Treatment to protect a product from damage caused by scratches and / or superficial burns.

Abstract

A thixotropic aqueous mixture for preventing superficial scald and / or scuffing damage on produce, such as fruit or pome fruits, and an application method thereof comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is added with high shear mixing to water then applied to produce, such as fruit or pome fruit, via a dip tank, spray bar, or brush bed or combination thereof.

Description

Treatment to protect a product from damage by scratches and / or superficial burns. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition that is effective in protecting a product from scratch damage and / or superficial burns, for example, where the product is fruit, such as pome fruits (e.g., pears). The composition is or comprises a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one smectite clay and at least one water-soluble polymer. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition, a method for coating products, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., pears), comprising applying the coating composition to the product, and methods and uses of the composition to protect the product, such as fruit, from scratch damage and / or superficial burns. Background of the Invention

[0002] Pome fruits, such as pears and apples, are frequently stored for extended periods in a controlled atmosphere at near-freezing temperatures. During this prolonged storage, the fruit develops a brownish-black discoloration on the peel. This discoloration is referred to as surface burn. The current physiology of burn appears to be related to the accumulation of alpha-farnesenes, which are oxidized into trienols. This oxidation appears to be triggered by ambient oxygen. It seems that most burns occur on the shaded side of the fruit. This may be due to the plants' response to sunlight and the accumulation of antioxidants as a protection against deleterious effects.

[0003] It has recently been shown that coating fruit with squalene reduces surface sunburn. Squalene is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated hydrocarbon that has antioxidant properties. However, it is an oil and therefore imparts an unpleasant oily feel to the fruit.

[0004] Currently, there are no coatings available to prevent surface burn in produce, such as fruit, that also do not negatively modify the product. Thus, there is a need for a composition that protects against (and may even Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 125 / 175 2 / 39 even to prevent) superficial burning on produce, such as fruit, that does not negatively alter the product. For coating organic products, such as organic fruit, in order to maintain the organic state of the product, there is an additional need for a composition that is not only edible but also organic.

[0005] Another prominent type of damage to produce, particularly in fruit, is scratching. Scratching is an abrasion that appears on the surface of the product from scratching against surfaces or from a series of impacts. Scratching on pome fruit, such as pears, appears as brownish spots or streaks. These scratch marks make the fruit less attractive to the consumer and decrease its value. Scratch damage increases as the fruit ripens.

[0006] Pears are unique in the pome fruit category because their skin is very fragile. Pear skins are highly susceptible to damage during the normal course of harvesting, sorting, and packaging. In many cases, pears are kept in cold storage for several months in field crates before being packaged as dictated by retail demand. The amount of scratching increases the longer the pears are stored. It is also common practice to use ethylene treatment to accelerate the ripening of pears. This process increases the susceptibility of pears to scratching. The compositions that aid in pear processing known in the art are inorganic and affect the edibility of pears after coating. Thus, there is a need for a composition that prevents scratching of pears and other agricultural products, that is edible, and, for the production of organic products, also organic. Brief Description of the Invention

[0007] The present invention generally relates to a composition consisting of or comprising a thixotropic mixture. Consequently, the compositions of the present invention are thixotropic compositions. The terms thixotropic mixture and thixotropic composition (or, more specifically, aqueous thixotropic mixture and aqueous thixotropic composition) are used herein interchangeably to refer to compositions and mixtures of the present invention that are thixotropic. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 126 / 175 3 / 39

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a novel thixotropic mixture is provided, which is an aqueous thixotropic mixture comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer.

[0009] In some embodiments, the smectite clay is hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic). In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is a natural water-soluble polymer. In one embodiment, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer), and further comprises an antioxidant (which may be a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) and / or a solvent (which is typically a food-grade solvent).For example, in one embodiment, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified smectite clay) and a natural water-soluble polymer, and further comprises an antioxidant selected from a natural, food-grade antioxidant and / or a food-grade solvent.

[00010] As described herein, when applied to the product surface, the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention forms a thin coating on the surface, which acts to protect the product from scratch damage and surface burns (e.g., prevents scratch damage and surface burns). Therefore, an aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention is suitable and effective for protecting produce from scratch damage and / or surface burns. The aqueous thixotropic mixture is particularly well suited for protecting fruits, such as pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears).

[00011] The present invention also provides methods for producing a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention, and thixotropic aqueous mixtures made by the methods of the present invention. The methods generally comprise mixing smectite clay and water-soluble polymer with water under high shear. In some aspects of the present invention, all components of the composition are mixed together under high shear. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 127 / 175 4 / 39

[00012] Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for making a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic)) and a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer). The method comprises mixing at least one smectite clay and water-soluble polymer with solvent under high shear mixing conditions. The solvent typically comprises water, and may consist of water. In some embodiments, the solvent comprises water and a volatile solvent, such as ethanol (e.g., a mixture of water and ethanol). In some embodiments, the at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer are added separately (simultaneously, or sequentially) to the water, or to the water and ethanol, during high shear mixing.In other embodiments, at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer are premixed in powder form before mixing with water, or with water and ethanol.

[00013] In some embodiments, after making the aqueous thixotropic mixture, the method further comprises applying said mixture to produce, such as fruit (such as pome fruit, for example, apples and pears).

[00014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic smectite clay)) and a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer) to produce, such as fruits or pome fruits (e.g., pears and apples). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer is applied to produce by means of an immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or a combination thereof. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may be applied to produce by means of a combination of immersion tank and brush bed. Alternatively, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may be applied to produce by means of a combination of spray bar and brush bed.In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic / hydrophobically modified smectite clay) and a polymer. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 128 / 175 5 / 39 water-soluble compounds are mixed with a solvent (e.g., water) under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture, as described herein, before being applied to the product, such as fruit or pome fruits (e.g., pears and apples). Applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to produce the product using these methods reduces surface burn on the product and / or decreases the susceptibility to scratch damage.

[00015] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method is provided comprising making a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one smectite clay (which may be a hydrophobic smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobically modified smectite clay)) and a water-soluble polymer (which may be a natural water-soluble polymer), the method comprising mixing the at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer with solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture; and then applying said mixture to produce, such as fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples and pears).In some embodiments, the method comprises mixing at least one hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant (which may be a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) with solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture and then applying said mixture to produce. In some embodiments, the solvent consists of water or the solvent may comprise water and a volatile solvent, such as ethanol (e.g., a mixture of water and ethanol). In some embodiments, the method comprises applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the product by an immersion tank, spray bar, or brush bed, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to produce by a spray bar and brush bed.In some embodiments, the method comprises applying the aqueous thixotropic mixture to produce it by means of an immersion tank and brush bed. In some embodiments, the method further comprises subsequent drying of the solvent to evaporate the solvent. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 129 / 175 6 / 39

[00016] In one embodiment, the method comprises mixing a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) under high shear with water to form a thixotropic fluid that can be applied to produce, such as fruit (e.g., appears), by a spray bar and brush bed with subsequent solvent drying.In one embodiment, the method comprises mixing a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) under high shear with water and ethanol (e.g., a mixture of water and ethanol) to form a thixotropic fluid that can be applied to produce, such as fruit (e.g., appears), by a spray bar and brush bed with subsequent solvent drying.

