MELPRO-Bt – Optimization of melanin production from fungi for enhanced uv protection in bioinsecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Z4-70157)
Project description
The MELPRO-Bt – Optimization of Melanin Production from Fungi for Enhanced UV Protection in Bioinsecticides Based on Bacillus thuringiensis project addresses the degradation of biological insecticides based on Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a key factor limiting their efficacy and durability. Bt formulations represent an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to chemical insecticides, but their stability under natural conditions is reduced by UV radiation.
The research focuses on incorporating melanin, a naturally occurring polymeric pigment known for its UV-absorbing properties, into Bt-based bioinsecticides to improve their photostability and long-term efficacy. The project will identify fungal species capable of high-yield melanin production, optimize their fermentation processes, and refine extraction techniques for greater cost efficiency and industrial application.
The study will systematically evaluate fungi from the existing mycological collection of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, which contains more than 3,000 isolates. The long-term goal of the project is to integrate melanin into Bt formulations, enhancing their UV resistance and extending their effectiveness in natural environments. By improving bioinsecticide stability, the project addresses the need for sustainable pest management solutions and reduces reliance on chemical insecticides.
Project objectives
The project has three main objectives:
- To identify highly productive fungal strains that efficiently produce melanin from the existing mycological collection of the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, which contains more than 3,000 isolates.
- To optimize fermentation conditions and extraction methods to achieve maximum melanin yield and purity.
- To develop melanin-enriched Bt formulations and evaluate their efficacy under laboratory and field conditions.
The ultimate goal is to create cost-effective, UV-resistant bioinsecticides that can significantly reduce reliance on synthetic chemical insecticides and indirectly promote sustainable agricultural practices. Expected results include the identification of fungal strains capable of producing melanin at industrially viable levels, the development of optimized fermentation and melanin extraction protocols, and the development of melanin-enriched Bt formulations with improved UV resistance and prolonged efficacy in the field.