Overview
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring, spore-forming bacterium first isolated in 1901. It is distinguished by its ability to produce proteinaceous crystals (Cry and Cyt toxins) during sporulation, which are lethal to specific insect larvae. Bt has become a cornerstone of integrated pest management (IPM) due to its target specificity and environmental safety. The bacterium's toxins bind to receptors in the insect gut, causing cell lysis and death. Different Bt strains produce varying toxin profiles, making them effective against Lepidoptera (moths/butterflies), Coleoptera (beetles), or Diptera (flies/mosquitoes). Its mode of action prevents resistance development in non-target organisms.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Bt exists as rod-shaped cells (1-1.2 μm wide, 3-5 μm long) that form endospores resistant to heat, UV radiation, and desiccation. Commercial formulations typically contain a mixture of spores and crystal proteins, with potency measured in International Units (IU) per milligram. The delta-endotoxins (Cry proteins) are insoluble in neutral pH but dissolve in the alkaline midgut of susceptible insects. They exhibit molecular weights ranging from 70-140 kDa. Formulations may include stabilizers like glycerol or skim milk powder to enhance shelf life, which generally ranges from 1-2 years under proper storage.
Main Applications
In agriculture, Bt accounts for over 90% of biopesticide use. Subspecies kurstaki (Btk) controls cabbage worms and corn borers, while israelensis (Bti) targets mosquito and blackfly larvae in public health programs. Bt crops (e.g., Bt cotton) express cry genes for in-plant protection. Beyond pest control, Bt toxins are used in nanobiotechnology for drug delivery systems due to their pore-forming abilities. Recent research explores their potential against nematodes and cancer cells, though these applications remain experimental.
Safety and Storage
