Source:  Chemical Engineering Journal

Published:  July 2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2026.179471

IF: 12.5

Abstract:  Bacillus thuringiensisis a widely used microbial pesticide but suffers from rapid degradation under ultraviolet radiation and wash-off due to rainwater, limiting its field persistence. Bacterial biofilms are formed by communities that are embedded in a self-produced matrix exhibit a set of “emergent properties” such as ultraviolet- resistance and viscosity. While conventional hydrogels primarily function as passive carriers, this study develops a novel supramolecular hydrogel formulation combining B. thuringiensiss pores and crystals simulating a biofilm to enhance environmental resilience. The B. thuringiensis hydrogel exhibits a three-dimensional porous network structure, significant shear-thinning behavior, and rapid self-healing properties, facilitating spray application and adhesion. Compared to conventionalB. thuringiensiswettable powder, the hydrogel demonstrates superior anti-scouring ability, increasing 47%–55% insecticidal protein deposition on the surface due to inhibited droplet bouncing and increase in adhesion force by about 85% to tomato leaves. It also enhances ultraviolet resistance, retaining 64–73% more insecticidal proteins after ultraviolet exposure indoors and outdoors, thus, inducing more damage on the gut of target insect larvae. Consequently, the field control efficiency of the hydrogel reached 73% against tomato leafminer after 14days, 27% higher than the wettable powder. This hydrogel offers a promising approach to prolong microbial pesticide persistence in sustainable agriculture.