Biocompatible carrier formulations based on modified starch for plant protection and plant growth stimulation or cosmetics and personal care

Abstract

A composition comprising a starch having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% and a weight average molar mass of about 10 5 Up to 10 8 g / mol range; a salt selected from alkali metal salts and / or alkaline earth metal salts; and water. The viscous formulation is particularly preferably suitable for use in the fields of agriculture, horticulture and forestry to reduce the washing of plant protection products, irritants and fertilizers by forming a film, or in seed coating and animal husbandry to reduce soil adhesion and dust formation erosion, thereby improving plant production efficiency. In addition, the formulation can also be used as a substitute for synthetic polymers in cosmetics and personal care products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aqueous composition or formulation comprising hydroxyalkyl starch, a film obtained from the composition, a seed, soil, plant or plant part or animal feed comprising a coating obtainable from the composition, the use of the composition in agriculture and cosmetics, and a cosmetic comprising the composition. Background Art

[0002] In general, starch is a natural polysaccharide with a very wide range of uses, the use of which depends on the origin, granule structure, accompanying substances, amylose / amylopectin ratio and molar mass distribution. Therefore, native and modified starches are used in food, beverages and fertilizers, fermentation processes, paper and corrugated board production, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, etc. An important parameter that determines the properties of modified starches is the amylose content. Most starchy fruits, plants and vegetables have an amylose content of less than 30%. The term high amylose starch (HAS) has no clear definition, we would like to propose that HAS involves an amylose content higher than 30% of the dry matter.

[0003] Modified HAS as a food additive can improve gel formation ability, freeze-thaw stability and thickening properties (W. Vorwerg, J. Dijksterhuis, J. Borghuis, S. Radosta and A. Starch 2004,56,297-306; IAWolff,HADavis,JECluskey,LJGundrum,and CERist,Industrial&Engineering Chemistry 1951,43(4),915-919).

[0004] Most polymers used recently in agriculture are of synthetic or natural origin (F. Puoci, F. Iemma, UG Spizzirri, G. Cirillo, M. Curcio and N. Picci. American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences 2008, 3, 299-314).

[0005] Although some of these polymers come from natural sources, such as guar gum, alginic acid, pectin, chitosan, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), etc., they can only be isolated to a limited extent and through complex processes, resulting in limited supply and high prices of the resulting products. As achieving more efficient and sustainable agricultural development is a global challenge, optimizing starch-based products represents a huge interest for global plant production. On the one hand, starch can be found in large quantities as a storage polysaccharide in many plants, vegetables and fruits. On the other hand, extraction is the standard process, with an annual production of 88 million tons in 2018 (https: / / www.imarcgroup.com / native-starch-market). This means that starch has a relatively low price, providing an attractive source of biopolymers for many different product developments. In addition, starch is biodegradable and biocompatible.

[0006] Leaf Cover

[0007] Premature washing of pesticides or fertilizers from leaves by rainfall, irrigation or other means greatly reduces their effectiveness, causes complex environmental problems in the soil and leads to unnecessary transfer of chemicals into groundwater. Most active ingredients in plant protection products are present in very small quantities or are insoluble in water. Therefore, a major part of these formulations is an emulsifier or surfactant to form a sprayable aqueous dispersion. On the other hand, the washing effect of these chemicals on leaves is enhanced by rainfall and irrigation.

[0008] Commonly used adhesives are based on surfactants or mineral oils and reduce surface tension for better spreading or formation of an oil film on leaves and soil. As a result, the natural cuticular wax layer on the leaves is removed or partially dissolved, which can induce plant stress. The leaf wax layer naturally protects the plant from dehydration and surface moisture. If this layer is affected by chemicals, the plant's initial reaction is leaf wilting, which in the long term leads to slower growth and reduced crop yields.

[0009] Patent US 2003 / 0109384 describes a solid formulation of dispersible starch with a biologically active substance and additional surfactants and adjuvants. The patent describes a solid formulation dispersible in water, which consists of a modified starch (such as an ester or ether), a biologically active agricultural material (such as a herbicide, insecticide and fungicide) and an optional surfactant or adjuvant.

[0010] Soil cover

[0011] Preventing soil erosion, especially in agricultural landscapes, is one of the main challenges for crop cultivation. The loss of materials such as organic matter, seeds or fertilizers by wind and water reduces the fertility of the soil and crop yields to a great extent. One solution to prevent soil migration, accumulation and leaching is to treat the soil surface with a polymer material that is preferably natural or synthetic. The bonded soil particles are more resistant to mechanical impacts of rain, running water and wind. Patent US 9,771,516 proposes a mixture comprising a ground film and a covering composition, wherein the covering composition comprises bentonite and a cellulose water-dispersible polymer or starch.