[00017] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of protecting products from scratch damage, comprising applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to the product surface. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the product by means of an immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or a combination thereof; such as using a spray bar and brush bed, or using an immersion tank and brush bed. In some embodiments, prior to applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the product, the method comprises making the thixotropic aqueous mixture using a high shear method as described herein.

[00018] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method of protecting products from surface burn damage, comprising applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to the production surface. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the product by means of an immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or a combination thereof; such as using a spray bar and brush bed, or Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 130 / 175 7 / 39 using an immersion tank and brush bed. In some embodiments, prior to applying the aqueous thixotropic mixture to the product, the method comprises making the aqueous thixotropic mixture using a high shear method as described herein.

[00019] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides uses of a thixotropic aqueous composition of the present invention for coating products, to protect the product from scratch damage and / or to protect the products from surface burn damage. The present invention provides the use of a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention comprising at least one smectite clay (which may be a hydrophobically modified smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic)) and a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer) to protect the product, such as fruit or pome fruit (e.g., pears), from cut damage and / or from surface damage. Brief Description of the Drawings

[00020] Figure 1 represents the percentage of surface burn observed in Nabaco-Coated Limonera pears, which are coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 5% sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% gum arabic, and 0.2% sodium citrate in water, compared to Control Limonera, which are coated in carnauba wax, six days after application.

[00021] Figures 2A to 2B show the degree of ripening and scratch damage observed in Nabaco Coated pears, which are coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% Gum Arabic and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared with Control pears, which are coated in carnauba wax, 9 days after application.

[00022] Figure 3 shows the degree of surface burn observed in Nabaco Coated Granny Smith apples, which are coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.3% bentonite, 1.9% pectin and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared with Control Granny Smith apples, which are coated in carnauba wax, 9 days after application. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 131 / 175 8 / 39

[00023] Figures 4A to 4B show the degree of superficial burn of Nabaco Coated Pears, which are coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% Gum Arabic and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared with Control Pears, which are coated in carnauba wax, 7 days after application.

[00024] Figures 5A to 5B show the degree of superficial burn observed in Nabaco Coated Bartlett pears, which are coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.6% bentonite, 1.4% Gum Arabic and 0.15% sodium citrate, compared with Control Bartlett pears, which are coated in carnauba wax, 5 days after application.

[00025] Figure 6 represents the percentage of scratch damage observed in Nabaco Coated Bartlett pears, which are coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% Gum Arabic and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared to Control Bartlett pears, which are coated in carnauba wax, measured at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after application.

[00026] Figure 7 represents the percentage of burn damage results for Nabaco Coated D'Anjou pears, which are coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% Gum Arabic and 0.18% sodium citrate, compared to Control D'Anjou pears, which are coated in carnauba wax, measured at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after application. Detailed Description of the Invention

[00027] The following detailed description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present invention. For explanatory purposes, specific details are presented to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary for the practice of the present invention. Descriptions of specific applications are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 132 / 175 9 / 39 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but should be given the widest possible scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[00028] It has been unexpectedly found that certain water-soluble polymers and smectite clays form highly thixotropic fluids when mixed under high shear in water, and when applied to produce such as fruit (e.g., apples or pears), these mixtures form a coating that protects the produce from scratch damage and surface burn damage to a great extent. Furthermore, the combination of smectite clay, water-soluble polymer, an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) and a solvent (typically a food-grade solvent) when mixed under high shear forms a thixotropic fluid that can subsequently be used to coat the produce such as pome fruit (e.g., apples or pears) to protect against, and optionally prevent, scratch damage and / or surface burn damage.The present invention described provides a solution to the problems of scratch damage and / or superficial burn damage to products.

[00029] The thixotropy of the fluid is critical for anti-burn and anti-scratch phenomena. The high shear imparted at the mixing and / or application stage reduces the viscosity of the aqueous thixotropic mixture and decreases flow resistance. For example, when applying the coating mixture to produce using a spray bar, the shear imparted by the pump and spray nozzles reduces the viscosity of the aqueous thixotropic mixture and decreases flow resistance during spraying (i.e., the thixotropic mixture is thin when distributed through the spray nozzle). Once the spray impacts the production surface, the viscosity of the aqueous thixotropic mixture recovers, and the aqueous thixotropic mixture forms a fairly thick coating or film on the product surface. The use of a brush bed is advantageous because it acts to further smooth the coating on the product, making the coating more comprehensive.In addition, it redirects the platelets from... Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 133 / 175 10 / 39 smectite clay to be parallel to the product surface (i.e., aligned with the product surface). Thus, the brush bed reinforces the coating.

[00030] When the coated product (e.g., fruit) encounters abrasive surface(s), the thixotropic coating is sheared to a lower viscosity, which imparts lubricity to the surface, thereby cutting over the scratch. As processing and packaging occur, the coating will dry to a uniform coating, which is preferably transparent, making the peel opaque and less prone to scratching. It is difficult to determine with the naked eye which fruit has the coating. The individual components do not produce the same scratch-resistant effect.

[00031] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thixotropic mixture comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer. The thixotropic mixture is an aqueous thixotropic mixture. The aqueous thixotropic mixture is intended to protect the product from (e.g., prevention of) scratch damage and / or surface burn damage.

[00032] The term thixotropic, as used herein, refers to mixtures having non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, whose flow properties, such as apparent viscosity, change with shear rate and shear duration.

[00033] In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, or Laponite (sodium, lithium, magnesium silicate, NaO1Si8Mg5.5LiO3O2(OH)4), or a mixture of any two of these, any three of these, or all four of these. In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay is selected from sodium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, sodium hectorite, or Laponite, or a mixture of any two of these, any three of these, or all four of these. For example, the smectite clay may be sodium montmorillonite or sodium bentonite.

[00034] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous mixture Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 134 / 175 11 / 39 Thixotropic comprises sodium montmorillonite in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises bentonite in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises a hydrophobically modified smectite clay in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).

[00035] In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay is present in the aqueous thixotropic mixture in an amount of 1.0 to 6.0% by weight, such as 1.5 to 5.5% by weight, 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 2.0 to 5.5% by weight or 2.0 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).

[00036] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture), such as 0.5 to 3.5% by weight, 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, 1.0 to 2.5% by weight; or 1.0 to 4.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.5% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight; or 2.0 to 3.5% by weight or 2.0 to 3.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay in an amount of 2.0 to 3.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture) of the total aqueous thixotropic mixture. In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay in an amount of or about 2.4% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) in an amount of 2.0 to 3.0% by weight, such as about 2.4% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).

[00037] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay in an amount of 3.5 to 6.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture), such as 4.0 to 6.0% by weight, 4.0 to 5.5% by weight; or 4.5 to 6.0% by weight, or 4.5 to 5.5% by weight (percentage of the weight Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 135 / 175 (Total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least smectite clay in an amount of 4.5 to 5.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least smectite clay in an amount of or about 4.5% by weight, or in an amount of about 5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) in an amount of 4.5 to 5.5% by weight, such as in an amount of or about 4.5% by weight, or in an amount of about 5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[00038] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight by volume of the total aqueous thixotropic mixture composition. In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay in an amount of 0.5 to 2.5% by weight by volume of the total aqueous thixotropic mixture composition.

