Encapsulation of Bacillus salmalaya 139SI using double coating biopolymer technique

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Sustainable agriculture faces challenges from a growing population and hazardous chemical agents.
• Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria enhance crop health but suffer from poor viability due to environmental factors.
• Encapsulation in biopolymers offers a promising solution to protect these beneficial bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a simple double coating biopolymer encapsulation technique for Bacillus salmalaya 139SI.
• To investigate the influence of biopolymer-to-bacteria ratio and chitosan pH on encapsulation efficiency and properties.
• To assess the physico-chemical, morphological, and bioactivity of encapsulated B. salmalaya 139SI.

Main Methods:

• Encapsulation of Bacillus salmalaya 139SI using a double coating of brown rice protein/alginate and low molecular weight chitosan.
• Systematic study of varying biopolymer-to-bacteria mass ratios and chitosan pH (4 and 6).
• Analysis of encapsulation yield, physico-chemical properties, morphology, and bioactivity of the encapsulated bacteria.

Main Results:

• Achieved high encapsulation yields of 99.7% pre-freeze-drying and 89.3% post-freeze-drying.
• Demonstrated promising viability of encapsulated B. salmalaya 139SI before and after freeze-drying.
• Confirmed maintenance of bioactivity in encapsulated bacteria, with potential for controlled release and nutrient provision in soil.

Conclusions:

• The developed double coating encapsulation technology is effective for preserving plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria.
• This method enhances bacterial viability, offers a longer shelf life, and supports sustainable agriculture.
• Environmentally friendly biopolymers ensure the encapsulated bacteria can degrade and provide nutrients in soil.