A barrier effect with a bentonite increase was also demonstrated by increased fungus germination time and thermal stability (Batista et al., 2014). Apparently, matrix encapsulation has the ability to incorporate conidia at higher concentrations without affecting germination. This has significant positive implications in integrated pest management. Another good example is that of PLN of alginate bentonite as a bead matrix for the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana strain CPATC032. However, in this study it was demonstrated that the in vitro release of the fungus is sensitive to the bead preparation method due to the emergence of a barrier phenomenon as the concentration of silicate is increased. Swelling degree and release kinetics were also investigated, where a strong dependence on the drying method was observed.