Green-synthesised ZnO-Ag-CuO nanocomposites from Thymus vulgaris and their in vitro anticoccidial activity.

BACKGROUND

Coccidiosis is a significant parasitic disease affecting poultry, resulting in substantial economic losses due to its impact on growth, increased mortality, and compromised bird health.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro anticoccidial effects of a novel green-synthesised ZnO-Ag-CuO nanocomposite, using Thymus vulgaris extract.

METHODS

The nanocomposite was synthesised through an eco-friendly method employing T. vulgaris as a stabilising and reducing agent. Characterisation was performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX, confirming its high crystallinity, nanoscale size, and the successful integration of ZnO, Ag, and CuO phases. Anticoccidial activity was assessed via a sporulation inhibition assay against Eimeria spp. Oocysts isolated from broiler chickens.

RESULTS

The nanocomposite significantly reduced oocyst sporulation and increased the proportion of damaged and unpopulated oocysts in a dose-dependent manner ‎(0.1-1 mg/mL) (p < 0.0001). ZnO-Ag-CuO NCs showed a dose-dependent anticoccidial effect, reducing sporulated oocysts to 56.41 %, 33.63 % and 22.9 % at 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL (control 88.62 %; p < 0.0001). Unsporulated oocysts increased to 15.9-62.22 % (control 13.33 %), while damaged oocysts reached up to 14.82 % (control 0 %).

CONCLUSION

The green-synthesised ZnO-Ag-CuO nanocomposite demonstrated strong in vitro anticoccidial activity; however, further studies are needed to evaluate the nanocomposite's potential toxicity, formulation, stability under biological conditions, safety before practical applications and potential environmental impact within a One Health framework.

FUTURE PLANS: In vivo studies are recommended to validate the efficacy and safety of these approaches for large-scale applications.