[00039] The surface of (unmodified) smectite clay is partially or even substantially hydrophilic. Due to their hydrophilic nature, unmodified smectite clays do not disperse well within hydrophobic polymers, and thus the preparation of a composition comprising a smectite clay and a hydrophobic polymer is challenging. A hydrophobically modified smectite clay, as used herein, refers to a smectite clay that has been hydrophobically modified (hydrophobic). The surface of a hydrophobically modified smectite clay is substantially hydrophobic and may be entirely hydrophobic. Consequently, in some embodiments, a hydrophobically modified smectite clay may be referred to as a hydrophobic smectite clay. Hydrophobically modified smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic smectite clay) has the advantageous characteristic of being oil- or cerophilic, as opposed to losing water.A known method for determining whether a smectite clay is hydrophobic or hydrophilic is to use a contact angle measurement. Using standard contact angle measuring equipment known in the art, the... Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 136 / 175 13 / 39 The contact angle of water droplets on smectite clay can be measured. Water droplets form on hydrophobic surfaces, indicating that the cohesive forces associated within the droplet are greater than the forces associated with the interaction of water with the smectite clay surface. A contact angle greater than 90° between the smectite clay surface and the water droplet indicates that the clay is hydrophobic.

[00040] In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay is, or has been previously, hydrophobically modified (e.g., made hydrophobic) by treatment with a compatibilizing agent. In general, a compatibilizing agent is an organic modifier that reacts with a substance and hydrophobically modifies the substance. In particular, the term compatibilizing agent, as used herein, refers to an agent that hydrophobically modifies (hydrophobically) the smectite clay in composition, thus making the smectite clay hydrophobically modified. Compatibilizing agents react with the smectite clay to hydrophobically modify the smectite clay particles and thus make the clay compatible with hydrophobic polymers.Specifically, compatibilizing agents react with smectite clay by binding to exchangeable sodium ions on the clay surface via dipole-dipole bonding of the OH groups, thus converting the smectite clay surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.

[00041] Ionic liquids are commonly used compatibilizing agents. Ionic liquids may comprise a combination of organic cations, including: ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, piperidinium and / or pyridinium, with various organic and inorganic anions. Useful compatibilizing agents for preparing a hydrophobically modified smectite clay of the present invention include sodium citrate, mono- or diglycerides of natural fats and / or mono- or diesters of pentaerythritol. In some embodiments, the thixotropic composition of the present invention comprises sodium citrate, which acts as an antioxidant (as described herein) and as a compatibilizing agent to hydrophobically modify the smectite clay.

[00042] The aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention comprises a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is a soluble polymer. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 137 / 175 14 / 39 in natural water. The term natural or naturally occurring, as used in this context, refers to a water-soluble polymer that occurs in nature, or is derived from nature, and is not made or caused by humankind. This term does not require that the polymer be obtained directly from nature. A natural or naturally occurring water-soluble polymer may be of identical nature, but this is not essential. As the mixture must be applied to produce it, the water-soluble polymer is typically a food-grade water-soluble polymer. The term food-grade, as used herein, refers to a substance that is safe for human or animal consumption and that is permitted to come into direct contact with food, whether for human or animal consumption. The water-soluble polymer is typically edible, meaning that it is safe for human or animal consumption.

[00043] In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is or comprises Gum Arabic or pectin, or combinations thereof.In some embodiments, the water-soluble polymer is Gum Arabic. In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture does not comprise the PVOH polymer; for example, in some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture does not comprise any synthetic or semi-synthetic polymer.

[00044] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer) in an amount of 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises Gum Arabic in an amount of 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises pectin in an amount of 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises the water-soluble polymer in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture), such as 0.5 to 4.0% by weight, 0.5 to 3.5% by weight, 0.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 0.5 to 2.5% by weight; or 1.0 to 3.5% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.0 to 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises the water-soluble polymer in an amount of 1.0 to 2.0% by weight or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 138 / 175 15 / 39 weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise Gum Arabic in an amount of 1.0 to 2.0% by weight, such as in an amount of 1.2 to 1.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise pectin in an amount of 1.5 to 2.5% by weight, such as in an amount of about 1.9% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).

[00045] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises the water-soluble polymer in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight by volume of the total aqueous thixotropic mixture composition. In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises the water-soluble polymer in an amount of 0.5 to 2.5% by weight by volume of the total aqueous thixotropic mixture composition.

[00046] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) and Gum Arabic. The aqueous thixotropic mixture in some embodiments comprises sodium montmorillonite from 1.0 to 7.0% by weight and Gum Arabic from 0.5 to 2.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture); such as 2.0 to 3.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of Gum Arabic or 4.0 to 6.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of Gum Arabic. For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise 2.4% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 1.2% by weight of Gum Arabic. In another example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise 5.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 1.5% by weight of gum arabic.

[00047] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) and Gum Arabic. The aqueous thixotropic mixture in some embodiments comprises bentonite from 1.0 to 7.0% by weight and Gum Arabic from 0.5 to 2.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture); such as 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite and 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of Gum Arabic. For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise about 4.5% by weight of bentonite and 1.0 to 1.5% by weight of Gum Arabic. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 139 / 175 16 / 39

[00048] In further embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) and pectin. The aqueous thixotropic mixture in some embodiments comprises bentonite from 1.0 to 7.0% by weight and pectin from 1.0 to 3.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture); such as 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite and 1.0 to 2.5% by weight of pectin. For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise about 4.3% by weight of bentonite and 1.5 to 2.0% by weight of pectin.

[00049] Various ratios of at least one smectite clay to water-soluble polymer are contemplated herein. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of at least one smectite clay to water-soluble polymer in the aqueous thixotropic mixture is between 1:4 and 4:1. In one embodiment, the ratio of at least one smectite clay to water-soluble polymer in the aqueous thixotropic mixture is between 3.5:1 and 1:1, such as approximately 3:1, 2:1, or 1:1.

[00050] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture further includes an antioxidant. In some embodiments, the antioxidant is a natural antioxidant or a naturally occurring antioxidant. The term natural or naturally occurring, in this context, refers to an antioxidant that occurs in nature, or is derived from nature, and is not produced or caused by humankind. This term does not require that the antioxidant be obtained directly from nature. A natural or naturally occurring antioxidant may be nature-identical, but this is not essential. As the mixture is to be applied to production, the antioxidant is typically a food-grade antioxidant. The term food-grade, as used herein, refers to a substance that is safe for human or animal consumption and that can come into direct contact with food intended for human or animal consumption. The antioxidant is typically edible, meaning that it is safe for human or animal consumption.

[00051] In some embodiments, the antioxidant is sodium citrate.

[00052] In some embodiments, the antioxidant is an antioxidant oil, which may be a natural antioxidant oil. In some embodiments, the antioxidant oil is squalene.

