Potential application of nanobiotechnology for creating various diagnostic approaches for diseases in livestock

Abstract

The main research of nanobiotechnology and medical biotechnology focuses on the development of novel, rapid, and portable diagnostic methods to determine complex diseases. Animals are the main source of our foods (milk, meat, etc.). Diagnosis of diseases in livestock is implicitly related to human health. Pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) can cause infections in animals and these diseases can be transmitted to humans. Therefore, these diseases can be a thread for livestock as well as wildlife, and human populations. Detection of the pathogens is the prior stage of diagnosis and treatment. The existing determination methods are commonly based on molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). All these methods need a long time, are costly, and require experienced personnel. Also, DNA-based technologies can be used, but these require the isolation of genetic materials and complicated instrumentation. These technologies are also not suitable for field analysis. Precisely because of that, novel diagnosing approaches that are portable, rapid, require low sample, and portable are always needed. Biosensors can be implemented for diagnosis and also monitoring of animal health. It is possible to synthesize non-toxic materials and modify nanoscale materials to increase their sensitivity and selectivity parameters using nanotechnology and nanobiotechnology. This chapter aims to summarize the advantages of nanobiotechnology in the development of novel diagnostic approaches and their applications in the diagnosis of disease in livestock. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.