CORAL GRAFTING PROCESS: IMPLANTS AND GRAFTS

Description

/ 13 CORAL GRAFTING PROCESS: IMPLANTS AND GRAFTS Field of invention

[001] The present invention relates to a process for grafting corals (benthic invertebrates belonging to the Phylum Cnidaria), where a constructive arrangement, classified as an implant, promotes the tissue production of a donor colony on its surface, acting as a tissue engineering tool for obtaining grafts, which can subsequently be used in coral management, both in natural and artificial environments.

[002] The grafting process begins by attaching an implant to a portion called the implant port of a healthy donor coral, where growth and fixation of the donor coral tissues occurs on the surface of the implant.

[003] After the donor coral tissues are fixed to the implant, it is now called a graft, and can be detached from the donor colony and attached to a coral propagation support (Patent: BR 10 2018 007496 2), or similar, where the structure will act as a coral “nubbin” and can be used in coral cultivation or transplantation activities.

[004] After the donor coral tissues are fixed to the implant, now called a graft, it can also be detached from the donor colony and attached (grafted) to a dead, diseased, or artificial coral colony (patient coral), where the structure acts as a tissue engineering tool in a “regenerative medicine” activity for corals, by promoting the growth and fixation of its tissues to the “graftstock” of the patient coral. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 3 / 21 / 13

[005] For relocation or management purposes, the coral grafting process can be carried out under “indoor” cultivation conditions, or in the natural marine environment, via the attachment of grafts to coral propagation devices, or used directly in the recovery of diseased or dead colonies, in transplantation activities on natural or artificial substrates, or in other related management. Fundamentals of the invention

[006] There are few constructive arrangements developed for the propagation of corals via coral grafting. Patent “US20050022749 A1” represents a methodology for asexual propagation of invertebrates, where the “nubbin” is obtained by employing forced segmentation of a predetermined portion of the invertebrate. The object of the present invention differs from patent “US20050022749 A1” because the obtaining of propagules (“nubbins”) occurs through the use of implants, which allow the growth and fixation of the donor coral tissue onto the implanted structure, without the need to fragment a donor colony.

[007] Patent “CN109757407A” differs from the object of the present invention, as it is a method of transplanting corals where the plantlet is fixed to the surface of the shell of a bivalve mollusk, the propagule being obtained from the fragmentation of healthy colonies of a given species.

[008] Patent “CN101548661A” differs from the object of the present invention, as it is a method of coral transplantation where coral fragments are joined via a transplant net using ropes, which, according to the authors, can be understood as an artificial micro reef that can be combined with the reef substrate to form an active coral connected to the natural reef, repairing and rebuilding the reef ecosystem. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 4 / 21 / 13

[009] Patent “CN105038673A” differs from the object of the present invention by describing an underwater adhesive for transplanting live coral, i.e., it can be a means of fixing the graft.

[010] There is also no information on a constructive arrangement that can be used in a hybrid way, that is, grafted in a natural environment (reefs targeted for recovery) and fixed in artificial systems, as is the case with cultivation carried out in aquariums, ex situ tanks and in situ nurseries, coupled or not to coral propagation supports such as patent “BR102018007496A2”.

[011] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to carry out a coral grafting process, where a constructive arrangement serves as a substrate for the growth and tissue fixation of donor corals on its surface, and to enable, after detachment from the donor colony, the production of nubbins without the need for fragmentation of healthy coral; at the same time it makes it possible to colonize or recolonize the skeleton of a patient coral from the coupling of the graft to a rootstock; and also makes it possible to carry out direct transplantation management on natural and / or artificial substrates.

[012] As reviewed above, it is evident that to date there are no processes designed for obtaining coral grafts via the use of implants in donor colonies.

[013] And the coral graft, can be considered a “nubbin” or healthy analogue, capable of growing on the surface of a coral propagation support, a natural or artificial substrate, or on the surface of a patient coral, from the rootstock. Brief description of the drawings

[014] By way of example and for delimitation purposes, the invention may be better understood in accordance with the following figures, where: Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 5 / 21 / 13

[015] FIGURE 1 represents the flowchart of the steps related to the coral grafting process.

[016] FIGURE 2 represents the front view of different versions of the constructive arrangement, called coral implant.

[017] FIGURE 3 corresponds to photographs of implants attached to the implant port of a donor coral of the species Millepora alcicornis. a) Implant made from a cylindrical plastic rod, partially colonized by the donor coral tissue. b) Implant made from a plastic tube opened in half and completely colonized by the donor coral tissue.

[018] FIGURE 4 corresponds to: a) a photograph of a graft detached from the rootstock, b) a photograph of the grafts attached to the fixed propagation support on a growing table after 20 days of cultivation. Description of the invention

[019] The present invention corresponds to a coral grafting process divided into two stages, the first being the obtaining of coral grafts,

[020] The second stage of the coral grafting process corresponds to the use of the grafts, that is, the coupling of the graft to a given rootstock.