[00053] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises an antioxidant (e.g., a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant) Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 140 / 175 17 / 39 in an amount of 0.001 to 1.00% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.00% by weight, 0.05 to 0.75% by weight, or 0.05 to 0.5% by weight; or 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, 0.1 to 0.4% by weight, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight, or 0.15 to 0.25% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises an antioxidant in an amount of 0.1 to 0.2% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises sodium citrate from 0.05 to 0.25% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture); such as in an amount of 0.1 to 0.2% by weight or in an amount of about 0.2% by weight.

[00054] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises squalene from 0.75 to 0.90% by weight of the total aqueous thixotropic mixture.

[00055] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises a food-grade antioxidant in an amount of 0.001 to 0.05% by weight per volume of the total composition.

[00056] In one embodiment, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), Gum Arabic, and sodium citrate. The aqueous thixotropic mixture in some embodiments comprises montmorillonite from 1.0 to 7.0% by weight, Gum Arabic from 0.5 to 2.0% by weight, and sodium citrate from 0.1 to 0.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture); such as 4.0 to 6.0% by weight of montmorillonite, 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of Gum Arabic, and 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of sodium citrate. In another example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise 5.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% by weight of gum arabic, and 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate.

[00057] In one embodiment, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite), gum arabic, and sodium citrate. The aqueous thixotropic mixture in some embodiments comprises bentonite from 1.0 to 7.0% by weight, gum arabic from 0.5 to 2.0% by weight, and sodium citrate from 0.05 to 0.25% by weight (percentage of weight). Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 141 / 175 18 / 39 total of the aqueous thixotropic mixture); such as 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite, 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of Gum Arabic and 0.1 to 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate. For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise about 4.5% by weight of bentonite, 1.3 to 1.4% by weight of Gum Arabic and 0.1 to 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).

[00058] In one embodiment, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite), pectin, and sodium citrate. The aqueous thixotropic mixture in some embodiments comprises bentonite from 1.0 to 7.0% by weight, pectin from 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, and sodium citrate from 0.1 to 0.25% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture); such as 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite, 1.0 to 2.5% by weight of pectin, and 0.1 to 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate. For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise about 4.3% by weight of bentonite, about 1.9% by weight of pectin, and about 0.18% by weight of sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture).

[00059] The aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention further comprises one or more solvents. As the mixture is to be applied to produce, the solvent is typically a food-grade solvent. In one embodiment, the solvent is water. Alternatively, the solvent may comprise water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol, such as a mixture of water and ethanol.

[00060] In some embodiments, the solvent is present in an amount of at least 85% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture), such as between 85 and 98% by weight or between 90 and 98% by weight; optionally, between 95 and 98% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the solvent is added in an amount of at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight, or at least 97% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture). In some embodiments, the mixture comprises 25% by volume of ethanol and 75% by volume of water. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 142 / 175 19 / 39

[00061] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises ethanol in an amount of 5 to 28% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the aqueous thixotropic mixture), such as 5 to 25% by weight or 5 to 20% by weight.

[00062] In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises a hydrophobically modified clay (e.g., hydrophobic smectite clay), a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer), an antioxidant (e.g., a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil), and a solvent (typically a food-grade solvent). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises a hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a natural water-soluble polymer such as Gum Arabic or pectin, a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, and a food-grade solvent. In any embodiments of the present invention using a hydrophobically modified smectite clay, the solvent may comprise water and a volatile solvent (typically ethanol).For example, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise hydrophobically modified sodium montmorillonite or bentonite, Gum Arabic, sodium citrate and a solvent comprising water and ethanol; or the aqueous thixotropic mixture may comprise hydrophobically modified bentonite, Gum Arabic or pectin, sodium citrate and a solvent comprising water and ethanol.

[00063] The present invention further comprises a thixotropic mixture for protecting the product, such as fruit, from surface burn damage comprising at least one hydrophobically modified smectite clay, a naturally occurring antioxidant oil and a food-grade solvent. The hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clays for use in this mixture include hydrophobically modified montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), bentonite, sodium hectorite, Laponite or mixtures thereof. For example, the smectite clay may have been made hydrophobic by treatment with a compatibilizing agent, such as sodium citrate, or a mono- and diglyceride or monoester of pentaerythritol.

[00064] In some embodiments, the natural antioxidant oil is squalene, wherein squalene is optionally present in small amounts such as about 0.75 Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 143 / 175 20 / 39 at 0.9% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic mixture). In these and other embodiments of the present invention employing a hydrophobically modified smectite clay, the solvent typically comprises ethanol. For example, ethanol may be present in the thixotropic mixture at 5 to 28% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic mixture).

[00065] In some embodiments of any of the thixotropic mixtures / compositions of the present invention, the thixotropic mixture is an aqueous colloidal dispersion comprising between 1 and 7% solids; such as 2 to 7% solids, 3 to 7% solids, 5 to 7% solids, or 6 to 7% solids; or 1 to 5% solids or 3 to 4% solids in an aqueous colloidal dispersion, the solids (including clay) are not dissolved in solution, but are dispersed so that the individual clay platelets remain in colloidal dispersion. The aqueous colloidal dispersion is measured by drying a known volume of dispersion and weighing the solid content of a mixture.

[00066] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture of the present invention does not require additional components to achieve the desired result. For example, the thixotropic mixture does not contain a calcium salt. Therefore, in some embodiments, an aqueous thixotropic mixture is provided consisting of at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture consists of at least one smectite clay (e.g., a hydrophobic smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobically modified smectite clay)), a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer), an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil), and a solvent (typically a food-grade solvent, such as water or a mixture of water and ethanol).

[00067] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is edible. The term edible, as used herein, refers to an item that is safe for human or animal consumption.

[00068] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture does not negatively modify the product to which it is applied. For example, if the product is organic, the thixotropic mixture is Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 144 / 175 21 / 39 also organic. The term organic, as used herein, refers to components that, once applied to produce, would not alter the organic state of the product. Thus, these components satisfy the standards established for organically produced agricultural products, such as the regulations for an organic claim under the National Organic Program (NOP) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In some embodiments, an organic thixotropic aqueous mixture does not contain any inorganic components, where the term inorganic, as used herein, refers to components that, once applied to produce, would change the organic state of production.

[00069] Thus, in some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture described herein is an edible organic composition for preventing surface damage and / or damage to production. In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture is an organic aqueous thixotropic mixture for protecting organic fruit, such as pears, from scratch damage, comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble natural polymer. In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture is an organic aqueous thixotropic mixture for protecting pome fruit from surface burn damage, comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer.In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture is an organic thixotropic mixture for protecting pome fruit from surface burn damage comprising at least one hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a naturally occurring antioxidant oil, and a food-grade solvent.

[00070] Thixotropic mixtures are prepared by mixing their individual components together under high shear to form a thixotropic fluid, which can subsequently be applied to produce such fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples or pears). The thixotropic mixtures of the present invention form a coating on the product surface, which protects the product from (e.g., prevents) damage caused by scratching and / or surface burning. Thus, in some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture described herein is a novel composition for Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 145 / 175 22 / 39 prevent damage from scratching and / or superficial burning of the product, such as fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples and pears).

