Immobilization and characterization of Bacillus subtilis in PVA-chitosan composite Nanofiber

Abstract

Bacillus subtilis is a plant growth promoting bacteria that is employed in agriculture for increasing crop productivity. However, maintaining the viability of microorganism in formulations is a major problem during application. In this work, a new methodology has been developed for immobilizing bacteria in PVA/CS nanofiber and evaluated the suitability as carrier for B. subtilis. The morphology and functional group of bacteria loaded in nanofiber were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR). After encapsulation of bacteria, the nanofiber size was increased and confirmed by SEM and the functional groups of Bacillus subtilis were profiled in nanofiber through FTIR spectral finger printing. The bacterial viability was maintained in the nanofiber throughout the study period and also the cells remained effective and infective. The results confirmed that the encapsulation of bacteria in nanofiber could be a cost effective and eco-friendly methodology for the efficient delivery of beneficial microbes in soil and plant eco systems to enhance the agricultural productivity.