Recent advances in downstream processing and formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis based biopesticides

Development of Bioformulation and Its Application against Management of Thrips and Root Rot Disease of Mulberry, Morus alba

“…The active material is mixed with carrier materials such as water, talc or others to make the formulation safer to handle, easier to apply and better suited for storage. In some formulations, enrichment materials comprising of nutrient-rich medium such as, molasses, trehalose, maltose and sucrose are incorporated to further enhance the viability of core (active) materials (Brar et al, 2006;Tu and Randall, 2005).…”

Management of Insect Pests by Microorganisms

“…B. thuringiensis (Bt) based biopesticides are especially of utmost importance and occupy almost 97 per cent of the world biopesticide market [23,24]. A biopesticide can be effective only if it has a potential major impact on the target pest, substantial market size, variability of field performance and cost effective [25].…”

“…However, use of advanced methods like ultracentrifugation, microfiltration and vacuum filtration to separate insoluble solids (active ingredients) from soluble liquid (inert) fraction of the harvest liquor, has resulted in efficient recovery of the active ingredient. Harvesting microorganisms from submerged fermentation is often difficult due to low concentration of products, their thermolabile nature and in some cases, poor stability [25]. Stabilizing adjuvants may have to be incorporated in postharvest operation to prevent spore mortality and/ or germination [25].…”

“…Harvesting microorganisms from submerged fermentation is often difficult due to low concentration of products, their thermolabile nature and in some cases, poor stability [25]. Stabilizing adjuvants may have to be incorporated in postharvest operation to prevent spore mortality and/ or germination [25]. Rapid drying or addition of specific biocidal chemicals may be required to prevent growth of microbial contamination in the broth or centrifuge slurry [30].…”

“…Nevertheless, literature on harvesting methods is very scarce as most of the Bt commercial production is carried out by industries and hence separation process is proprietary and secure. Although harvesting is considered as an important step that may augment or suppress biopesticidal activity, still current techniques based on centrifugation -conventional, differential and density gradient and spray drying suffer inefficient ä-endotoxin recovery and inherent losses [25]. For down steam processing, centrifugation appears to be a viable alternative and with further advances in design and speed, it could serve as better alternative [25].…”