[00071] The present invention also provides methods for producing a thixotropic mixture of the present invention, and mixtures made by these methods. The methods comprise high shear mixing.

[00072] In a second aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a method of making a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention. The method comprises mixing at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer) with a solvent, under high shear, to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture.

[00073] The description and definitions provided herein in the context of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention also apply to methods of the present invention for producing a thixotropic mixture. In particular, the smectite clay, the water-soluble polymer, and the optional antioxidant used in the method may be any of the smectite clays, water-soluble polymers, and antioxidants (respectively) described herein in the context of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention. Furthermore, any of these smectite clays may be hydrophobically modified, as described herein. In some embodiments, the solvent used in the method comprises or consists of water. In some embodiments, particularly in embodiments involving a hydrophobically modified smectite clay, the solvent comprises water and a volatile solvent (typically ethanol).

[00074] The methods of the present invention for making a thixotropic mixture involve at least one step performed under high shear. Any of the methods or method steps described herein involving high shear mixing can be performed using any known high shear mixer, such as a paddle mixer, a Cowles dissolver, or a colloid mill. High shear mixing is required, which necessitates equipment with high RPM and horsepower that ensure the dispersion blade reaches top speeds of between 2,500 and 5,000 feet per minute. The high shear mixing process can take 1 to 2 hours. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 146 / 175 23 / 39 For mixing smaller batches of composition, a high-shear mixer can be used. High-shear methods are advantageous because they achieve rapid mixing of smectite clay and water-soluble polymer and / or other components in solvent to form a thixotropic mixture that ensures uniform dispersion of smectite clay particles (platelets). When using standard mixing methods that do not involve high shear (such as a tank with a paddle mixer), the mixing of smectite clay and water-soluble polymer and / or other components in the solvent will never completely disperse the smectite clay to form a uniformly dispersed mixture. This is because smectite clay platelets are held together in stacks by many weak bonds, such as hydrogen bonds and ion-dipole interactions, which collectively represent a large cohesive force. Standard mixing is not sufficient to overcome this cohesive energy.When a method involving high shear is used, the increased energy and substantial force imposed by the high shear is sufficient to break the forces that hold these smectite clay platelets together. Thus, a method of making the composition of the present invention using high shear is highly efficient.

[00075] In some embodiments, the method comprises adding at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer to water, followed by high-shear mixing of the smectite clay, water-soluble polymer, and water. In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are added to water and mixed under high shear. In some embodiments, the method comprises adding at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer to a mixture of water and ethanol, followed by high-shear mixing of the smectite clay, water-soluble polymer, water, and ethanol. In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic / hydrophobically modified smectite clay), a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are added to a mixture of water and ethanol and mixed under high shear.

[00076] In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer are mixed in powder form, and then this smectite clay and pre Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 147 / 175 24 / 39 A water-soluble polymer mixture is added to water or a water-ethanol mixture and mixed under high shear mixing conditions. In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are mixed together in powder form, and then this smectite clay, water-soluble polymer, and antioxidant premix is ​​added to water or a water-ethanol mixture and mixed under high shear mixing conditions. In some embodiments, the method comprises mixing together sodium montmorillonite or bentonite, gum arabic, and sodium citrate in powder form, and then this mixture is added to water or a water-ethanol mixture and mixed under high shear mixing conditions. In some embodiments of these methods, the smectite clay is hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic); and a solvent comprising water and ethanol may optionally be used.

[00077] In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer are added separately to the solvent (e.g., water or a mixture of water and ethanol) and then mixed under high shear. In some embodiments, an antioxidant (e.g., a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil) is also added separately to the solvent and mixed under high shear. In some embodiments, sodium montmorillonite or bentonite, Gum Arabic, and sodium citrate are added separately to the solvent (e.g., water or a mixture of water and ethanol) and mixed under high shear mixing. In some embodiments of these methods, the smectite clay is hydrophobically modified (e.g., hydrophobic); and a solvent comprising water and ethanol may optionally be used.In any of these embodiments, the addition of components separately to the solvent encompasses adding all components to the solvent simultaneously, adding two or more components simultaneously with one or more other components being added subsequently (simultaneously or sequentially), or adding each component sequentially.

[00078] As discussed herein, the antioxidant sodium citrate can also act as a compatibilizing agent to hydrophobically modify smectite clay. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 148 / 175 25 / 39 High shear mixing of sodium citrate with smectite clay in the presence of the solvent facilitates the mixing and reaction of sodium citrate with smectite clay to hydrophobically modify the smectite clay and thus form a hydrophobically modified (i.e., hydrophobic) smectite clay (i.e., converts smectite clay into a hydrophobic smectite clay), as described above.

[00079] In some embodiments of any of the methods of the present invention for making a thixotropic composition, smectite clay and water-soluble polymer are added to the solvent in a ratio between 1:4 and 4:1, such as in a ratio between 3.5:1 and 1:1, such as about 3:1, 2:1 or 1:1 (w / w).

[00080] The present invention also provides a thixotropic mixture made by any of the methods of the present invention, such as an aqueous thixotropic mixture comprising at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer and optionally an antioxidant, and a solvent, each as described herein. The thixotropic composition produced by any of the methods of the present invention may be edible, and may optionally be organic. These terms have the meanings defined herein.

[00081] In some embodiments of any of the methods for preparing a thixotropic mixture of the present invention, the method further comprises applying the thixotropic mixture to the product surface. For example, the mixture may be applied using a spray bar, immersion tank, brush bed, inkjet printing, engraving, or scraper knife, or a combination thereof. For example, a thixotropic mixture made according to any of the methods of the present invention may be applied to the product surface using a combination of a spray bar and brush bed, or using an immersion tank and brush bed. In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied to pre-harvest production, but in other embodiments the thixotropic mixture is applied post-harvest.The method may also involve drying the composition after application (e.g., by applying heat), but more typically the composition is allowed to dry naturally under ambient conditions. The thixotropic mixture forms a coating on the surface of the product to which it is applied. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 149 / 175 26 / 39 coating acts to protect the product from damage from superficial burns and / or scratch damage.

[00082] The present invention also provides methods in which a thixotropic mixture of the present invention is applied to a product surface to provide one or more technical effects as described herein. The description and definitions provided herein in the context of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention also apply to methods described below for protecting products from scratch damage and / or superficial burn damage.

[00083] In a fourth aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a method of protecting products from scratch damage, comprising applying a thixotropic mixture of the present invention to a product surface.

[00084] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method of protecting products from surface burn damage, comprising applying a thixotropic mixture of the present invention to a product surface.

[00085] The term product, as used herein, refers to crops produced on a farm. In some embodiments, the product is fruit. In some embodiments, the product is pome fruit, citrus fruits, or tomatoes. The present invention is particularly applicable to pome fruits, more particularly apples, pears, and / or quince. In some embodiments related to scratch damage, the product is pear. In some embodiments, the product is vegetables. For example, the vegetable product may be cucumber or mushrooms.

