farming, caused by specific strains of Vibrio (Vp AHPND+), and evaluates the potential of silver and silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl NP) synthesised from marine resources as an antibacterial additive in shrimp feed. Penaeus vannamei juveniles were fed diets supplemented with 0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg Ag/AgCl per kg for 20 d. The highest weight gain (%WG) was observed in individuals consuming the 100 mg Ag kg-1 diet, with a 104.27 ± 4.11% increase. Histopathological analysis revealed that 10 and 100 mg Ag kg-1 improved hepatopancreas (HP) ultrastructure, whereas 1000 mg Ag kg-1 caused severe lesions, including cell necrosis. After infection with Vp AHPND+, survival rates increased from 27% in the control group to 78% in juveniles fed the 100 mg Ag kg-1 diet for 7 d. Microbiome analysis showed no significant changes in alpha diversity due to Ag/AgCl NP doses, although a notable shift was observed during the depuration phase. These findings highlight the potential of Ag/AgCl NP as a dietary supplement to improve growth, health, and disease resistance in shrimp farming, emphasising the importance of precise dosing to maximize benefits while minimising risks.