Preparation and characterization of iturin A microcapsules in sodium alginate/poly(γ-glutamic acid) by spray drying.

Iturin A is a valuable biopesticide because of its strong antifungal effect, low toxicity, and wide antimicrobial spectrum. However, the current formulation for iturin A is unstable and not sustained in the field. Thus, the aim of this work was to develop stable microcapsules containing iturin A by spray drying. The optimal technical parameters for the production of iturin A microcapsules include sodium alginate and poly(γ-glutamic acid) for the wall materials (1:1(W:W)), 180°C for the inlet temperature, and 5:1 (V:W) for the core-to-wall ratio. The iturin A microcapsules have a spherical shape, good sustained release, high ultraviolet resistance, and are stable in storage. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]