Nanoparticle delivery enhances the immunomodulatory efficacy of dietary methionine in broiler chickens.

Abstract

Methionine, an essential sulfur-containing amino acid, is fundamental for humoral immunity through its roles in immunoglobulin synthesis and as a precursor to the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Enhancing the bioavailability of such key nutrients is a significant goal in nutritional immunology. This study investigated whether nanotechnology could enhance the immunomodulatory effects of methionine by comparing the efficacy and relative bioavailability (RBV) of conventional DL-methionine (DL-Met) with a novel nanoparticle-conjugated methionine (nano-Met) in an avian model. The humoral immune response was quantified by measuring primary and secondary antibody titers following challenge with a T-cell-dependent antigen (sheep red blood cells). Exponential regression modeling revealed that the relative bioavailability of nano-Met was 279% (95% CI: 80-479%) compared to DL-Met. Furthermore, dose-response analysis confirmed that a lower concentration of nano-Met was required to achieve a maximal antibody response, indicating superior biological efficiency. These findings demonstrate that nanoparticle-based delivery systems can dramatically increase the bioavailability and immunomodulatory efficacy of essential amino acids. This approach could have significant implications for human health, particularly in clinical contexts requiring enhanced immune function or in populations with compromised nutrient absorption, offering a novel paradigm for targeted nutritional intervention.