Process for obtaining a biogel composition containing essential oils for the control of varroa destructor in africanized bees

Description

5 PROCESS FOR OBTAINING A BIOGEL COMPOSITION CONTAINING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR THE CONTROL OF Varroa destructor IN AFRICANIZED BEES Field of Invention

[001] . The present invention relates to the field of biotechnology applied to beekeeping, addressing the development of biodegradable bioproducts for the management of bee diseases.

[002] . This is an innovative solution for controlling Varroa destructor, an ectoparasitic mite that affects Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera).

[003] . The invention focuses on the use of essential oils from native Brazilian plants combined in biodegradable matrices to control Varroa populations.

[004] . In addition to being an alternative to synthetic acaricides, the product is safe for bees, promoting the sustainability of beekeeping (Coelho et al., 2014).

[005] . Beekeeping in Brazil is a growing sector, and sustainable solutions are essential to preserve bee products (Souza et al., 2021). Fundamentals of the Invention

[006] . Varroa destructor is a mite that compromises the immunity of bees, reducing their productivity and spreading viruses (Rosenkranz et al., 2010).

[007] . Synthetic chemicals used to control Varroa have selected for resistant mite populations (Mondet et al., 2014).

[008] . Chemical acaricides contaminate bee products, harming their quality and market value (Pietropaoli & Formato, 2019).

[009] . Natural alternatives, such as essential oils, have shown effectiveness against Varroa, but lack controlled and uniform application (Coelho et al., 2014).

[0010] . Studies have identified bioactive compounds such as thymol, α-pinene and (S)limonene with acaricidal potential (Imdorf et al., 1996).

[0011] . The biodegradable matrix of the present invention is composed of cassava starch, providing an economical and sustainable solution (Castagnino & Orsi, 2012). Petition 870250012826, dated 17 / 02 / 2025, page 13 / 22 / 5

[0012] . Biogels allow for the efficient dissemination of essential oils, taking advantage of the hygienic behavior of bees (Silva, 2021). Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] . Figure 1 illustrates the life cycle of Varroa destructor and its methods of attachment to the bodies of bees.

[0014] . Figure 2 shows the flowchart for the extraction of essential oils used in the formulation of biogels.

[0015] . Figure 3 shows the biogel formulation process, from mixing the components to storage.

[0016] . Figure 4 demonstrates the bioassay performed on bees and mites to evaluate the effectiveness of the biogel. Biogel Function

[0017] . Biogel is a biodegradable matrix composed of cassava starch and enriched with essential oils (Silva, 2021).

[0018] . It is designed to facilitate the homogeneous distribution of bioactive compounds in beehives.

[0019] . The formula is optimized to be safe for bees and effective against Varroa destructor.

[0020] . Its biodegradability reduces environmental impact, promoting more sustainable beekeeping. Description of the Invention

[0021] . The invention consists of a biodegradable composition containing essential oils from Brazilian plants (Coelho et al., 2014).

[0022] . Biogels use cassava starch as a base and are enriched with bioactive compounds (Castagnino & Orsi, 2012).

[0023] . The concentrations of essential oils were optimized to ensure selective toxicity to the mite and safety to the bees.

[0024] . The biogel is applied directly to the brood frames of the beehives.

[0025] . The hygienic behavior of bees facilitates the distribution of biogel. Petition 870250012826, dated 02 / 17 / 2025, page 14 / 22 / 5 throughout the hive (Silva, 2021).

[0026] . In addition to its acaricidal function, biogel does not interfere with the population development of bees (Souza et al., 2021).

[0027] . The product is economical, viable for large-scale production, and leaves no residue in bee products. Test Substance

[0028] . The tests used essential oils obtained by distillation of native Brazilian plants (Imdorf et al., 1996).

[0029] . Thymol, α-pinene and (S)-limonene were analyzed as the main acaricidal compounds (Mondet et al., 2014).

[0030] . Chromatographic analyses confirmed the presence and proportion of these compounds in essential oils (Silva, 2021).

[0031] . The biogels were tested on Apis mellifera and Varroa destructor bees.

[0032] . In vitro tests have shown high efficacy in controlling mites without compromising bee survival.

[0033] . In the field, biogels maintained the health of the hives and reduced Varroa infestation. Essential Oils Used

[0034] . Lippia origanoides was the main source of thymol, with a concentration of 70.51%.

[0035] . Schinus terebinthifolia provided α-pinene in a ratio of 27.27%.

[0036] . Croton jacobinensis presented (S)-limonene as the major compound (Coelho et al., 2014).

[0037] . The plants were selected for their availability in the Caatinga and their history of traditional use.

[0038] . The extraction was carried out by steam distillation, optimizing the yield of the oils (Imdorf et al., 1996).

[0039] . The oils were tested individually and in combinations. Petition 870250012826, dated 17 / 02 / 2025, p. 15 / 22 / 5 to maximize acaricidal efficiency. Examples of Implementations of the Invention

[0040] . The first example consists of the formulation of biogels with 10% of Lippia origanoides.

[0041] . This biogel demonstrated 90% mite mortality under laboratory conditions.

[0042] . The second example used 25% Schinus terebinthifolia oil, effective against 85% of mites.

[0043] . A third formulation with 25% Croton jacobinensis showed similar efficacy to the second example.

[0044] . Biogels were applied to infested beehives for a period of days.

[0045] . The bees continued to develop normally, without significant changes in the population (Silva, 2021).

