“…The main characteristic of alginate is gelation in contact with calcium ions (Ca 2+ ), resulting in hydrogels with an ionic crosslinked three-dimensional matrix, which generally are obtained as beads, capsules, micro- and nanocapsules [ 14 , 16 , 76 ]. Alginates are biodegradable, and the presence of reactive carboxylic groups and their status as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration-USA) make them ideal candidates to be used as carriers for PGPB [ 73 , 74 ]. Alginates are extensively studied as PGPB carriers [ 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 85 , 86 , 87 , 88 , 89 , 90 , 91 , 92 , 93 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 , 99 ] to be used as biofertilizers or biopesticides.…”