Comparing Fluidized Bed Spray-Coating and Spray-Drying Encapsulation of Non-Spore-Forming Gram-Negative Bacteria

Microencapsulation of plant-beneficial bacteria for use as biopesticides is a growing area interest in the search alternatives to harmful chemical pesticides. In this study, we assessed microencapsulation Gram-negative, non-spore-forming bacterial strain Collimonas arenae Cal35 novel cross-linked alginate microcapsules (CLAMs) formed by spray-drying, and matrix shell (CLAMshell) particles fluidized bed spray-coating. Survival was 10-fold greater CLAMs than CLAMshells. During individual stress tests, found be more tolerant high temperatures desiccation. This consistent with survival when encapsulated which process that uses inlet temperature short exposure times dry conditions. The particle diameter ranged from 5 20 μm, indicating potential spray applications. CLAMshell diameters were between 250 300 suggesting seed coatings.