Nanocomposites

QDs as Co@Cd-Se core-shell nanocomposites and FePt-Zn nanosponges have fluorescence properties that help in imaging biological events [130]. However, the conjugation of QDs with biological materials (AS enzymes, antibodies and DNA) caused markers imaged by a fluorescence signal [131,132]. In addition, QDs are more photostable than traditional chemical dyes which makes them to be appropriate for use in bioimaging [133,134].

#### *3.4. Nanoantifungal-Enabled Improved Animal Nutrition, and Breeding*

Recent research focused on the use of nanomaterials for improving the efficiency of animal production has gained the attention of veterinary experts. Some relevant aspects include the reports on the supplementation of CuNPs, ZnNPs and SeNPs in chicken feed that elevated their productivity of egg and meat [135,136]. Addition of ZnO NPs to broiler chick feeds resulted in elevation of their health status and growth performance [137,138]. Moreover, multiplexed positive effects of these nanomaterials can be identified such as the fact these materials increased the growth rates, reproductive viability, and meat and egg quality of animals and poultry [4]. Also, the supplementation of coated nanomaterials kept their viability against the worst environmental conditions such as digestive enzymes, light and oxidation [40,76]. Another study on injection of Ag NPs alone or in combination with cysteine/threonine amino acids in chicken embryos increased the formation of breast tissue and also improved the chicken immunity through the immunomodulatory properties of the NPs [139]. Also, semiconductor QDs have been successfully utilized for the detection and imaging of physiological events related to functioning of the spermatozoa and female gametes [140] and imaging of fertilization events in male pig gonadal tissue [128]. QDs have the potential to determine the spermatozoon and oocyte movements, hence significant improvement in animal production occurred [12]. NPs can be used not just imaging for the elucidation of the gamete functions, but also as antibody or lectin conjugated metals for the segregation or fractionation of abnormal sperm from active healthy sperm if the functionalized antibodies can detect the defective sperms [141].

Antifungal nanomaterials showed significant activities for elevation of the efficacy of animal reproduction aspects [9,12]. Nanomaterials can be utilized to improve the life and efficacy of preserved semen specimens. The supplementation of polyethyleneimine or propyltriethoxysilane-functionalized mesoporous silica NPs did not exhibit any negative

impact on any sperm activity-related properties [142]. Thus, these NPs may help in preservation of the semen quality during in vitro artificial insemination [142]. Another report showcased an improvement in the fertilization potential of the buffalo sperm on addition of titanium oxide NPs (TiO<sup>2</sup> NPs, 10 µg/mL) [143].

Administration of NPs of antioxidant compounds or vitamins can improve the ability of the organism to withstand and avoid oxidative stresses. Oral administration of αtocopherol NPs in equine animals showed significantly improved rates of absorption and α-tocopherol plasma levels because of maintenance of the high oxidative status in race horses undergoing strenuous training [144]. The pig health status can be elevated by supplementation of micellar NPs conjugated with vitamin E to pigs [145]. Nanosized nutrients and vitamins used as a feed additive in feeds and pass through the alimentary tract of an animal to the blood vessels and distributed to different biological tissues cause their significant improvement [146].
