In this work, scaffolds based on poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and micronized bacterial cellulose (BC) were produced through 3D printing. Filaments for the printing were obtained by varying the percentage of micronized BC (0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00%) inserted in relation to the PHB matrix. Despite the varying concentrations of BC, the biocomposite filaments predominantly contained PHB functional groups, as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) demonstrated. Thermogravimetric analyses (i.e., TG and DTG) of the filaments showed that the peak temperature (T_peak) of PHB degradation decreased as the concentration of BC increased, with the lowest being 248 °C, referring to the biocomposite filament PHB/2.0% BC, which has the highest concentration of BC. Although there was a variation in the thermal behavior of the filaments, it was not significant enough to make printing impossible, considering that the PHB melting temperature was 170 °C. Biological assays indicated the non-cytotoxicity of scaffolds and the provision of cell anchorage sites. The results obtained in this research open up new paths for the application of this innovation in tissue engineering.

Microorganisms with multiple ecological functions can be a useful biotechnological resource in integrated pest- and disease-management programs. This work aimed to investigate the potential endophytic and virulent effects of a strain of Purpureocillium lilacinum on organic cultivation in Brazil. Specifically, the strain’s ability to establish itself as an endophyte in common bean, soybean, and sunflower plants when inoculated via seed was evaluated. Furthermore, its antifungal activity against phytopathogens and its pathogenicity and virulence against insects of the order Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and Hemiptera were evaluated. Furthermore, the strain was evaluated for its biochemical and physiological characteristics. For virulence bioassays, the experiments were conducted under a factorial scheme (2 × 3), with the following factors: (a) fungal inoculation and control without inoculum and (b) types of inocula (blastospores, aerial conidia, and metabolites). The treatments were sprayed on insect species at different stages of development. In summary, it was found that the SBF054 strain endophytically colonized the common bean, with partial recovery from the root tissues of soybean and sunflower plants, 30 days after inoculation; suppressed 86% of Rhizoctonia solani mycelial growth in an in vitro assay; and controlled eggs, nymphs, and Euschistus heros adults. These multifunctional abilities are mainly attributed to the strain’s mechanisms of producing metabolites, such as organic acids, soluble nutrients, and hydrolytic enzymes.

Atualmente a proteção das lavouras tem sido realizada utilizando agrotóxicos, entretanto, a utilização inadequada e os longos períodos de exposição desses produtos têm causado uma série de problemas ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. O controle biológico, mais especificamente empregando os fungos entomopatogênicos, surge como uma alternativa eficaz e eco-friendly aos agrotóxicos, porém, esses microrganismos são altamente sensíveis à algumas condições ambientais, como a variação de temperatura e luz ultravioleta. Assim, alguns métodos de encapsulamento têm sido desenvolvidos para proteger os fungos contra esses fatores. Para compreender a respeito desses métodos, neste trabalho, realizamos uma revisão da literatura abordando algumas técnicas de encapsulamento de fungos entomopatogênicos para sua aplicação no controle biológico. Os materiais de revestimento utilizados no encapsulamento são os polímeros sintéticos (poliuretano, poliacrilato e álcool polivinílico) ou naturais (alginato, amido, celulose, gelatina, entre outros). O material selecionado deve formar uma proteção estável, inerte, resistente e capaz de liberar o conteúdo no tempo e nas condições ideais. Dentre as técnicas para encapsulamento de fungos entomopatogênicos, podemos destacar a Gelificação térmica, Gelificação iônica, spray-drying, Coacervação e LentiKats®. Encapsulados de Trichoderma harzianum por meio da gelificação iônica e de Beauveria bassiana por gelificação iônica e spray-drying já foram relatados com sucesso. No geral, as técnicas de encapsulamento protegem os fungos contra os fatores ambientais e aumentam a eficiência e a viabilidade desses microrganismos no campo.