Microencapsulation of Bacillus megaterium in cationic starch/PVA-based matrices

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable agricultural solutions.
• Need for enhanced delivery systems for beneficial microorganisms like Bacillus megaterium.
• Importance of protecting microbes from environmental stressors for efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient encapsulation method for Bacillus megaterium.
• To evaluate the protective effects of Cationic Starch (CS) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) microparticles cross-linked with Citric Acid (CA) or Sodium Trimetaphosphate (STMP).
• To assess the impact of bentonite (Bent) on microparticle properties and performance.

Main Methods:

• Microencapsulation of Bacillus megaterium using a CS/PVA emulsion system.
• Cross-linking of matrices with Citric Acid (CA) and Sodium Trimetaphosphate (STMP).
• Inclusion of bentonite (Bent) as a modifier.
• Evaluation of bacterial viability under heat, UV light, pesticide exposure, and high-salinity soil conditions.
• Shelf-life assessment at various storage temperatures.

Main Results:

• STMP-cross-linked matrices, especially with bentonite, provided superior protection to Bacillus megaterium.
• Up to 95-98% bacterial viability was maintained after exposure to heat, UV light, and pesticides.
• STMP-based matrices enhanced bacterial growth by 10% in high-salinity soil.
• Estimated shelf-life exceeded 40 months under various storage conditions.

Conclusions:

• Cationic Starch (CS) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrices cross-linked with Sodium Trimetaphosphate (STMP) are effective for encapsulating Bacillus megaterium.
• This encapsulation technology significantly enhances microbial resilience and shelf-life.
• The developed method offers a promising avenue for creating advanced bio-based agricultural products.