[0012] Patent US 5,125,770 describes the extensive use of a mixture of pregelatinized starch and a surfactant for stabilizing soil and reducing erosion.

[0013] According to patent US Pat. No. 2,957,834, the soil surface is stabilized by applying a solution of cold-water swollen starch containing formaldehyde as a crosslinking agent, which solution is formed into a synthetic resin by adding urea, melamine, phenol, dicyandiamide and acetone as further additives.

[0014] Seed coating

[0015] Seeds are often coated or pelleted to protect against mechanical or drought stress, bacterial or fungal damage, and attack by insects, birds and rodents. Another importance of seed coating is to support the seed during germination and early growth with coatings containing pesticides, fertilizers and biostimulants. Abrasion of the seed coating during sawing can induce serious environmental pollution, especially when fungicides, insecticides or bactericides are used. Therefore, one of the main challenges of seed coating is to reduce dust formation. It seems reasonable to use polymers as final or intermediate coatings during seed preparation. Ideally, this type of polymer should be easily biodegradable and also have the desired effect of protecting growth or stimulating growth.

[0016] Patent WO 99 / 57959 discloses a film-coated seed formed by film coating the seed with a starch-based (e.g., polysaccharide), water-dispersible or water-soluble polymer. The polysaccharide polymer is preferably produced by jet cooking starch. One or more beneficial additives may be included in the film coating, such as only an adhesive or binder; a plasticizer; a colorant or dye; a hydrophobic and / or hydrophilic material; an insecticide, fungicide or herbicide; a bacterial inoculant; a nutrient; and a plant growth regulator. About 0.1 to 0.5 wt% is usually added to the seed in a slurry treatment, and about 0.5 to 2 wt% is usually added to the seed in a film coating.

[0017] Patent US 2019 / 0150354 A1 proposes a polymer mixed seed coating formula formed by cross-linked amylose or amylopectin. Among them, the other ingredient, the second binder, is a synthetic polymer or modified guar gum. It is worth pointing out that the separation process of amylose is very special and challenging.

[0018] Patent WO 99 / 51210 mentions a coating comprising modified starch and a plasticizer.

[0019] Another form of starch is used as a superabsorbent fertilizer and micronutrient.

[0020] US Patent No. 7,423,106 discloses a superabsorbent polymer product for agricultural applications, which is made by the following steps: providing a grafting reactant and starch; grafting the grafting reactant onto starch to form a starch graft copolymer; saponifying the starch graft copolymer; precipitating the saponified starch graft copolymer; and granulating the precipitated starch graft copolymer to form particles with a density between about 30 pounds per cubic foot and about 35 pounds per cubic foot. However, the starch-based polymer particles may have limited penetration into the soil compared to starch dispersions or solutions. In addition, the synthetic copolymer grafted onto the starch backbone has reduced biodegradability and may produce toxic effects after starch degradation.

[0021] Root Cover

[0022] Patent US 7,607,259 proposes a superabsorbent polymer hydrogel for "root dipping" to improve storage, transportation or planting of exposed roots. The main ingredient is a cross-linked starch-based copolymer grafted with acrylamide or acrylic acid, which is formulated as a potassium salt and can be used for covering alone or in combination with at least one agricultural additive, such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and growth regulators. Due to the use of synthetic acrylamide / acrylic acid for grafting, the starch formulation has environmental issues and limited biodegradability and biocompatibility.

[0023] Dust Control

[0024] Dust in the air is a global phenomenon that can cause serious environmental, health and safety problems in areas such as mining facilities, agriculture, transportation, industry and construction. Dust particles can carry micro-fauna such as bacteria and viruses over thousands of kilometers, and the distribution of dust depends mainly on the size of the particles. Therefore, there is a need to bind fine dust particles in the air in an effective and environmentally friendly way.

[0025] In patent CA 2868855, a polymer dispersion is prepared by emulsion polymerization based on styrene or modified styrene, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid esters, acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile, ethylenically unsaturated monomers and native, modified or degraded modified starch. It is believed that biodegradability is affected by the formulation of the synthetic monomers.

[0026] US Pat. No. 6,090,875 proposes a similar formulation, which includes a hydrolyzate of a starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer, and a partially neutralized starch-acrylic acid or starch-polyvinyl alcohol graft copolymer.

