Bt Research 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 65-75 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/bt 71 Bourguet, 2011). The specificity of Bt toxins to certain insect species ensures minimal impact on human health and the environment, making it a valuable tool in public health initiatives (Manachini et al., 2013). Figure 2 Application of Bacillus thuringiensis in sustainable agriculture (Adopted from Kumar et al., 2021) 8.3 Environmental conservation projects In environmental conservation, Bt biopesticides have been employed to protect native plant species and ecosystems from invasive insect pests. For example, Bt has been used to control gypsy moth populations in North American forests, preventing defoliation and preserving forest health (Manachini et al., 2013). Additionally, Bt-based products have been tested for their effects on non-target marine organisms, highlighting the need for careful consideration of ecological impacts. Studies have shown that while Bt can affect marine bivalves under high exposure scenarios, its overall environmental footprint remains lower compared to chemical pesticides (Seenivasagan and Babalola, 2021). This underscores the importance of Bt in integrated pest management strategies aimed at conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance (Pascoli et al., 2019; Fenibo et al., 2022). By leveraging the specificity and efficacy of Bt biopesticides, these case studies demonstrate the potential for sustainable pest management across various sectors, contributing to agricultural productivity, public health, and environmental conservation. 9 Challenges and Future Directions 9.1 Technical and practical challenges The production and application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biopesticides face several technical and practical challenges. One significant issue is the high production cost, which limits the widespread adoption of Bt biopesticides. This is primarily due to the expensive synthetic media used in the fermentation process, as well as the costs associated with harvesting and formulation (Brar et al., 2016; Pan et al., 2021). Additionally, the stability of Bt formulations under field conditions is a concern, as factors such as ultraviolet radiation, rain, pH, and temperature can degrade the pesticidal proteins, reducing their efficacy (Oliveira et al., 2021). Another challenge is the need for frequent applications due to the instability of Bt under sunlight, which increases the overall cost and labor involved in pest control (Ortiz and Sansinenea, 2023). 9.2 Research gaps and opportunities Despite the extensive research on Bt biopesticides, several gaps remain that present opportunities for future investigation. One area that requires further exploration is the optimization of bioprocess parameters, including
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