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Comprehensive Review of Microbial Inoculants: Agricultural Applications, Technology Trends in Patents, and Regulatory Frameworks

Author

Listed:
  • Guilherme Anacleto dos Reis

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Walter Jose Martínez-Burgos

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Roberta Pozzan

    (Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81531-908, PR, Brazil)

  • Yenis Pastrana Puche

    (Department of Food Engineering, University of Córdoba, Montería 230007, Colombia)

  • Diego Ocán-Torres

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Pedro de Queiroz Fonseca Mota

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Cristine Rodrigues

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Josilene Lima Serra

    (Laboratory of Food and Meat Technology, Department of Food Technology, Federal Institute of Maranhão, São Luís 65095-460, MA, Brazil)

  • Thamarys Scapini

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Susan Grace Karp

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

  • Carlos Ricardo Soccol

    (Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, Polytechnic Center, Federal University of Parana, Rua Cel. Francisco H. dos Santos—100, Curitiba 81530-000, PR, Brazil)

Abstract

Agriculture is essential for nutrition and the global economy, becoming increasingly important due to population growth and higher food demand. This situation boosts interest in creating bioproducts that enhance productivity sustainably while reducing environmental issues and strain on natural resources. Bioinoculants are important innovations that use beneficial microorganisms to boost crop growth and resilience. They enhance the interaction between soil and plants by solubilizing essential nutrients and producing phytohormones. This not only boosts agricultural productivity but also promotes environmentally sustainable practices by decreasing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Considering the relevance of this subject to advances in agro-industrial biotechnology, this review analyzes recent studies and patent advances on the production and use of bioinoculants, as well as their integration into agricultural practices and plant development. It also explores the dynamics of production and downstream processes on an industrial scale, regulations in different countries, and growing market demands, which is an important feature of this review. Furthermore, future perspectives for the application of bioinoculants in agro-industrial biotechnology are discussed, emphasizing the critical role that these biological agents play in advancing agricultural sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Guilherme Anacleto dos Reis & Walter Jose Martínez-Burgos & Roberta Pozzan & Yenis Pastrana Puche & Diego Ocán-Torres & Pedro de Queiroz Fonseca Mota & Cristine Rodrigues & Josilene Lima Serra & Thama, 2024. "Comprehensive Review of Microbial Inoculants: Agricultural Applications, Technology Trends in Patents, and Regulatory Frameworks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-33, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8720-:d:1495063
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Oluwaseun Adeyinka Fasusi & Cristina Cruz & Olubukola Oluranti Babalola, 2021. "Agricultural Sustainability: Microbial Biofertilizers in Rhizosphere Management," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-19, February.
    2. Leandro Israel da Silva & Marlon Correa Pereira & André Mundstock Xavier de Carvalho & Victor Hugo Buttrós & Moacir Pasqual & Joyce Dória, 2023. "Phosphorus-Solubilizing Microorganisms: A Key to Sustainable Agriculture," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-30, February.
    3. João Gonçalves & Jorge Freitas & Igor Fernandes & Pedro Silva, 2023. "Microalgae as Biofertilizers: A Sustainable Way to Improve Soil Fertility and Plant Growth," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-19, August.
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    2. Jelena Marinković & Dragana Miljaković & Janko Červenski & Marjana Vasiljević & Vuk Đorđević & Gordana Tamindžić & Jegor Miladinović, 2025. "Synergistic Effect of PGPR and Nutrient Complex on Soybean Seed Germination and Initial Seedling Growth," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-16, September.
    3. Maria Stolarz, 2025. "Integration of Plant Electrophysiology and Time-Lapse Video Analysis via Artificial Intelligence for the Advancement of Precision Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-17, June.

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