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Bio-inspired core-shell microcapsules enhance plant salinity tolerance by improving stability and survival of non-spore bacteria

delete2026-04-28
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OA
AI
K
Kai Yang
Y
Yian Gu
C
Chao Tang
C
Chen Wang
Z
Zhong Yang
W
Wei Bai *
P
Peng Lei
L
Liang Sun
Z
Zongqi Xu
X
Xiaohai Feng
B
Bao Tang
R
Rui Wang *
徐虹 cover
徐虹 (Hong Xu) *
DOI:10.1038/s41467-026-72523-4delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Non-spore-forming bacteria can enhance crop salinity tolerance via various strategies, but poor viability during storage and field application limits their use. Inspired by the robust structure of spore dormancy, a core-shell microcapsule consisted of sodium alginate, poly (γ-glutamic acid), and chitosan (APC) is proposed. Using Pantoea alhagi NX-11 as a model, we found that APC encapsulation significantly enhanced bacterial survival during room-temperature storage compared to free cells or alginate beads. This protective effect was further confirmed using two other non-spore-forming strains. The survival mechanism was mainly attributed to the APC-induced metabolic dormancy via suppression of the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Furthermore, inoculation with APC-encapsulated NX-11 increased dry weight of rice plant by 24.2% under salt stress in greenhouses and increased grain yield by 15.8% in saline fields, attributing to the enhanced root colonization of NX-11. Overall, this bio-inspired encapsulation strategy provides an effective approach for developing robust microbial inoculants to improve crop resilience in saline soils. Poor storage stability and soil survival limits agricultural application of non-spore forming bacteria. Here, the authors develop a hydrogel microcapsule which improves storage and soil survival, demonstrating application in improving plant salt tolerance under field conditions.
Keywords:
Microbial inoculants
Salinity tolerance
Core-shell microcapsules
Non-spore-forming bacteria
Plant growth promotion
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Nature Communications cover
Nature Communications
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15.7
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Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences
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Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences
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nanjing tech university
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