Bacillus based microbial formulations: Optimization of the production process

Abstract

Bacillus sp.-based microbial formulations have found wide application in many fields: from pharmacy and medicine to environmental protection and agriculture due to the ability of this species to produce various metabolites and to form endospores. Recently, these products have gained popularity as biopesticidal and phytostimulatory agents, which are a ?green? alternative to overused agrochemicals. In order to obtain a high-quality and long-lasting product with desired characteristics, it is necessary to optimize the production process at each stage, which implies coordinating the microbial species, the type and the conditions of microbial cultivation along with formulation technologies. This paper provides a concise overview of the most important findings in this area, regarding characteristics of microbial formulations and specific criteria that need to be met when such a product is formulated. It should serve as a beginning point for everyone starting new research, not just in the field of biofertilization and biological control of plant diseases, but generally in the field of biochemical engineering.