[021] Figure 1 shows the steps of the process, namely: (1) coupling the implant to the implant holder of the donor colony, (2) monitoring, (3) uncoupling the graft from the implant holder, (4) coupling the graft to the rootstock, either (4.a) coupled to a nubbin fixed to a coral propagation support, or (4.b) directly to the propagation support, (5) coupling the propagation support with the grafts directly to the Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 6 / 21 / 13 substrates (direct transplantation) or (6) graft coupling in a patient colony.

[022] Figure 2 shows the elaborate constructive arrangement of a coral skeleton (a), a cylindrical plastic tube (b), a cylindrical plastic tube opened in half (c), and a mesh (d). The parts that make up its basic structure are the body of the device (1), the growth and attachment surface of the donor coral tissues (2), and the implant fixation device in the donor coral implant port (3).

[023] To obtain coral grafts, it is necessary to attach the implants to the donor colonies; and monitor and adjust the implant attachment to ensure that there will be tissue growth on it and thus obtain the graft.

[024] The implant-to-implant-porter coupling step

[023] may be preceded by determining which colony is suitable to have fractions converted into implant ports and performing a pilot coupling to adjust the device design to the morphology of the donor colony.

[025] After the implant is coupled to the donor colony's implant port, colony identification is the step that will allow for the traceability of colonies and implants.

[026] Figure 3(a) represents a photo showing an example of an implant in the marine environment made from a cylindrical plastic rod, partially colonized by donor coral tissue. Figure 3(b) shows the situation of the implant made from a plastic tube opened halfway and fully colonized by donor coral tissue.

[027] Figure 4(a) corresponds to a photograph of a graft detached from the rootstock, Figure 4(b) a photograph of the grafts attached to the fixed propagation support on a growing table after 20 days of cultivation. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 7 / 21 / 13

[028] After the donor colony tissue grows on the implant, detaching the implant is the action that makes it possible to obtain the coral graft.

[029] To perform the process of attaching grafts to rootstocks, as a tissue engineering tool, the following steps must be followed:

[030] The graft must be attached to a coral propagation support, where growth and attachment of its tissues to the support surface should occur.

[031] The coupling of the graft with the coral propagation support can be considered as the making of a “nubbin” and can be cultivated for different purposes, including coral transplantation.

[032] There are no restrictions on the materials used to attach the graft to the coral propagation support.

[033] The use of grafting as a tissue engineering tool in direct coral transplantation activities, on natural or artificial substrates, should follow these steps:

[034] Determination of the recipient area of ​​the grafts and cleaning of the transplantation area.

[035] Fixation of grafts in the transplantation area.

[036] Monitoring and management of grafts to ensure survival and accelerate fixation in the substrate.

[037] For the use of grafting as a tissue engineering tool in “regenerative medicine” activities with corals, based on Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 8 / 21 / 13 promoting the growth and fixation of its tissues in the "rootstock" of a patient colony, the following steps are taken:

[038] Selection of the patient colony that will receive the grafts and subsequent cleaning of the region called the rootstock.

[039] Determining the nature of the graft, being classified, in “regenerative medicine” of corals as: autograft (donor and patient correspond to the same individual), homograft or allograft (donor and patient correspond to different individuals, but of the same species), isograft (different individuals, but genetically identical twins or clones) or xenograft (donor and patient are individuals of different species).

[040] Autograft, allograft and isograft are applicable in cases where the aim is to maintain a patient colony or its skeletal structure as an animal of the same species or from the same individual where the implant was obtained.

[041] Xenografting is applicable in cases where it is intended to use the calcareous skeleton of a dead patient colony or an artificial substrate as a substrate for the growth of a colony of a different species from that providing the substrate for the growth of the graft.

[042] Coupling of the graft to the patient colony rootstock.

[043] Adjustment and monitoring of grafts on the rootstock to ensure fixation of the graft tissue in the patient colony and accelerate growth.

[044] Regarding the physical characteristics of the constructive arrangements used in the grafting process, the implant has its basic structure composed of the body of the device (whose size can vary between 2 and 10 Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 9 / 21 / 13 cm), the growth and fixation surface of the donor coral tissues, and the implant fixation device on the donor coral implant port.

[045] The coral implant proposed in this invention application is compatible with the different architectures or morphologies of coral species, and adapts to and respects the biological characteristics of the species, as well as their different morphologies, providing these invertebrates with a satisfactory substrate for attachment and growth of their colonies.

[046] For production purposes, the device architecture can be developed to adapt to the morphology and biology of the donor coral, as well as to any propagation device in which the resulting graft can be installed, and can be designed in a form that mimics the structure of the donor coral, or in the form of a plate, mesh, screens, rods and others.

