Sodium Alginate–Gelatin Nanoformulations for Encapsulation of Bacillus velezensis and Their Use for Biological Control of Pistachio Gummosis

Abstract

Biopolymer-based nanocomposites are favorable materials for the encapsulation of biofertilizers and biocontrol agents. In this research, sodium alginate, a widely used natural polymer, was extracted and purified from Macrocystis pyrifera. Its composition was confirmed using 1H NMR and FTIR analyses, and its molecular weight and mannuronic acid/guluronic acid ratio were obtained. Sodium alginate–gelatin microcapsules enriched with carbon nanotubes and SiO2 nanoparticles were prepared to encapsulate Bacillus velezensis, and the biological effects of this formulation on the control of pistachio gummosis and growth parameters were investigated. Microscopy examination showed that the microcapsules had quite globular shapes. XRD confirmed the occurrence of an electrostatic interaction when sodium alginate was blended with gelatin. The survival rate of the encapsulated bacteria was about 107 CFU/mL and was maintained after one year of storage. The aim of this study was to achieve a unique formulation containing beneficial bacteria and nanoparticles for the synergistic control of Phytophthora drechsleri.

Can nanotechnology improve the application of bioherbicides?

“…In addition, the material is water soluble and environmentally friendly, allowing the release of microorganisms when dissolved. It is also possible to develop biomaterials to grow compartmentalized microorganisms of different species or combinations of microbes separated from additives such as nanoparticles or chemicals 52–54 . In this sense, two different probiotic bacteria ( Komagataeibacter xylinus and Lactobacillus fermentum ) have been co‐cultured inside a bacterial cellulose matrix, generating a living material in which the abiotic component contributes to the stability and activity of the microorganisms, which in turn can shape or alter the properties of the material 52 .…”

Bacteria-Premised Nanobiopesticides for the Management of Phytopathogens and Pests

“…Moreover, the encapsulated bacterial formulation achieved notable postencapsulation survivability (10 7 CFU mL −1 ) and remained stable after one year of storage. 171 Alginate microbeads encapsulated with Pseudomonas fluorescens VUPF506 for the management of Rhizoctonia solani in potatoes were synthesized by Fathi et al 172 in 2021. The microbeads were nonuniform with a porous surface.…”

“…The as-synthesized formulation containing B. velezensis was effective against P. drechsleri. Moreover, the encapsulated bacterial formulation achieved notable postencapsulation survivability (10 7 CFU mL –1 ) and remained stable after one year of storage . Alginate microbeads encapsulated with Pseudomonas fluorescens VUPF506 for the management of Rhizoctonia solani in potatoes were synthesized by Fathi et al in 2021.…”

Advanced Processing of Giant Kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) for Protein Extraction and Generation of Hydrolysates with Anti-Hypertensive and Antioxidant Activities In Vitro and the Thermal/Ionic Stability of These Compounds

“…Previous studies on giant kelp focused on the extraction of polysaccharides, such as alginate [ 22 ] and fucoidan [ 23 ], lipids [ 24 ], and in limited instances, protein [ 25 ]. However, to our knowledge, no research has yet been conducted examining the impact of ultrasound on protein extraction yield from giant kelp, followed by an analysis of the thermal and ionic stability of different molecular-weight fractions of hydrolysates produced by enzymatic hydrolysis.…”