Evaluation of calcium alginate bead formation kinetics: An integrated analysis through light microscopy, rheology and microstructural SAXS.

Ca(II)-alginate beads are being produced for a broad spectrum of biotechnological uses. Despite the simplicity of their manufacturing process, in these highly complex arrangements, the final properties of the material strongly depend on the supramolecular scaffolding. Here we present a cost-effective automatized Optical Video Microscopy approach for in situ evaluation of the kinetics of alginate bead formation.

Growth promotion and protection from drought in Eucalyptus grandis seedlings inoculated with beneficial bacteria embedded in a superabsorbent polymer.

Eucalyptus grandis is a globally important tree crop. Greenhouse-grown tree seedlings often face water deficit after outplanting to the field, which can affect their survival and establishment severely. This can be alleviated by the application of superabsorbent hydrophilic polymers (SAPs).