[0027] Cosmetics and Personal Care

[0028] Polymers are widely used in cosmetic and personal care applications. The range and types of polymers are very wide. Generally, polymers of synthetic or silicon origin are used as thickeners, emulsifiers, barrier agents, film formers, wetting agents and for increasing aesthetics. In particular, microplastics and soluble plastics made of polyacrylates (preferably carbomers) are often used in cosmetics, causing environmental problems. In cosmetic and personal care products, there is a great demand for natural, easily biodegradable and biocompatible alternatives to polymers from synthetic or petrochemical sources.

[0029] In patent EP 1 389 459, the inventors describe a hydrocolloid formulation made of hydroxypropyl starch phosphate that improves the availability of active substances in cosmetic and dermatological preparations. Hydroxypropyl starch is crosslinked with phosphate and is included in a proportion of 0.1 to 10 wt%. This colloid formulation can be used alone or in combination with other hydrocolloids and is particularly suitable for skin care applications.

[0030] Patent US 7,361,363 likewise proposes a formulation comprising hydroxypropyl starch cross-linked with phosphate bridges with a high glycerol content, potentially fatty alcohols and additional surfactants, which is said to be a cosmetic formulation providing a "silky feel".

[0031] In summary, for better processing of starch, e.g. for coating purposes, highly soluble starch or starch products would be beneficial.

[0032] Starch referred to as dissolved starch is usually gelatinized starch, which consists of highly swollen starch granule fragments as well as microgels and partially dissolved starch polysaccharides. The dissolved starch polysaccharides can be present as more or less small fractions. Therefore, these aqueous starch dispersions may show the disadvantage of phase separation and even the phenomenon of gel formation backflow. The optimal dissolved state of starch is obtained by jet cooking at a temperature greater than 120 ° C or a pH value greater than 12 or by chemical modification.

[0033] In summary, the known chemically modified starches do not have the advantageous characteristics of being water-soluble, not requiring plasticizers to form suitable films, and have limited biodegradability. It is also necessary to prepare aqueous dispersions in situ by additional equipment. Aqueous dispersions can be mixed with various plant protection and stimulating substances, but the pot life and storage time may also be limited.

[0034] Replacing synthetic polymers in commercial aqueous plant protection and growth stimulation dispersions may increase the input (dispersion preparation) and application risks due to limited storage stability.

[0035] Purpose of the Invention

[0036] The object of the present invention is to develop a long-term stable aqueous composition suitable for forming a film covering, in particular for covering leaves, seeds, roots or soil or other materials, or for modifying the properties of cosmetics. Preferably, the composition is biodegradable. Summary of the invention

[0037] The present invention provides a composition comprising:

[0038] Hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion, the linear starch content of at least 30% by weight, the weight average molar mass of about 10 5 g / mol to about 10 8 g / mol, preferably about 10 5 g / mol to about 4·10 7 Between g / mol.

[0039] Furthermore, the formulation contains a salt selected from alkali metal salts and / or alkaline earth metal salts, as well as water.

[0040] The composition, in its general case or in one or more specific embodiments, has one or more of the following advantages.

[0041] -Biodegradable

[0042] -Available at any time

[0043] -Easy to handle

[0044] -Based on modified starch with high molar mass

[0045] - Mainly neutral substituents

[0046] -Compatible with various plant protection compounds and cosmetic ingredients in aqueous systems

[0047] -Can be prepared into water-based viscoelastic formulations

[0048] - Long-term stability over several weeks

[0049] - Possess one or more of the following functional properties: thickening, viscosity adjustment, film forming, moisturizing, barrier forming, wetting, adhesion, delayed delivery of added chemical and biological compounds

[0050] In addition, the composition in its general case or in one or more specific embodiments has one or more of the following advantages.

[0051] Hydroxyalkylation improves the applicability of HAS. Depending on the degree of substitution and the distribution of substituents, water-soluble starches can be developed, preferably soluble in water at 25°C in the amounts described below, while high molecular weight starch products can be developed. We observed no significant molecular degradation when hydroxyalkylation occurred.

[0052] In previous starch coating compositions, the prior art compositions contain a significant portion of swollen starch granules. Such formulations may result in phase separation and viscosity changes. Another important problem is the processability of aqueous starch dispersions due to retrogradation. The present invention overcomes these problems and preferably provides a hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion that is primarily in solution.

[0053] The present invention relates to aqueous formulations of polymer modified starches which are particularly advantageous in two main application areas, but are not limited thereto. The first area is primarily concerned with agriculture, orchards, seed treatment, vegetable cultivation, ornamental plants, lawns, landscape construction and protection or forest cultivation and feed. The second area focuses on use as an ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.

