Journal of Biotechnology & Biomaterials
Open Access

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most essential macronutrients required for the growth of plants and is added to soil in the form of phosphatic fertilizers [1]. However, because of mineral reprecipitation, large amount of applied phosphate fertilizer may become unavailable to the plant [2]. Th e ability of soil microorganisms to transform insoluble forms of phosphorus to an accessible form is an important path in plant growth-promoting for increasing plant yields [3]. In this study, Aspergillus Niger, a fungal strain isolated from agricultural soil samples, was tested for its ability to solubilize diff erent phosphated matrixes (TCP, DCP, phosphates rock). Th e isolated fungus exhibits high capacities to solubilize all tested phosphates. Th e solubilization of insoluble phosphates was associated with a drop in the pH of the culture medium. Th e fungal biomass was entrapped in alginate and polyacrylamide gels and was used for solubilizing mineral phosphates in fl uidized bed bioreactor. Th e highest specifi c solubilization rates were obtained when A. Niger was entrapped in alginate beads. Th e use of the bioreactor in consecutive cycles of solubilization showed the interest of the biomass immobilization in the stability of the bioreactor. Immobilized cells in alginate continuously solubilize phosphate even aft er 5 cycles of solubilization without loss of activity. Th e phosphorus biosolubilization performances of isolated strains may open new possibilities for their biotechnology application and allow the use of this fungus in the soil fertilization.

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