[047] Coral implants can be made from plastic material (injected polymer), or manufactured from any other moldable material, including biomodified, synthetic, mineral, polymer and ceramic materials.

[048] For productive purposes, the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the coral implant depend on the morphology and biology of the donor coral, such as: surface morphology, surface energy, anatomical fit, roughness, porosity, color, transparency, permeability, tensile strength, elongation and flexibility, density, stability, resistance to sterilization and the form of degradation when in contact with the recipient organism.

[049] Regardless of the material used to construct the coral implant, the regenerative capacity of the constructive arrangement must exhibit biocompatibility functionality and may exhibit bioactivity, biodegradability and biomimetic functionality. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 10 / 21 / 13

[050] Coral implants may have their fixation device independent of their structure or not.

[051] Coral implants can also be enriched with macronutrients, micronutrients, and substances that accelerate the growth and attachment of the donor coral's body tissues onto the implanted structure or accelerate the growth of the tissues of the constructive arrangement onto the patient coral, or onto the coral propagation supports.

[052] For production purposes, coral implantation makes it possible to obtain “nubbins” suitable for use in coral cultivation and transplantation programs, without the need for physical fragmentation of donor colonies.

[053] Coral grafting was designed to improve the survival of organisms and provide them with greater adhesion after attachment to a fixed structure, such as coral propagation supports, which serve as a substrate for their growth, while also facilitating handling.

[054] The coupling of the graft to the patient coral rootstock can be carried out using fixation devices, structures that may or may not be independent of the graft structure.

[055] Optional decoupling of the graft from the patient coral rootstock can be performed, so that the same graft can be used on more than one patient coral or coral fraction.

[056] The implantation and grafting of corals proposed in this document make it possible to carry out productive monitoring of cultivated organisms, to perform biometric controls and to rationally manage developing colonies. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 11 / 21 / 13

[057] The coral implant and graft were designed to enable the production of a large number of “nubbins” per donor colony, and it is even possible to trace the implants and their respective “nubbins” via implant coding. Examples of how the invention can be implemented

[058] As described above, it is evident that the currently known cultivation systems have no similarity in form, nor in functionality, with the product described in this patent application. Therefore, there are no technical or legal impediments to obtaining the requested privilege.

[059] For management purposes, the grafting process can be carried out in any environment, both natural and artificial, as long as the donor or patient coral colony can be maintained.

[060] Respecting the biological characteristics of the coral species under management, the product of this invention can be carried out in different environments, such as: coastal or open sea zones, in land-based aquaculture systems, i.e., in tanks or aquariums installed inside greenhouses.

[061] The use of the coral grafting process can be employed in coral aquaculture, known as “coral gardening”, and applied to various purposes such as ornamental aquariums, the restoration and recovery of impacted reefs, or even the production of coral biomass for the isolation of bioactive molecules of pharmacological and biotechnological interest in general.

[062] The present constructive arrangement also makes it possible to reposition the management of coral colonies as an activity of Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 12 / 21 / 13 tissue engineering, within a perspective of "regenerative medicine" for corals, based on the promotion of growth and fixation of their tissues from the "rootstock", the skeleton of the patient colony.

[063] The coral implant proposed in this invention has among its various positive characteristics efficiency, practicality, low cost, ease of operation, adaptability and industrial feasibility. It therefore constitutes a process that is easy to mass-produce and likely to become widely popular in coral management, including coral mariculture.

[064] The coral implant was designed to enable control of the grafting processes performed, using coding of the device and of the donor and patient colonies.

[065] The coral implant should be between 2 and 10 cm long, to facilitate the growth of the donor coral tissues and to hinder the deposition of algae, sediments and other encrustations.

[066] To accelerate the growth of the constructive arrangement of “coral grafts” on the rootstock, it is advisable that the rootstock be clean and free of encrustations. For the species Millepora alcicornis, recolonization of the patient coral surface by the attached graft tissue can be identified within 30 days.

[067] Coral implants can be used to reduce coral mortality and safeguard the genetic material of organisms that will be subjected to a stressful event.

[068] If it is diagnosed that a water warming event will occur in a given region that may trigger bleaching and consequent mortality. For the species Millepora alcicornis, for example, management can be carried out by installing “implants” in the colonies. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 13 / 21 / 13 donors, up to 45 days before the acute phase of this event that compromises the tissue growth of the donor coral. After the donor coral grows on the surface of the device, it can be translocated to a location where there is no risk of disease and mortality.

[069] Coral implantation can also be a means of recovering colonies exposed to some stressful event that causes mass mortality such as coral bleaching.

[070] As an example, the constructive arrangement can be grafted onto recently dead coral colonies that have not yet become a substrate for the growth of microalgae, macroalgae, sediment deposition, etc., thus enabling the recolonization of a given coral colony.

