Production of Trichoderma harzianum K179 bioagent for maize diseases control: complete laboratory stage bioprocess development

Aims In order to be competitive on the market, the production of biopreparations needs to be optimized, modelled, and assessed in the early stages of its development. The aim of this paper was to optimize medium for the production of Trichoderma harzianum K179 biocontrol agent, to analyze its kinetics at enlarged laboratory scale and finally economic analysis of the production of this high-value product through simulation modelling. Methods and results The results showed that the bioprocess of T. harzianum K179 bioagent production in a laboratory bioreactor on the medium with optimal composition (dextrose 10 g l(-1), soy flour 6.87 g l(-1), K2HPO4 1.51 g l(-1), KCl 0.5 g l(-1), and MgSO4 x 7H(2)O 0.5 g l(-1)), at stirring speed of 1.75 x g and aeration intensity of 1.5 vvm, can be shortened from 96 to 36 h. The results of bioprocess economic analysis showed that with a 25-year project lifetime and an investment payback time of 7.58 years, this project represents an economically viable system. Conclusions Complete analysis of the bioprocess of T. harzianum K179 biocontrol agent production showed that the biologically produced preparation can be competitive on the market with synthetic preparations.

Automated summary

The aim of this study was to optimize the production medium for Trichoderma harzianum K179 biocontrol agent, analyze its kinetics at a larger scale, and economically assess its production through simulation modeling. The results showed that with the optimal composition of the medium and specific operation conditions, the production time of T. harzianum K179 bioagent can be shortened from 96 to 36 hours. The economic analysis suggested that this project is economically viable with a 25-year project lifetime and an investment payback time of 7.58 years.