Bt has an excellent safety profile—it is exempt from residue tolerances by the EPA and WHO. However, powder formulations may cause mild respiratory irritation; PPE (masks/goggles) is recommended during handling. No pre-harvest intervals apply. Storage requires protection from moisture and temperatures above 30°C. Liquid formulations should avoid freezing. Shelf life extends when kept in original, sealed containers. Inactivation occurs at pH <3 or >12, making it incompatible with acidic or strongly alkaline tank mixes.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should prioritize strain specificity (e.g., Btk for Lepidoptera), with potency typically 8,000-32,000 IU/mg. Verify third-party testing for spore count (>10⁸ CFU/g) and viable crystal proteins. USDA Organic or OMRI-listed certifications add value for eco-conscious markets. Bulk pricing breaks occur at 500kg+ orders. Consider formulation type (wettable powder vs. liquid) based on application equipment. Leading producers include Certis USA, Sumitomo Chemical, and local manufacturers with fermentation capabilities. MOQs often start at 25kg for international shipments.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：微生物菌种、标准菌株、益生菌、嗜酸硫化芽孢杆菌、食用菌
- 主营：保鲜剂、活性炭、色素炭黑、洗涤原料、优级白砂糖、速溶硅酸钠、锅炉水处理、表面活性剂、聚合氯化铝、机油过滤砂、食品级防腐剂、工业级醋酸钠、玻璃钢用炭黑、净水处理絮凝剂
- 主营：AES、AOS、一水葡萄糖、果葡糖浆、过磷酸钙、海藻精、红糖、滑石粉、工业盐、矿源黄腐酸钾、磷酸一铵、硫酸铵、硫酸钾、硫酸锰、硫酸铜、氯化钾、麦芽糊精、麦芽糖浆、锚固剂、水玻璃、无水葡萄糖、氧化钙、一水柠檬酸
- 主营：微生物菌剂、饲料添加剂、丁酸梭菌、枯草芽孢杆菌、芽孢杆菌、解淀粉芽孢杆菌、巨大芽孢杆菌、侧孢芽孢杆菌、粪肠球菌、发酵菌、粪便发酵剂、双歧杆菌、乳杆菌、饲料添加剂微生物、EM菌、水产芽孢、秸秆腐熟剂、EM、酿酒酵母、长枝木霉
- 主营：枯草芽孢杆菌、锅炉除垢剂
- 主营：igg抗体、糖蛋白、试剂盒、脂蛋白、人瘦素、粗纤维、猪睾酮、烯二酮、nad激酶、测试盒、牛瘦素、牛胆酸、原果胶、磷酸酶、犬肾素、含水量、人蛋白、甜菜碱、igm抗体、dna抗体、磷脂酶、大鼠超、犬叶酸、人胆酸、样受体
- 主营：氧化剂、消毒剂、冰醋酸、复合枯草芽孢杆菌、辉腾化工、大棚氮肥、复配液体、腐殖酸钠、农业肥料、农用氮肥、过碳酸钠、氨基酸原粉、熏蒸剂颗粒、过氧碳酸钠、硫酸铜供应商
- 主营：矿源黄腐酸钾、氨基酸原粉、木质素磺酸钠、枯草芽孢杆菌、木质素磺酸钙、大苏打、腐殖酸钠、工业葡萄糖、工业白糖、工业红糖、黄腐酸钾、大蒜油、高铁酸钾、海藻精、过硫酸氢钾、腐植酸钠、氨氮去除剂、小苏打、鱼蛋白、EM菌
- 主营：醋酸可、杀菌剂、锚固剂、枯草芽孢杆菌、除草剂、洗涤剂、凡士林、硫酸铜、胺鲜酯、柠檬酸、絮凝剂、硫酸铵、增稠剂、糖蜜粉、取暖炉、催化剂、类香精、磷酸钠、漂白粉、防腐剂、洗手液、耐燃烧、叶面肥、桂皮酸、工业车、缓凝剂
- 主营：石墨烯、甘油、片碱、钛白粉、USP级甘油、聚合氯化铝、软水盐、小苏打、乙二醇、融雪剂、甲缩醛、液碱、氨水、草酸、DMF
- 主营：洗衣粉、阻燃剂、催化剂、枯草芽孢杆菌、泡花碱、混凝土、燃料油、水溶肥、膨松剂、添加剂、乙酸钠、漂白剂、杀虫剂、醋酸钠、硫酸镁、糖蜜液、洗涤剂、黄松香、全水溶、除锈剂、工业白糖、变形淀粉、除锈污垢、杀菌消毒、印染助剂、氢氧化铝
- 主营：保鲜剂、鲜味剂、l-苯丙氨酸、l-谷氨酰胺、营养增补剂、面包发酵剂、食品添加剂、烘焙调味品、营养强化剂
- 主营：杀菌剂、威百亩、洗涤剂、枯草芽孢杆菌批发价、消毒剂、乳化剂、熏蒸剂、蒸馏水、漂白粉、洗洁精、抗重茬、甘油车、杀菌灭、乙二醇、修补剂、清洗剂、石灰氮、漂白剂、水箱车、磷酸酯、甘油酯、冷却液、石膏粉、腻子粉、融雪剂、防冻液
- 主营：有机肥、发酵猪粪、微生物菌肥、高标准农田建设用肥、鸡粪、羊粪、干鸡粪、干牛粪、发酵鸡粪、发酵羊粪、发酵牛粪、水溶肥、生物有机肥、粉状有机肥、鸡粪菌肥、菌肥、生物菌肥、蚯蚓粪、营养土、晒干鸡粪、晒干牛粪、鸡粪块、干鸡粪块、纯羊粪、鸡粪有机肥
- 主营：有机肥、发酵鸡粪、高标准农田建设用肥、干鸡粪、菌肥、鸡粪有机肥、生物有机肥、羊粪、发酵羊粪、牛粪、发酵牛粪、羊粪有机肥、生物菌肥、微生物菌肥、纯羊粪、纯鸡粪、发酵羊粪肥、发酵鸡粪肥
- 主营：致病微生物检测试剂、物种鉴定检测试剂、转基因检测试剂、植物病害检测试剂