Chitosan nanoparticle to carry vitamin C through the gastrointestinal tract and induce the non-specific immunity system of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Chitosan is a polysaccharide that has gained interest in recent to encapsulate active compounds due to its non-toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility and immunity system induction. The chitosan nanoparticle was prepared by adding vitamin C to tripolyphosphate (TPP) solution and then blending it stepwise to the chitosan solution under stirring. Nanoparticle characterizations were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Zetasizer. The release profile of vitamin C into the gastrointestinal and serum of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was portrayed and its effect on the immunity system of the fish was determined as well. The results showed that the chitosan nanoparticle had spherical shape; positive charge with particle size of 185 nm and in vivo controlled release until 48 h. Lysozyme and complement contents in the fish serum increased as long as they were provoked by the nanoparticle. This nanoparticle is a promising technique to boost immunity system of fish. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.