Application of Membrane Separation Technology in Downstream Processing of Bacillus thuringiensis Biopesticide: A Review

Document Type : Review Paper

Authors

1 Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Agricultural & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Membrane Industry Development Institute, Tehran, Iran

3 Membrane Processes Research Laboratory (MPRL), Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Biological Control, Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) has been extensively used in biopesticidal formulations due to its safe environmental and human health records. The widespread use of Bt is often challenged by production as well as formulation costs which are in direct contact with downstream processing, i.e. the separation/purification step. Downstream separation/purification efficacy governs the marketability of a product by affecting potency and aiding in further processing during formulation development. Separation/purification of Bt from fermentation broth is a crucial link between production and application and dictates economy, longer shelf life after formulation, ease of application and enhanced field efficacy. There are various methods like chemical precipitation, centrifugation and etc. which impede the efficacy of Bt recovery; however, all of them have their own limitations and drawbacks. In this regard, membrane separation technology has been recently introduced for downstream processing of the Bt biopesticide. This article comprehensively reviews recent advances in downstream processing of Bt based biopesticides incorporating the effect of different membranes and membrane processes.

Graphical Abstract

Application of Membrane Separation Technology in Downstream Processing of Bacillus thuringiensis Biopesticide: A Review

Keywords

Main Subjects