Study of microencapsulated bioinsecticide from Bacillus thuringiensis

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis is one of well known bioinsecticide resources. Bioinsecticide is utilized in organic farming for the replacement of chemical insecticide. Weaknesses of B. thuringiensis toxin are easily disrupted by ultra violet from sunlight and easily washed by rain. The purposes of this research were to produce microencapsulated B. thuringiensis and to produce microencapsulated formula for the protection of toxin active ingredient from the environmental factor. The experimental result showed maltodextrin can be used as an encapsulation material for bioinsecticide using spray drying process. Lactose could not be used as an microencapsulation agent in spray dryin process, especially for areas with high humidity levels due to its low Tg ( Temperature of glass transition) characteristic. Increase ratio in concentration of encapsulation material increased the number of spores contained but gave lower product toxicity. Result showed that 5% maltodextrin concentration produce highest level product of toxicity, but because of poor quality of encapsulation material formed, the product showed high level of degradation after drying process. Rainfall simulation test showed that product encapsulated by maltodextrin gave increase persistence against rain wash on leaf but it could not protect active ingredient deterioration caused by sunlight.