Biodegradable capsule for packaging and releasing natural enemies.
A biodegradable pineapple fiber capsule with a unique assembly structure provides controlled release of natural enemies, enhancing pest management efficiency and sustainability in agriculture.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF PARAIBA
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-07
AI Technical Summary
Current methods for managing agricultural pests using traditional capsules for releasing natural enemies are inefficient and environmentally harmful, lacking flexibility and control in the release process.
A biodegradable capsule made from pineapple fiber layers, assembled with a specific structure and sealed with straw waste, allows for controlled release of natural enemies using spraying drones, utilizing the fiber's plastic properties to absorb moisture and change shape for insect release.
The capsule ensures the survival and efficiency of natural enemies in the field while promoting sustainable agriculture by reducing pesticide use and maintaining ecological balance.
Smart Images
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Description
1 / 3 “Biodegradable Capsule for Containing and Releasing Natural Enemies”
[001] The present invention relates to a biodegradable capsule for packaging and releasing natural enemies, which can be used both in drones with functionality for releasing natural enemies, and via spraying drones, representing a vast difference in relation to capsules used traditionally.
[002] In the current scenario we are facing, there is an increasing need to develop technologies that enable the effective management and control of pests in agriculture.
[003] It is known that the use of capsules for the packaging and release of natural enemies is an effective strategy in the management of agricultural pests. The encapsulation of beneficial organisms, such as predatory insects or parasitoids, allows for a controlled and safe release for the insect, which will guarantee the survival and efficiency of these agents in the field.
[004] The use of these capsules contributes to sustainable agriculture, because in addition to reducing dependence on pesticides, it promotes ecological balance and biodiversity, minimizing environmental impact.
[005] In order to solve such problems, the present invention was developed, by means of which it will be possible to carry out the packaging and release of natural enemies via spraying drone.
[006] The invention can be better understood through the following detailed description, in accordance with the attached figures, where:
[007] FIGURE 1 represents the fiber layers used in the assembly of the capsules, totaling 3 layers: 1st horizontal, second rolled at an angle close to 45° in one direction and the 3rd also at 45° in the opposite direction. Petition 870250056199, dated 02 / 07 / 2025, page 3 / 6 2 / 3
[008] FIGURE 2 represents a side view of the assembled tube, which has an internal diameter of ± 0.5cm, and which will be cut transversely with a length of 3cm.
[009] FIGURE 3 represents the hollow interior of the capsule in which the insect will be kept.
[010] FIGURE 4 natural enemy inside the capsule, demonstrating the insect's packaging.
[011] After being assembled and fixed to a mold base, the fibers are immersed in glue made from cassava gum and water to maintain their shape, and subsequently dried in an oven to optimize drying time.
[012] After drying, the tubes are removed from the base and cut to the designated dimensions.
[013] One end is sealed with a tuft of straw waste, then the insect is inserted inside the capsule and the other opening is closed.
[014] The capsule works as follows: after being released in the field, it absorbs moisture from the soil, which softens the glue absorbed by the straw, and the fibers in layers 2 and 3 partially return to their elongated / straight state due to their plastic properties.
[015] The difference with the capsule is that it is more elongated, flexible and yet resistant, the pineapple fiber becomes a very versatile material that can be molded into the desired shape.
[016] The fibers are separated into tufts, and one of their ends is fixed in such a way as to form a strip with the fiber evenly distributed and well aligned. In total, 3 of these strips are used, the first is attached horizontally to both ends of the mold base, following the length of the tube that will serve as the base for the others, the second layer is fixed to the end of the mold tube equal to Petition 870250056199, dated 02 / 07 / 2025, page 4 / 6 3 / 3 of the first layer is wrapped around the top like a spring, its end is secured again, and the third and final layer is wrapped in the same way but in the opposite direction.
[017] With the residue left on the brush from the fiber alignment process, a small ball of approximately 5mm is made which will serve as a lid for the capsule, being placed on the ends of the already cut tube to prevent the escape of the natural enemy. Petition 870250056199, dated 02 / 07 / 2025, page 5 / 6
Claims
1 / 1 CLAIMS 1. “Biodegradable capsule”, characterized by being constituted by an inner horizontal layer of pineapple fiber (1), an intermediate spring-shaped layer (2), an outer spring-shaped layer in the opposite direction to the previous one (3) joined by gum glue, and a sphere of straw waste with a diameter equal to that of the capsule (A) for making the openings. Petition 870240110304, dated 12 / 26 / 2024, p. 12 / 15