[0046] . A fourth example combined the three essential oils, resulting in an effectiveness of over 95% against mites.

[0047] . The combination also demonstrated greater stability and homogeneous dissemination in the hive.

[0048] . The fifth example explored the ability of biogel to act on different biological stages of Varroa destructor.

[0049] . In field tests, beehives treated with biogels showed improved productivity.

[0050] . The invention presents an innovative and sustainable solution for the control of Varroa destructor.

[0051] . The use of native Brazilian plants values ​​local resources and promotes ecological beekeeping.

[0052] . Biogels offer safety to bees and to end consumers of bee products.

[0053] . Experimental results prove the effectiveness and feasibility of the invention.

[0054] . The present invention represents a significant advance for the Petition 870250012826, dated 02 / 17 / 2025, page 16 / 22 / 5 beekeeping management.

[0055] . It contributes to sustainability and innovation in the field of applied biotechnology.

[0056] . The registration of this patent guarantees protection for the technology and encourages the continuation of research in the area. Petition 870250012826, dated 02 / 17 / 2025, page 17 / 22

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. Process for obtaining the product composition, characterized by comprising the following steps: a) Selection of raw materials: Cassava starch is chosen as the base due to its biodegradability and affordable cost. The essential oils of Lippia origanoides, Schinus terebinthifolia, and Croton jacobinensis are extracted from native plants, prioritizing sustainable cultivation and harvesting methods. b) Extraction of essential oils: Performed by steam distillation, ensuring high purity of bioactive compounds such as thymol, α-pinene, and (S)limonene. This step uses specialized equipment to optimize yield without compromising the chemical integrity of the compounds. c) Preparation of the biogel matrix: Cassava starch is dissolved in water under controlled heating, creating a viscous solution. The essential oils are slowly incorporated into the matrix, under constant stirring, to form a homogeneous and stable composition.d) Chemical analyses and stability tests: Laboratory tests evaluate acaricidal efficacy against Varroa destructor and compatibility with the beekeeping environment. Stability tests verify the maintenance of physicochemical properties over time. e) Packaging and storage: The biogel is packaged in airtight containers to prevent contamination and loss of efficacy. Stored at room temperature, the product maintains its acaricidal properties for extended periods.

2. Biodegradable biogel composition, characterized by containing cassava starch as a base and essential oils from native Brazilian plants in optimized concentrations for the control of Varroa destructor, promoting acaricidal efficacy and environmental sustainability according to the results presented in the Field of the Invention. Petition 870250012826, dated 02 / 17 / 2025, page 18 / 22 2 / 3 3. Biogel containing 10% Lippia origanoides essential oil, characterized by its ability to cause 90% mortality of mites under laboratory conditions, as shown in Figure 1, with proven safety for bees and compatibility with the bee population, integrating with the ecological principles discussed.

4. Biogel with 25% Schinus terebinthifolia essential oil, characterized by its effectiveness against 85% of mites, chemical stability, and compatibility with the hygienic behavior of bees, promoting productive and healthy hives, according to the concepts developed in the invention description.

5. Biogel containing 25% Croton jacobinensis essential oil, characterized by its effective acaricidal action under field conditions and proven stability, with safe practical application as shown in Figure 2, standing out in terms of stability and safety results.

6. Biogel composition with a combination of essential oils (Lippia, Schinus, Croton), characterized by an efficacy greater than 95% against Varroa destructor, with homogeneous dissemination guaranteed by the natural behavior of bees and an optimized composition as detailed in Figure 3.

7. Biodegradable biogel applied directly to the brood frames, characterized by its homogeneous dissemination through the hygienic behavior of the bees, efficiently covering the entire hive, as evidenced in the description of the application examples.

8. Biogel composition characterized by not interfering with the population development of bee colonies, promoting productive colonies with stability and environmental safety, as shown in Figure 3 and the results described in the Test Substance.

9. Biogel with chemical stability and biodegradability, characterized by its absence of residues in bee products such as honey and wax, maintaining the purity and value of the final products, based on the experimental results described in the embodiment examples.

10. Biogel manufacturing process, characterized by including the homogeneous mixture of essential oils in a cassava starch matrix, as shown in Figure 4, ensuring chemical homogeneity and preserved acaricidal properties.

11. Biodegradable biogel containing 10% Lippia origanoides essential oil, characterized by the presence of the compound thymol in high concentration (70.51%), associated with high acaricidal efficacy and environmental compatibility highlighted in the Fundamentals of the Invention.

12. Biogel containing 25% essential oil of Schinus terebinthifolia, characterized by the presence of the compound α-pinene as the main acaricidal active ingredient, with proven stability and ecological safety evidenced in laboratory tests.

13. Biodegradable biogel containing 25% Croton jacobinensis essential oil, characterized by its effectiveness due to the (S)-limonene compound, providing prolonged stability and effective field control, aligned with the results of the Test Substances.

14. Final biogel product, characterized by its application in diverse climates and environmental conditions without loss of efficacy, guaranteeing stability in the field and reinforcing the principles of ecological sustainability presented.

15. Biogel applied every 15 days, characterized by ensuring prolonged control of Varroa destructor in beehives, consistently reducing infestation as shown in Figure 4, integrated with the management practices described.

16. Biogel formulated with essential oils from native Brazilian plants, characterized by its contribution to ecological beekeeping and environmental sustainability, with low operational cost and high positive impact, as per the practical examples discussed. Petition 870250012826, dated 02 / 17 / 2025, pp. 20 / 22

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