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

Abstract

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 &#x200e;(0.1-1&#x202f;mg/mL) (p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.0001). ZnO-Ag-CuO NCs showed a dose-dependent anticoccidial effect, reducing sporulated oocysts to 56.41&#x202f;%, 33.63&#x202f;% and 22.9&#x202f;% at 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0&#x202f;mg/mL (control 88.62&#x202f;%; p&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.0001). Unsporulated oocysts increased to 15.9-62.22&#x202f;% (control 13.33&#x202f;%), while damaged oocysts reached up to 14.82&#x202f;% (control 0&#x202f;%). 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.