In vitro evaluation of anthelmintic activity of biocompatibile carbon quantum dot nanocomposite against egg and larval stages of equine strongyles.
Authors: Fakheri Armin, Esmaeilnejad Bijan, Akbari Hamid, Molaei Rahim
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Carbon Quantum Dots as Novel Anthelmintics Against Equine Strongyles Anthelmintic resistance in equine strongyles represents an escalating problem that threatens traditional treatment protocols such as ivermectin, necessitating investigation of alternative parasiticidal mechanisms. Researchers synthesised two nanoparticle formulations—unmodified carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and copper-doped variants (Cu@CQDs)—and evaluated their efficacy against multiple life stages of strongyle nematodes using in vitro assays measuring egg hatch inhibition, larval feeding suppression, and larval motility/mortality, alongside mechanistic analysis of oxidative stress markers including lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, and DNA damage. Both formulations demonstrated dose-dependent nematicidal activity, with ultrastructural examination revealing morphological damage to eggs and larvae; the copper-doped variant induced measurable increases in oxidative and nitrosative stress within third-stage larvae, suggesting a mechanism centred on reactive oxygen species generation. These findings indicate that engineered carbon nanocomposites may represent a viable complementary strategy for strongyle control, particularly where conventional resistance has become problematic. Further investigation into in vivo efficacy, optimal dosage protocols, and safety profiles in horses will be essential before any clinical application, though the antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility profile of these nanoparticles warrant continued development as a potential future tool in parasite management protocols.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Nanocomposite treatments represent a promising research direction for addressing anthelmintic resistance in strongyle control, though clinical efficacy and safety in living horses remain to be tested
- •These findings are currently laboratory-based only; field validation and regulatory approval would be required before any practical application in equine practice
- •Monitor this emerging technology as a potential future tool, but continue relying on current evidence-based parasite management strategies until clinical trials are completed
Key Findings
- •Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and copper-doped CQDs (Cu@CQDs) demonstrated nematicidal activity against equine strongyle eggs and larvae in vitro
- •Cu@CQDs induced oxidative and nitrosative stress in L3 larvae, evidenced by increased protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage
- •Both CQDs and Cu@CQDs showed egg hatch inhibition and larval feeding inhibition properties, suggesting potential as alternative anthelmintics