[071] To accelerate the growth of the coral graft tissue over the entire structure of the patient colony, it is advisable to keep its surface clean by removing encrustations.

[072] To accelerate the growth of coral graft tissue on patient colony rootstock or in a direct transplantation area, one can follow the perspective of the coral micro-fragmentation technique, advocated by Page et al., (2018) for the purpose of restoring massive corals on inert substrates.

[073] Based on what has been presented so far, it can be stated that the coral grafting process is determined by the growth and fixation of donor colonies on the implanted surface; the nature of the implant; the method of fixation of the implant to the coral (gluing, tying, among others); the possibility of coupling and uncoupling; the possibility of inserting the implant into coral propagation devices; the possibility of using the implants directly in the recovery of diseased colonies; the possibility of enriching the implant to accelerate growth and Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 14 / 21 / 13 fixation of the donor coral to its surface; the design and morphology of the implant, which can be adapted according to the morphology of the donor coral and any other eventual device; the functionality of biocompatibility and optionally bioactivity, biodegradability and biomimetics; the grafting can be performed via autograft, homograft, isograft and xenograft; and the graft can be obtained from coral propagation supports and coral implants previously coupled to a donor coral colony. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 15 / 21

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1- Coral grafting process (019) characterized by comprising the steps of attaching implants to donor colonies, monitoring the attachment of the implant to the implant holder of the donor colony, detaching the implant to obtain the grafts and attaching the graft to a rootstock. 2- Coral grafting process (019) according to claim 1, characterized in that the implant coupling step may be preceded by the steps of conducting incursions to determine colonies with morphologies suitable for receiving the implants, performing a pilot coupling of the implants to verify the need to adjust the implant surface design, and manufacturing and selecting the implants according to the morphology of the donor colony. 3- Coral grafting process (019), according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the step of determining the donor colony is complemented by carrying out identification and traceability activities of the donor colony and the implants used. 4- Coral grafting process (019), according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized in that the graft coupling step is carried out on a coral propagation support. 5- Coral grafting process (019), according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that the grafting step is carried out directly on marine substrates and comprises the steps of determining the area that will receive the grafts, cleaning the transplantation area, fixing the grafts in the transplantation area and monitoring and handling the grafts to accelerate their fixation and survival on the substrate. 6- Coral grafting process (019), according to claims 1, 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that the grafting step is performed on a diseased coral colony Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 16 / 21 2 / 3 and includes the steps of determining the patient colony that will receive the grafts, cleaning the colony, mainly the region called the rootstock, determining the nature of the graft performed, whether autograft, allograft, isograft or xenograft, attaching the graft to the rootstock of the patient colony, monitoring and adjusting the graft on the rootstock to accelerate the growth and fixation of the graft tissue in the patient colony and allowing the graft to be detached from the rootstock to graft other patient colonies. 7- Coral implant for use in the coral grafting process (019) defined in claim 1, characterized by being composed of the body of the device, the growth and tissue fixation surface of the donor coral and the implant fixation device in the implant port of the donor coral. 8- Coral implant according to claim 7, characterized in that the body of the device can vary between 2 cm and 10 cm. 9- Coral implant according to claims 7 and 8, characterized by its morphology being adjustable and attachable to a fraction of a healthy coral colony. 10- Coral implant according to claims 7 and 8, characterized by mimicking the structure of the donor coral. 11- Coral implant according to claim 7, characterized by being designed in the form of plates, mesh, screens or rods. 12- Coral implant according to claim 7, characterized by being able to be manufactured from synthetic materials, minerals, polymers and ceramic material. 13- Coral implant according to claim 7, characterized by exhibiting biocompatibility, bioactivity, biodegradability and biomimetic functionality. 14- Coral implant according to claim 7, characterized in that the implant fixation device can be independent of the device body. Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 17 / 21 3 / 3 15- Coral implant according to claim 7, characterized in that the body of the device can be enriched with macronutrients, micronutrients and other bioactive substances. 16- Coral graft obtained by the coral grafting process (019) defined in claims 1 to 4, characterized by enabling the obtaining of nubbins without the need for physical fragmentation of donor colonies. 17- Coral graft obtained by the coral grafting process (019) defined in claims 1 to 4, characterized by being able to be coupled to the patient coral rootstock using fixation devices independent of or integrated into the body of the device. 18- Coral graft according to claim 17, characterized by being able to be detached from the patient coral rootstock to be used on another patient coral. 19- Implantation and grafting of corals obtained by the coral grafting process (019), characterized by enabling the productive monitoring of the organisms and the performance of biometric controls. 20- Coral grafting process (019), characterized by being designed for the purpose of producing a large number of “nubbins” from a donor colony Petition 870250074176, dated 08 / 21 / 2025, page 18 / 21

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