Central Institute of Fisheries Technology,Indian Council of Agricultural Research

Seaweeds have emerged as one of the most commercially important marine resource that harbours industrially relevant bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, proteins, dietary fibres, minerals, pigments, polyphenolic compounds etc. This in turn has fostered an extensive research on extraction of seaweed based high value compounds. Conventional methods which were popularly used for extraction of seaweed bioactive compounds are being replaced by advanced “greener” techniques such as supercritical fluid, eutectic solvents, microwave, enzymatic, ultrasound assisted extraction etc. Among all sustainable techniques, ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) is the most economical method for seaweed biovalorization. Employing ultrasonic waves aids in effective disruption of seaweed cell walls facilitating higher extraction rate in short period of time. Judicious integration of UAE with other efficient extraction systems are reported to yield several high value added products such as phenolic compounds, hydrocolloids, biochar, hydrochar, fertilizers, seaweed based biostimulants, biofuels, feeds etc. and hence can pave way towards establishment of successful seaweed biorefineries. The core aim of the present review is to give a comprehensive understanding of the principles and application of UAE in seaweed biovalorization by enhancing the recovery of different biomolecules when used as a major process or as a pre or post treatment step. Furthermore, the advantages, challenges and drawbacks of UAE in comparison with other extraction processes is also discussed in detail.

Nannochloropsis gaditana is a marine microalgae popularly used as live feed in mariculture practices, but has potential human health benefits. In this study, the potential of N. gaditana to enrich the nutritional and antioxidant characteristics of cookies was evaluated. The algal biomass showed no cytotoxic activities in the cell lines tested, indicating its safety in food applications. The freeze-dried algal biomass was rich in protein (46.78

The increasing prevalence of diseases in aquaculture systems has led to an increased use of veterinary medicinal products, but their pathophysiological effects on fish remain poorly understood. The current study assessed the effects of dietary administration of the antiparasitic drug lufenuron (LN) at the recommended dose (5 mg) and overdose (12.5 mg/kg biomass/day) for seven consecutive days on the safety, residue distribution, and biological responses of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles. The LN caused a dose-dependent decrease in feed intake, survival, and biomass. Plasma biochemical analyses revealed an elevation in glucose, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels, and a decrease in calcium, chloride, and acetylcholinesterase in LN-fed O. niloticus. Haematological deviations, and erythrocyte cellular and nuclear alterations, such as vacuolation, crenation, irregularly shaped, teardrop-like cells, micronucleus, and blebbed and notched nuclei, were observed. Oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and total nitric oxide, increased, while glutathione-S-transferase and catalase levels decreased during administration. Nonetheless, these changes were reversible after stopping the dose. The liver was more susceptible to LN, as indicated by the integrated biomarker response assessment. Residue peaks occurred on day 7 of administration in plasma, muscle + skin, liver, and kidney. Following dose suspension, residues declined in both groups but remained detectable until day 35 post-dosing. The withdrawal period for LN in O. niloticus was estimated to be 2 days, considering a maximum residue limit of 1350 µg/kg. Despite short-term adverse effects, dietary administration of LN appears safe for O. niloticus juveniles at the recommended dose.

Traditional sun-dried fish are widely consumed in India, but their safety and nutritional quality remain underexplored. The present study was done to assess dietary significance and food safety risks of traditionally sun-dried Puntius ticto marketed across the districts of Chhattisgarh, India. Samples were collected from markets in Kawardha, Kurud, Durg, Charama, and Bilaspur. The average length and weight of sun-dried P. ticto ranged from 3.66 to 4.20 cm and 0.57 to 1.26 g, respectively. Water activity (0.369–0.421) and pH (6.09–6.29) values indicated microbial stability. Heavy metal analysis showed chromium levels (3.76–6.94 mg/kg) exceeded FAO (1 mg/kg) and WHO (1.3 mg/kg) limits, while lead (0.46–0.82 mg/kg), nickel (1.06–1.90 mg/kg), and cadmium (0.019–0.054 mg/kg) remained within safe thresholds; arsenic and mercury were below detectable limits. Mineral analysis highlighted high phosphorus (34,936–37,174 mg/kg), calcium (19,382–23,536 mg/kg), and iron (663.8–1,419 mg/kg), with appreciable zinc and magnesium. Proximate composition confirmed nutrient density: protein (48.9–54.5

Fungal enzootics and epizootics cause significant biological loss in fisheries and aquaculture necessitating and sometimes forcing non-legal use of veterinary medicinal products sans essential scientific data on drug efficacy, kinetics, residue levels, etc. The present study determines the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and tissue depletion of clotrimazole (CTZ), one of the oldest and most effective azoles against a major fungal pathogen Saprolegnia parasitica, following enteral and parenteral administrations in widely consumed catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. The drug residues in fish tissues at different time points were quantified by LC-MS/MS. The results showed very slow kinetics including absorption/distribution, and elimination of CTZ, especially after parenteral administration. Following bolus oral administration, the drug underwent first pass with negligible clearance from liver, and very high residence time in all the tissues. However, high AUC/MIC ratio, Cmax> MIC and prolong