Aquaculture faces a critical threat from infectious diseases, which cause the loss of approximately 10% of all cultured aquatic animals worldwide. This situation urgently demands the development of innovative technologies that reduce pathogen outbreaks and decrease dependence on antibiotics. Our research proposes the use of nanostructured proteins as a solution for disease control in aquaculture. These recombinant proteins constitute a mechanically stable and non-toxic biomaterial produced in Escherichia coli, also known as inclusion bodies. The structure consists primarily of recombinant heterologous proteins that retain their functionality at high percentages, while a secondary protein fraction acts as a protective scaffold. Results demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining nanostructured proteins from both key immunological components of salmonids (immunomodulators such as antimicrobial peptide) and highly antigenic pathogen proteins (chimeric vaccines against Piscirickettsia salmonis). These proteins exhibit nanometric size (Figure 1), diverse morphology, and remarkable resistance to extreme physicochemical conditions of pH and temperature in vitro while maintaining functionality. In vitro assays revealed immune system modulation capacity and phagocytosis by immune cells such as macrophages. In in vivo challenges with bacterial pathogens, nanostructured proteins conferred significant protection and increased fish survival. Additionally, these proteins are absorbed by intestinal cells and accumulate in immunologically relevant organs in fish such as the head kidney and spleen. These findings position nanostructured proteins as a promising prophylactic alternative in aquaculture, opening new perspectives for sustainable disease control in this sector.
Acknowledgments: ANID Fondecyt Iniciación No.11240684, Salmones Camanchaca, and ADL Diagnostic.