Influence of both free and nanoencapsulated quercetin on fatty acid profile of zebrafish (Danio rerio) muscle and eggs

This study was designed to determine the influence of both free and nanoencapsulated quercetin on fatty acid profile of zebrafish (Danio rerio) muscle and eggs. To this end, a total of 120 fish were divided into 4 experimental groups and fed with following diets: control, without additive; chitosan, 400 mg nanochitosan per kg diet; Qu, 400 mg free quercetin per kg diet; Qu-chi, 400 mg nanoencapsulated quercetin per kg diet. To assess fatty acid profile, the muscle and eggs was dissected after feeding trial. No significant difference was recorded for fatty acid profile of muscle and eggs in the chitosan group. Considering muscle tissue, however, the fish treated with free quercetin significantly elevated the levels of ARA, DHA, ∑HUFA, and ∑n-3 when compared to control group, whereas the fish received nanoencapsulated quercetin showed a significant increase in DHA, EPA, ARA, ∑n-3, and ∑HUFA levels in comparison to the other groups. Concerning eggs fatty acids, the fish received free quercetin increased the percentage of EPA, yet the animals treated with nanoencapsulated quercetin did the levels of EPA, DHA, ∑HUFA, n3/n6, and ∑n-3. Together, quercetin could enhance the fatty acid profile of zebrafish muscle and eggs, and nanoencapsulation process could enhance the performance of free quercetin.