[0054] Modified starches exhibit compatibility or miscibility with a wide range of chemical and biological compounds and can be incorporated at various concentrations. In addition, liquid starch formulations are ready to use and easy to handle, with long-term stable viscosity, co-emulsification, binding and adhesive properties, and do not require plasticizers to form films by dehydration or drying.

[0055] The aqueous liquid composition shows effectiveness in coating seeds, soil, plants or plant parts or animal feed and in use as a carrier matrix, dust binder or to prevent dust formation. In addition, the modified starch composition is a biocompatible ingredient suitable as a replacement for synthetic additives in plant protection, fertilizers and cosmetic or personal care products.

[0056] The present invention describes an aqueous, non-coagulating viscous formulation with long-term stability based on a large number of uniformly modified polymers and high-amylose starch ethers, which has advantages such as thickening, viscosity adjustment, bonding, adhesive strength, co-emulsification, film formation without any plasticizers, and compatibility with many chemical and biological substances.

[0057] Due to the use of starch as a base, the formulation has a renewable source, is inexpensive, easily biodegradable and biocompatible. In agricultural applications, the formulation shows surprising effects even when applied to plant parts and soil at low concentrations of 1-2L / ha. If plants are treated with a mixture of an aqueous starch ether formulation and a harmful plant protection product (PPP), the plants show a significantly reduced stress response. The starch film reduces the washout of rainfall and irrigation and slowly releases the PPP or irritant products contained in the starch film when it is re-wetted. Therefore, PPP can be used more effectively, avoiding or reducing soil and groundwater contamination. In the long term, plants are healthier, crop yields are higher, and overall they show greater resistance to stress. In addition, the formulation is suitable for application to soil as a binder for the topsoil layer to reduce erosion caused by wind, rainfall and irrigation. As a hydrophilic polymer, starch can increase the water holding capacity of the soil, thereby improving water utilization, reducing drought stress, improving root nutrient uptake and increasing microbial activity in the soil. In addition, starch can serve as nutrition for bacteria and fungi, thereby increasing the bioactivity of the microbiota, promoting plant growth, and facilitating the biodegradation of synthetic chemicals applied to the soil. In a further aspect, the aqueous starch ether formulation can be used as a carrier matrix for fertilizers, growth regulators, biostimulants and plant enhancers. Further applications relate to plant growth stimulation and landscape protection in horticulture, dust control in orchards or animal husbandry. As a significant difference from the modified starches of the prior art, the aqueous high-amylose starch ether formulation proposed herein can be stably stored for up to 24 months while maintaining viscoelasticity, pourability and its ready-to-use and easy-to-handle properties. In addition to its wide range of applications in agriculture, horticulture and landscape protection, the modified HAS starch can also meet special requirements in the field of cosmetics and personal care.

[0058] The new products are suitable for replacing polymers of petrochemical or synthetic origin (microplastics, soluble plastics) due to their thickening, viscosity adjustment, co-emulsification, moisturizing, film-forming and compatibility with many cosmetic or personal care ingredients.

[0059] The present invention uses hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moieties as raw materials for biodegradable polymers, which can solve well-known problems in agriculture, such as low efficiency of pesticides and fertilizers, environmental pollution and increased demand for arable land. Hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moieties can be produced at low cost and are biocompatible and biodegradable. These polymers have great potential to expand their use in agriculture.

[0060] Starches having the amylose content of the present invention have been found to be beneficial for foliar mulches, soil mulches, seed coatings, root mulches, dust control, and personal care and cosmetics due to their ability to form films.

[0061] The hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion in the composition of the present invention is preferably a non-granular and / or non-pregelatinized starch (portion). Thus, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion is better miscible with water, even highly soluble, rather than just water dispersible / swellable.

[0062] The hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch part in the composition of the present invention is able to form a homogeneous mixture, so that the film-forming property is significantly improved.

[0063] In order to form a uniform layer on the plant, roots or soil, no additives or additional polymers are required, such as softeners, expensive natural polymers (such as guar gum), or even synthetic polymers (such as polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl alcohol). Therefore, the composition of the present invention preferably does not contain such additives or additional polymers.

[0064] Preferably, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety of the present invention is not further grafted with non-glucose monomers.

[0065] Preferably, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety in the present invention is not further grafted with synthetic monomers (such as acrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylic acid, acrylonitrile, etc.) through free radical polymerization. Such synthetic polymers will reduce biocompatibility and biodegradability.