[00086] Scratch damage occurs, for example, during the harvesting, sorting, and packaging of produce, particularly pome fruit such as apples and pears. Protecting produce from scratch damage involves reducing or even preventing scratch damage. A reduction in scratch damage is defined in comparison to the burn damage of the same product without any coating mixture (uncoated control) or in comparison to the scratch damage of the same product coated with a conventional composition known in the art. Methods are known in the art for observing and measuring scratch damage, for example, by image analysis or Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 150 / 175 27 / 39 by eye to determine the percentage of scratch damage on the product. In some embodiments, producing (e.g., pears) product coated with a thixotropic composition of the present invention exhibits a substantial reduction in scratch damage compared to the same product (e.g., pears) coated with a conventional carnauba wax coating, when evaluated between 1 and 7 days after application. For example, in some embodiments, the product coated in a thixotropic mixture of the present invention exhibits at least a 50% reduction in damage reduction when compared to the same product coated with a conventional control composition. In some embodiments, the product coated in a thixotropic mixture of the present invention exhibits a reduction in scratch damage and a slowing of ripening, compared to the conventionally coated product.

[00087] Surface burn damage occurs, for example, during low-temperature storage of produce, particularly pome fruit such as apples and pears. Protecting produce from surface burn damage involves reducing or even preventing surface burn damage. A reduction in surface burn damage is defined in comparison to the surface burn damage of the same product without any coating mixture (uncoated control) or in comparison to the surface burn damage of the same product coated with a conventional composition known in the art. Methods are known in the art for observing and measuring surface burn damage, for example, by image analysis or by visual inspection to determine the percentage of surface burn damage on the product.For example, in some embodiments, pome fruit (e.g., pears) coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention, when evaluated between 1 and 7 days after application, shows a substantial reduction in surface burn damage compared to the same fruit (e.g., pears) coated with a conventional carnauba wax-based composition. For example, when evaluated 6 days after application, the percentage of pome fruit with less than 50% burn is at least twice as high as for fruit coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention, compared to fruit coated with a conventional carnauba wax-based composition. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 151 / 175 28 / 39 conventional control composition. In some embodiments, it is observed that pome fruit (e.g., pear) coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention has surface burn on less than 10% of the fruit surface when evaluated between 5 and 7 days after application; whereas the same pome fruit (e.g., pear) coated with a conventional control composition exhibited surface burn on 40 to 80% of the fruit surface when evaluated between 5 and 7 days after application. In further embodiments, a thixotropic aqueous composition of the present invention prevents surface burn damage to the fruit.For example, in some embodiments, pome fruit (e.g., apples) coated with a thixotropic composition of the present invention, when evaluated 9 days after application, exhibits a complete lack of surface burn damage; while the same fruit (e.g., apples) coated with carnauba wax, when evaluated 9 days after application, showed surface burn damage between 30 and 40% of the fruit surface.

[00088] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied pre-harvest during production, but in other embodiments the thixotropic mixture is applied post-harvest. Applying the mixture pre-harvest has the advantage of providing protection against scratch damage that can occur during the harvesting process. The maximum effect is seen when the thixotropic mixture is applied pre-harvest, but a substantial effect on surface burn damage and scratch damage is also seen if the product is coated after storage.

[00089] The thixotropic mixture used in the method to protect the product from scratch damage and / or superficial burn damage may be any of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention described herein. In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture used in the method to protect the product from scratch damage and / or superficial burn damage is an aqueous thixotropic mixture comprising at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobically modified smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic)) and a water-soluble polymer (such as a natural water-soluble polymer). In some embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture comprises at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer (such as a water-soluble polymer) Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 152 / 175 29 / 39 in natural water) and an antioxidant (for example, a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, such as a natural antioxidant oil). The thixotropic mixture typically comprises a solvent, which may comprise or consist of water, such as a mixture of water and ethanol, as defined herein. In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture comprises at least one hydrophobically modified smectite clay, an antioxidant, and a solvent (optionally a mixture of water and ethanol). The terms smectite clay, hydrophobically modified smectite clay, water-soluble polymer, antioxidant, and solvent are defined herein.

[00090] In some embodiments of the methods for protecting the product from scratch damage and / or surface burn damage I, the thixotropic mixture is an aqueous thixotropic mixture comprising sodium montmorillonite or bentonite and Gum Arabic and is applied to produce, such as fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a spray bar and brush bed. In other embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is an aqueous thixotropic mixture comprising sodium montmorillonite or bentonite and Gum Arabic and is applied to produce, such as fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of an immersion tank and brush bed.In some embodiments of the methods for protecting the product from scratch damage and / or surface burn damage, the thixotropic mixture is an aqueous thixotropic mixture comprising bentonite and pectin, and is applied to produce, such as fruit or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a spray bar and brush bed. In other embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is an aqueous thixotropic mixture comprising bentonite and pectin, and is applied to produce, such as fruit or pome fruits (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of an immersion tank and brush bed. In either of these embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture may further comprise an antioxidant, such as sodium citrate. The thixotropic mixture typically comprises a solvent, which may comprise or consist of water, such as a mixture of water and ethanol, as defined herein.In either of these embodiments, montmorillonite or sodium bentonite can be hydrophobically modified. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 153 / 175 30 / 39

[00091] In some embodiments of any of these methods of the present invention for applying the thixotropic mixture to the product surface, or for protecting the product from scratch damage and / or surface burn damage, the thixotropic mixture is applied to the product surface using an immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or any combination thereof.

[00092] An immersion tank is a piece of equipment that holds 5000 to 10000 liters of the thixotropic mixture of the present invention and facilitates the submersion of products, such as fruit or pome fruits (e.g., apples and pears), in order to coat their surface. When applying the thixotropic mixture to produce the product using the immersion tank, the product is immersed in the thixotropic mixture once with a residence time of 2 to 5 minutes of immersion. After applying the mixture using an immersion tank, the product can be placed on a drain belt to remove excess mixture.

[00093] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied to produce, such as fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples or pears), using a spray bar, optionally using a combination spray bar and brush bed. A spray bar is a piece of equipment comprising a pump and at least one nozzle for spraying aqueous thixotropic mixture to produce. At the application stage, the shear imparted by the pump and spray nozzles of the spray bar reduces the viscosity of the aqueous thixotropic mixture and decreases the flow resistance when applying the aqueous thixotropic mixture to produce, such as fruit or pome fruit (e.g., apples or pears).In some embodiments, the spray bar applies the aqueous thixotropic mixture to produce a spray rate in the range of 1000 to 7000 pounds of product per liter of thixotropic mixture, as well as in the range of 3000 to 7000 pounds of product per liter of thixotropic mixture. Once the spray of the aqueous thixotropic mixture collides with the surface of the product (i.e., the aqueous thixotropic mixture encounters the surface of the product), the viscosity recovers and forms a fairly thick coating on the product. This advantageous characteristic... Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 154 / 175 The difference of 31 / 39 observed during the application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention is due to the non-Newtonian fluid dynamics of the thixotropic mixture.

[00094] In some embodiments, the coating is applied by spraying using the spray bar after the immersion tank and before the brush bed. For example, the thixotropic mixture can be sprayed onto the product using a spray bar located after the product exits the immersion tank and the drain belt and / or optionally before the brush bed. The brush bed brushes each piece of product after the application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture to the product surface. Brush beds typically have 6 to 12 brushes that are rolling and act both to transport and brush the fruit.These brushes uniformly and efficiently coat the fruit with the thixotropic mixture. The use of a brush bed is particularly advantageous because it ensures a uniform coating of the aqueous thixotropic mixture on the product and avoids the use of an excess mixture. Applying the thixotropic mixture of the present invention using the combination of spray bar and brush bed is advantageous because it provides greater coverage of the coating.

