A biobased, bioactive, low CO2 impact coating for soil improvers

Lignosulfonate-based bioactive coatings as soil improvers for lawns were developed using laccase as a biocatalyst. Incorporation of glycerol, xylitol and sorbitol as plasticizers considerably reduced the brittleness of the synthesized coatings of marine carbonate granules while thermal enzyme inactivation at 100 degrees C enabled the production of stable coatings. Heat inactivation produced stable coatings with a molecular weight of 2000 kDa and a viscosity of 4.5 x 10(-3) Pas. The desired plasticity for the spray coating of soil improver granules was achieved by the addition of 2.7% of xylitol. Agriculture beneficial microorganisms (four different Bacillus species) were integrated into the coatings. The stable coatings protected the marine calcium carbonate granules, maintained the viability of the microorganisms and showed no toxic effects on the germination and growth of model plants including corn, wheat, salad, and tomato despite a slight delay in germination. Moreover, the coatings reduced the dust formation of soil improvers by 70%. CO2 emission analysis showed potential for the reduction of up to 3.4 kg CO2-eq. kg(-1) product, making it a viable alternative to fossil-based coatings.

Automated summary

Bioactive coatings based on lignosulfonate and developed using laccase as a biocatalyst were successfully created to improve soil for lawns. The addition of glycerol, xylitol, and sorbitol as plasticizers helped reduce brittleness in the coatings, while thermal enzyme inactivation at 100 degrees Celsius enabled stable coating production. The incorporation of beneficial microorganisms and the ability to reduce CO2 emissions make these coatings a promising alternative to fossil-based options.