Calcium dipicolinate induced germination of Bacillus spores embedded in thin silica layers: Novel perspectives for the usage of biocers

The germination rate of sol−gel immobilized spores of B. sphaericus JG-A12 in thin silica layers is 5−8-fold enhanced after preincubation with an 1:1 chelate of calcium and dipicolinic acid. This germination potential is conserved during long-time storage of 2.5 years.