Membrane Technology for Selection and Optimization of Bioagents for Pest Control Bioformulations

Abstract

The production of biopesticides is challenged by the high costs of production and formulation. For this reason, the concentration of biological broth through advanced technologies such as the membrane separation process (MSP) is an attractive alternative for enhancing the control action of biopesticides. The purpose of this study was to perform the MSP in 40 fermented broths of bioagents obtained by a bioscreening to evaluate the potential control of Chrysodeixis includens, Spodoptera frugiperda, and Euschistus heros. The collected biomaterials were surface sterilized, placed in Petri dishes with Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and underwent a submerged fermentation process at 28°C and 120 rpm for seven days. Afterward, the broth was centrifuged at 4,000 rpm and 10°C for 10 min and filtered in a vacuum pump. Finally, the assays were submitted to MSP with a 0.45-μm nylon membrane. The control rate varied up to 100% in the broths after MSP for C. includens and E. heros. The control rate for S. frugiperda was up to 40%. Appropriately, the MSP indicated promising results as an advanced technology for the biopesticide formulation process, based on the optimization and improvement of the control potential of injurious pests.