Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as antimicrobials in marine shrimp farming: A review

Shrimp aquaculture is a growing food producing industry which historically has faced the economic consequences of diverse epidemics. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer a novel and innovative alternative to traditional drugs (i.e. antibiotics) to cope with infectious diseases in human medicine and veterinary, due their application flexibility and broad spectrum activity against microbes. Herein, we summarize the research advances and fundamentals in the use of AgNPs as prophylactics and therapeutic agents against bacteria and viruses affecting cultured shrimp. We also discuss the major concerns about the toxicity and biosecurity of these nanomaterials for shrimp and other marine organisms, as well as the major challenges and perspectives for a feasible large-scale administration and applications of AgNPs as antimicrobials in shrimp farming.