[00095] In other embodiments, the aqueous thixotropic mixture is applied to produce it through a combination of immersion tank and brush bed, without spraying.

[00096] Before applying the thixotropic mixture, the product can be washed in a immersion tank. A shock-absorbing material immersion tank is typically a 10,000-liter tank used to introduce the fruit into the packing line and to wash the fruit and remove any debris such as leaves and cobs. The use of a shock-absorbing tank is advantageous because it minimizes any damage that may be inflicted on the product during these processes. The shock-absorbing material tank and / or the immersion tank may contain a mild disinfectant, such as paracidic acid.

[00097] These methods for coating products with a thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer (and optional antioxidant) are shown to decrease the susceptibility to scratch damage and / or surface burn damage. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 155 / 175 32 / 39

[00098] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides uses of any of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention. The present invention provides the use of a thixotropic mixture of the present invention to protect the product from scratch damage (e.g., to reduce or even prevent scratch damage). The present invention also provides the use of a thixotropic mixture of the present invention to protect the product from surface burn damage (e.g., to reduce or even prevent surface burn damage). In these uses of the present invention, a reduction in scratch damage and / or surface burn damage can be determined in comparison with the uncoated control product or in comparison with the same product coated with a conventional coating composition known in the art. In these uses of the present invention, the product is optionally a fruit or vegetable product.As discussed herein, the thixotropic mixture is particularly well suited for protecting pome fruit, such as apples and pears. For this reason, in some embodiments, the present invention provides the use of a thixotropic mixture of the present invention to protect pome fruits (e.g., apples and / or pears) from scratch damage and / or surface burn damage. In any of these uses of the present invention, the description and definitions provided herein in the context of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention also apply. Therefore, the thixotropic mixture used can be any of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention described herein. Example 1

[00099] A commercial-scale trial was conducted on Limonera pears, in which Nabac Coated Limonera pears were coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 5% sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% gum arabic, and 0.2% sodium citrate in water (% values ​​are by weight of the total composition), compared to Control Limonera pears coated in carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to 300 pounds of Limonera pears (Nabac Coated) using an immersion tank and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 3,000 lbs of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture. Carnauba wax was applied to the Control Limonera. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 156 / 175 33 / 39 using an immersion tank and brush bed at a solids content of 20%. After application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture, the Nabaco Coated and Control pears were sorted and packaged. The percentage of surface burn damage six days after application was measured. Scratch damage and surface burn damage can be measured by image analysis or by eye to determine the percentage of scratch damage and / or surface burn damage. As shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, the percentage of pears with less than 50% surface burn for the Control group of pears was 26% and for the Nabaco Coated group was 55%. Thus, the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention reduces surface burn damage. Table 1 Results of superficial burns on Limonera pears after six days. Percentage of superficial burns Control Coated with Nabac 0% 3 3 < 25% 3 30 25 to 50% 20 22 50 to 75% 60 35 > 75% 15 10 Example 2 [000100] A second commercial-scale trial was conducted on Bartlett pears, in which Nabaco-Coated Bartlett pears were coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 2.4% sodium montmorillonite and 1.2% gum arabic in water (% values ​​are by weight of the total composition), compared to control Bartlett pears coated in carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to 5,000 pounds of Bartlett pears (Nabaco-Coated) using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 3,000 lbs per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, at a solids content between 4 and 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to Control Bartlett pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2,500 lb of pears per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. After application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture or carnauba wax, the pears Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 157 / 175 34 / 39 The pears coated with Nabaco Control were sorted and packaged. The degree of scratching three days after application was determined to be 7 out of 25 pears from the control group compared to 3 out of 25 Nabaco Coated pears, which are coated with the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention. Therefore, this test demonstrates a 57% reduction in damage in pears coated with the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention. Example 3 [000101] An online trial was conducted on Bartlett pears, in which Nabac Coated Bartlett pears were coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​are by weight of the total composition), compared to Control Bartlett pears coated in carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabac Coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 7,000 lbs per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, at a solids content of between 4 and 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the Control pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 2,500 lbs of pears per liter of carnauba wax, at a solids content of 20%.After application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture or carnauba wax, Nabaco-Coated and Control pears were stored at room temperature for 9 days before the level of scratch damage was observed. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the ripening rate was slowed and the degree of scratch damage was substantially reduced in Nabaco-Coated pears (Figure 2A) compared to Control pears (Figure 2B). Therefore, this assay demonstrates a decrease in ripening and a reduction in cut damage in pears coated with the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention. Example 4 [000102] An additional experiment was performed on Granny Smith apples that had been stored in a cold chamber for 10 weeks, in which Nabac Coated Granny Smith apples were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.3% bentonite, 1.9% pectin, and 0.18% sodium citrate (percent values ​​are by weight of the apple). Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 158 / 175 35 / 39 total composition), compared to control Granny Smith apples coated with carnauba wax. The aqueous thixotropic mixture was applied to the Nabaco-coated apples using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 7,000 lbs of apples per liter of aqueous thixotropic mixture, at a solids content of between 4 and 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control apples using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 2,500 lbs of apples per liter of carnauba wax, at a solids content of 20%. After application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture or carnauba wax, the Nabaco-coated and control apples were stored at room temperature for 9 days before the level of surface burn damage was observed.As shown in Figure 3, the level of surface burn damage in the Control apples covered 30 to 40% of the apple surface; while the Nabaco Coated apples showed no (0%) surface burn damage. Therefore, this test demonstrates a total reduction in surface burn damage in apples coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention. Example 5 [000103] An additional line trial was conducted on pears that had been stored in a cold chamber for 2 months, in which Nabac Coated pears were coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​are by weight of the total composition), compared to Control pears coated in carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to Nabac Coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 7,000 lbs per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, at a solids content of between 4 and 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to Control pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 2,500 lbs of pears per liter of carnauba wax, at a solids content of 20%.After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, the Nabaco-coated pears and the Control were stored at room temperature for 7 days before the level of surface burn damage was observed. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the level of surface burn damage in the Control pears resulted in the loss of 80% of the pear's surface area. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 159 / 175 36 / 39 (Figure 4A); whereas pears coated with Nabaco show less than 10% surface burn damage (Figure 4B). Therefore, this test demonstrates a reduction in surface burn damage in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention. Example 6 [000104] A commercial online trial was conducted on Bartlett pears that had been stored in a cold chamber for 30 days, in which Nabaco-Coated Bartlett pears were coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.6% bentonite, 1.4% gum arabic, and 0.15% sodium citrate (% values ​​are by weight of the total composition), compared to control Bartlett pears coated in carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to Nabaco-Coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 7,000 lbs per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, at a solids content of between 4 and 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving an application rate of 2,500 lbs of wax beads per liter of carnauba wax, at a solids content of 20%.Following application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture, Nabaco-coated and control pears were stored at room temperature for 5 days before the level of surface burn damage was observed. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, control pears demonstrated severe surface burn damage in approximately 35% of pears and moderate surface burn damage in 40 to 50% of pears; while Nabaco-coated pears lost less than 10% of surface burn damage. Therefore, this assay demonstrates a reduction in surface burn damage in pears coated with the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention. Example 7 [000105] An in-line packaging test was conducted on Bartlett pears, in which Nabac Coated pears were coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​are by weight of the total composition), compared to Control Bartlett pears coated in carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the pears Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 160 / 175 37 / 39 Nabaco-coated pears were coated using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 7,000 lbs per liter of aqueous thixotropic mixture, at a solid content of 4 to 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 2,500 lbs of pears per liter of carnauba wax, at a solid content of 20%. After application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture, the percentage of scratch damage was measured 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application. As shown in Figure 6, the Nabaco-coated pears demonstrate a substantial reduction in scratch damage compared to the control pears. Therefore, this packing line test demonstrates a reduction in surface burn in pears coated with the aqueous thixotropic mixture of the present invention. Example 8 [000106] An in-line packaging test was conducted on D'Anjou pears, in which Nabac Coated D'Anjou pears were coated in a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (% values ​​are by weight of the total composition), compared to Control D'Anjou pears coated in carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabac Coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 7,000 lbs per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture, at a solids content of between 4 and 6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the Control pears using a spray bar and brush bed and achieved an application rate of 2,500 lbs of pears per liter of carnauba wax, at a solids content of 20%. After application of the aqueous thixotropic mixture, the percentage of scratch damage was measured 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application.As shown in Figure 7, Nabaco-coated pears demonstrate a substantial reduction in scratch damage compared to control pears. Consequently, this packaging line test demonstrates a reduction in surface burn in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention. [000107] The terms comprising, including and having, as used in the claims and in this descriptive report, should be considered as indicating an open group that may include other unspecified elements. The terms a, Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pages 161 / 175 38 / 39 one and the singular forms of words should be taken to include the plural form of the same words, so that the terms mean that one or more of something is provided. The term one or only may be used to indicate that one and only one of something is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values, such as two, may be used when a specific number of things is intended. The terms preferably, preferred, prefer, optionally, may and similar terms are used to indicate that an item, condition or step being referred to is an optional (not required) feature of the present invention. [000108] The present invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques other than those specifically described herein may be applied to the practice of the present invention as broadly described herein without recourse to undue experimentation. All known functional equivalents in the art of methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Whenever an interval is described, all subintervals and individual values ​​are intended to be encompassed.The present invention should not be limited by the embodiments described, including any shown in the drawings or exemplified in the descriptive report, which are given as examples and not as limitations. [000109] Although the present invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this description, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the present invention as described herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention shall be limited only by the appended claims. [000110] All references throughout this application, for example, patent documents including granted or awarded patents or equivalents, publications of Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 162 / 175 39 / 39 patent application and non-patent literature documents or other source material are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if individually incorporated by reference, to the extent that each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the description in this application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).

