In vitro assessment of the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles against major fish pathogens and their cytotoxicity to fish cell lines

Nanotechnology is an emerging avenue employed in disease prevention and treatment. This study evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) against major bacterial and oomycete fish pathogens in comparison with chitosan suspension. Initially, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC, MIC(90)) were determined and the per cent inhibition of bacterial growth was calculated. Subsequently, the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined. The time‐dependent disruptions of CSNP‐treated pathogens were observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the effect of CSNPs on the viability of two fish cell lines was assessed. No antimicrobial effect was observed with chitosan, while CSNPs (105 nm) exhibited a dose‐dependent and species‐specific antimicrobial properties. They were bactericidal against seven bacterial isolates recording MBC values from 1 to 7 mg/ml, bacteriostatic against four further isolates recording MIC values from 0.125 to 5 mg/ml and fungistatic against oomycetes recording MIC(90) values of 3 and 4 mg/ml. TEM micrographs showed the attachment of CSNPs to the pathogenic cell membranes disrupting their integrity. No significant cytotoxicity was observed using 1 mg/ml CSNPs, while low dose‐dependent cytotoxicity was elicited by the higher doses. Therefore, it is anticipated that CSNPs are able to compete and reduce using antibiotics in aquaculture.