Innovative JetCutter Technology to Scale the Production of a Solid Bacillus pumilus Biofertilizer to Transit to Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

The immobilization of beneficial bacteria using innovative techniques such as JetCutter has garnered attention in agriculture due to its high efficiency and production rate. This study focused on immobilizing Bacillus pumilus using alginate hydrogels with JetCutter to enhance water retention in soil and plant biostimulant properties. Key operational parameters, bacterial viability, auxin production, and microparticle effects were evaluated. Operating at 445 rpm and a flow of 6.55 g s^–1 was critical for optimal matrix formation. The resulting dried microparticles ranged from 0.52 to 0.99 mm in size, with a water retention capacity of 67% w/w. After 180 days, the cell viability was 2.61 × 10⁹ CFU mL^–1, with average auxin production of 162.02 and 208.94 μg g^–1 with and without l-tryptophan, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique in maintaining bacterial activity. This study aimed at developing a biofertilizer based on natural polymers using the JetCutter tool, specifically in the context of sustainable agriculture for enhancing plant resilience to water-deficit conditions, and the optimization of microbial formulations. The innovative approach of utilizing the JetCutter technology for producing agricultural biofertilizers represents a novel application that could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of biofertilizer production.