Biosynthesis of Cry5B-Loaded Sulfur Nanoparticles using Filtrate: Effects on Nematicidal Activity, Thermal Stability, and Pathogenicity against .

Cry5B, a crystal protein produced by (Bt), is a bionematicide with potent nematicidal activity against various plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes. This protein, however, is susceptible to destruction by ultraviolet light, proteolytic enzymes, and high temperatures. This study aims to produce Cry5B protein for bionematicidal use and improve its stability and nematicidal efficacy by loading it into-mediated sulfur nanoparticles (AO-SNPs). Based on the mortality assay, the Cry5B protein exhibited dose-dependent nematicidal activity against the model organism. The nematicidal activity, thermal stability, and pathogenic effects of Cry5B-loaded AO-SNPs (Cry5B-SNPs) were compared to those of free Cry5B. After 3 h of exposure to heat at 60 °C, Cry5B-SNPs had greater nematicidal activity than free Cry5B protein, indicating the effective formulation of Cry5B-SNPs that could be used as an alternative to current nematicide delivery strategies.