Claims

1. Aqueous thixotropic mixture for protecting the production from scratch damage and / or superficial burns, characterized by comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer.

2. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one smectite clay is from 1 to 7% by weight, optionally from 2 to 6% by weight.

3. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least one smectite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite or laponite, or a mixture of any two or more of them.

4. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one smectite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite.

5. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one smectite clay is hydrophobically modified.

6. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, of any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the water-soluble polymer is Gum Arabic or pectin.

7. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, of any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the water-soluble polymer is from 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, optionally from 1 to 2.5% by weight.

8. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, of any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the ratio of at least one smectite clay to water-soluble polymer is between 1:4 and 4:1; optionally, in that the ratio of at least one smectite clay to water-soluble polymer is 1:

1.

9. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by further comprising an antioxidant.

10. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to claim 9, characterized in that the antioxidant is sodium citrate. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 164 / 175 2 / 4 11. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that the antioxidant is 0.05 to 0.5% by weight.

12. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to claim 9, characterized in that the antioxidant is an antioxidant oil, optionally squalene.

13. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, of any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by further comprising a solvent.

14. Aqueous thixotropic mixture, according to claim 13, characterized in that the solvent comprises or consists of water; optionally, in that the solvent comprises a mixture of water and ethanol.

15. AQUEOUS THIXOTROPIC MIXTURE, according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the aqueous thixotropic mixture is an aqueous colloidal dispersion comprising between 1 and 7% solids.

16. Thixotropic aqueous mixture, according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the mixture is organic.

17. METHOD FOR PRODUCING A THIXOTROPIC AQUEOUS MIXTURE, as described in claim 1, characterized by comprising mixing at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer with solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic mixture.

18. METHOD, according to claim 17, characterized in that the solvent comprises or consists of water; optionally, in that the solvent comprises a mixture of water and ethanol.

19. METHOD, according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that at least one smectite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite or laponite, or a mixture of any two or more thereof; optionally, in that at least one smectite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite; optionally, in that at least one smectite clay is hydrophobically modified.

20. METHOD, according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the water-soluble polymer is Gum Arabic or pectin. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 165 / 175 3 / 4 21. METHOD, of any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer are combined in powder form, and then the combined powders are mixed with solvent under high shear.

22. METHOD, of any one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer are added separately to the solvent during high shear mixing.

23. METHOD, of any one of claims 17 to 22, characterized by further comprising a mixture of an antioxidant with at least one smectite clay and water-soluble polymer in the solvent under high shear.

24. Thixotropic composition, characterized by being prepared by the method described in any one of claims 17 to 23.

25. METHOD, characterized by comprising: i) making a thixotropic mixture using a method as described in any of claims 17 to 23; and ii) applying said aqueous thixotropic mixture to the product surface by means of an immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or any combination thereof.

26. METHOD OF PROTECTING PRODUCTS FROM SCRATCH DAMAGE, characterized by comprising the application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, as described in any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24, to the production surface.

27. METHOD FOR PROTECTING PRODUCTS FROM SUPERFICIAL BURNS, characterized by comprising the application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, as described in any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24, to the production surface.

28. METHOD, according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the aqueous thixotropic mixture is applied through an immersion tank, spray bar or brush bed, or any combination thereof. Petition 870250080999, dated 09 / 09 / 2025, pp. 166 / 175 29. METHOD, according to claim 25 or 28, characterized in that the aqueous thixotropic mixture is applied using a combination of spray bar and brush bed, or using a combination of immersion tank and brush bed.

30. METHOD, of any one of claims 25, 28 or 29, characterized in that the spray bar applies the aqueous thixotropic mixture to produce a spray rate in the range of 3000 to 7000 pounds of product per liter of aqueous thixotropic mixture.

31. USE OF THE AQUEOUS THIXOTROPIC MIXTURE, as described in any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24, characterized in that it protects the product from scratch damage.

32. USE OF THE THIXOTROPIC AQUEOUS MIXTURE, as described in any one of claims 1 to 16 or 24, characterized in that it protects products from superficial burns.

33. METHOD OR USE, according to any one of claims 25 or 26 to 30 or according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the product is fruit; optionally, pome fruit.

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