In the present study, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 was microencapsulated in sodium alginate, followed by fish gelatin coating (0.5, 1.5, and 3%). The survival of L. acidophilus in bread before and after encapsulation in alginate/fish gelatin during the baking and 7-day storage was investigated. Moreover, the effect of alginate/fish gelatin-encapsulated L. acidophilus on the technological properties of bread (hardness, staling rate, water content, oven spring, specific volume, and internal texture structure) was evaluated. Compared with control (free bacteria), encapsulated L. acidophilus in alginate/fish gelatin showed an increase in the viability of bread until 2.49 and 3.07 log CFU/g during baking and storage, respectively. Good viability of (106 CFU/g) for probiotic in encapsulated L. acidophilus in alginate/fish gelatin (1.5 and 3%, respectively) after 4-day storage was achieved. Fish gelatin as a second-layer carrier of the bacteria had a positive effect on improving the technical quality of bread. Furthermore, the staling rate of bread containing encapsulated L. acidophilus alginate/fish gelatin 0.5, 1.5, and 3% decreased by 19.5, 25.8, and 31.7%, respectively. Overall, the findings suggested encapsulation of L. acidophilus in alginate/fish gelatin capsule had great potential to improve probiotic bacteria’s survival during baking and storage and to serve as an effective bread enhancer.

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Nanoparticles (NPs) can display toxicological effects on aquatic organisms. This study investigates ecotoxicological effects of Ag-NPs on reproductive and blood parameters of adult common molly (Poecilia sphenops) and their larvae. During the LC50 96 h test, female fish were exposed to concentrations of 0, 5, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 60 mg L−1 of Ag-NPs, while larvae were exposed to 0, 3, 5, 10 and 15 mg L−1. Finally, we aim to evaluate the effects of 0, 5, 10 and 15 mg L−1 of Ag-NPs on parturition time, reproductive success and hematological parameters of the mature fish exposed to sub-lethal concentration during a 62-day period. We also evaluated the survival rate of larvae. The results show a positive correlation between mortality rate and Ag-NP concentration. Values for LC50 96 h in adult fish and larvae were 26.85 mg L−1 and 6.22 mg L−1, respectively. A lack of parturition and reproductive success were seen in fish that underwent chronic exposure to Ag-NPs (15 mg L−1). The results show that RBC, WBC and hematocrit were significantly decreased in fish exposed to Ag-NPs. In addition, the serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased in fish submitted to Ag-NPs (concentrations of 5–15). In conclusion, submitting a fish to higher concentration than 10 mg L−1 has adverse effects on reproductive system and blood parameters.

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Diazinon (DZN) is a widely used pesticide that can affect the vital organs of non-target aquatic animals—mainly fish. This study evaluated the acute toxicity (LC50) of six DZN concentrations (0.5, 0.75, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 mg·L−1) and, based on its evaluation after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h, two sublethal concentrations for chronic toxicity testing (0.01 and 0.05 mg·L−1) for 21 days of exposure to DZN on grass carp fingerlings (Ctenopharyngodon idella Valenciennes, 1844). The median lethal concentrations of DZN at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h were 1.83, 1.57, 1.35, and 1.12 mg·L−1, respectively. Next, histological observations after 96 h LC50 showed oedema of the primary lamellae of the gills at low pesticide concentrations (0.5 to 1 mg·L−1) and extensive necrosis of primary lamellae of the gills at higher concentrations (1.5 to 3 mg·L−1). Moreover, cytoplasmic vacuolation and extensive necrosis were observed in liver tissue. Increased skin mucus, unbalanced swimming on the water surface, and increased gill opercula movements were noted during chronic exposure. Haematological parameters such as haematocrit, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume were significantly reduced after 21 days of exposure to 0.05 mg·L−1 of DNZ (p < 0.05). The present study shows that DZN has various toxic effects on grass carp, which may pose a potential risk for other fish species.