Nanoscale iron for sustainable aquaculture and beyond

Aquaculture is a dynamic system that uses water resources to generate profit. Its quantum leap to overcome the threat of stress impacts and accelerate its voyage towards precision aqua-farming is extremely acceptable with the addition of fresh, green materials. Iron nanoparticles can be cho-sen as a next-generation material among many additions. Iron is found in practically every living entity, including fish, and plays an important part in a variety of biological processes. Besides sig-nificant contribution as micronutrient, it contributes to the formation of hemoglobin and myoglo-bin, enzymes like catalase, iron-responsive element-binding protein (IRE-BP), lipoxygenases, and functions as cofactors in metalloproteins, like ferritin and rubredoxin, etc. Nanoscale form of iron can be synthesized through Physico-chemical and biological processes and appears as a versatile molecule for upgrading the pace of aquaculture. Nano-iron provides active micronutrient spear-heading the function of Fe-S Cluster synthesis, increased storage of ferritin, and elevated heme synthesis. Iron nanoparticles also function as immunomodulators, exhibit anti-microbial activi-ties against major fish pathogens, and stimulate reproductive potency in fish. Its widespread ap-plication to remediate all categories of aquatic pollutants can help nurture fish in environmen-tally challenging conditions.Furthermore, unique drug delivery devices for delivering and tracking medications in fish systems can be devised. The nano-iron enabled biosensor can be used to detect pollutants/ pathogens in extremely small concentrations in the aquatic medium. Toxicity assays in the fish system denote the dose-dependent application of this potential molecule. Hence, iron nanoparti-cles can be applied commercially for the advancement of stress-resilient aquaculture.