[0066] The present invention provides long-term applicability as a pourable, viscoelastic, homogeneous mixture and / or storage-stable composition.

[0067] The properties of modified starches can be further adjusted by the amylose / amylopectin content, average molecular weight, crosslinking, additional substituents (such as ethers and esters), and degree of substitution.

[0068] In the cosmetic field, the long-term viscoelastic properties of starch formulations are particularly important.

[0069] The invention allows the incorporation of plant protection products in film-forming polymer dispersions, a solution that produces a layer on the leaves that reduces the wash-off of biological or chemical agents and has the additional advantage of a slow release. Plant protection products can thus be used more effectively, the required amounts can be reduced and environmental pollution by chemical protectants can be reduced.

[0070] The invention can be applied in a wide range of areas. Even though the examples focus on the suitability for coating seeds, soil, plants or plant parts, in particular as carrier matrices for agrochemicals, biomaterials and cosmetic and personal care ingredients, this does not limit its application areas.

[0071] Detailed description

[0072] If in this specification, a number or term is expressed as "about", the exact value or term is included. For example, "about 1" includes 1.

[0073] If in the present description only hydroxyalkyl starch is mentioned, the term also includes the hydroxyalkyl starch moiety, unless otherwise stated.

[0074] The composition is a water-based formula.

[0075] The salt is at least partially soluble in the water, preferably completely soluble in the water.

[0076] The amylose content preferably relates to the total mass of the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch fraction, preferably on a dry basis.

[0077] The amylose content can more preferably be determined in the starting starch or starting starch fraction, i.e. the starch or starch fraction before functionalization with hydroxyalkyl groups, preferably on a dry basis. However, it has been shown that this value does not differ from the amylose content relative to the total mass of the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch fraction, preferably on a dry basis.

[0078] The weight average molar mass relates to the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety, ie the starch or starch moiety functionalized with hydroxyalkyl groups.

[0079] The upper limit of amylose may be 99 wt%, or 95 wt%, or 90 wt%.

[0080] The weight average molar mass may depend on the amylose content. If the amylose content is high, for example 99 wt%, the substance is a starch fraction consisting mainly of amylose. The higher the amylose content, the lower the molar mass is preferred, until the lower limit of the weight average molar mass is about 10 5 g / mol, which is preferably the weight average molar mass of the pure or isolated hydroxyalkyl amylose.

[0081] If the amylose content increases, the weight-average molar mass preferably also increases, preferably until an upper limit of 10 is reached. 8 g / mol, or 4·10 7 g / mol. The starch at this time is hydroxyalkylated high-amylose starch.

[0082] In the prior art, starches having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% are known and commercially available. Each of the available starches having an amylose content of at least 30 wt% is suitable for optimization by a specific etherification process, depending on the type of starch, since the amylose content, granular structure and concomitants are different.

[0083] Another upper limit of the weight-average molar mass is 5·10 7 g / mol, which can be combined with any of the lower limits mentioned.

[0084] In the composition, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch part can be present mainly in a dissolved manner. Dissolved means preferably molecularly dispersed. Preferably, relative to the total mass of the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch part in the composition of the present invention, preferably relative to the dry matter of the starch / starch part, more than 50wt% of the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch part is dissolved, more preferably at least 60wt%, at least 70wt%, at least 80wt%, at least 90wt%, or at least 95wt%. In the composition, some hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch part, which can be the remainder of the starch or starch part that is not completely dissolved, can be present in the form of colloids (e.g., microgels) and / or swollen particles, preferably in the form of colloids.

[0085] The formulation is a liquid formulation, also referred to as the liquid formulation below. The liquid formulation is completely miscible with water in any proportion.

[0086] The salt may further serve as a liquid fertilizer or a pH buffering substance or both.

[0087] The liquid formulation is capable of forming a film after (partial) drying. It was found that foils and products obtained or obtainable from the composition have good film-forming properties.

[0088] Preferably, the composition and the formed films obtained therefrom do not contain any non-biodegradable chemical additives or plasticizers.

[0089] Preferably, the composition and formed films obtained therefrom are fully biodegradable.

[0090] Preferably, the composition has co-emulsifying properties. Miscibility of the fatty acid can be obtained without the addition of surfactants, at least 15 vol% of the aqueous solution formulation. The chemical composition of the fatty acid affects its miscibility with the aqueous solution formulation.

[0091] Liquid formulations can be used after mixing with active substances (also called active ingredients) that can be applied to plants, plant parts, seeds or soil as well as cosmetics and plant care products.

[0092] The liquid formulation can be used together with the active substance, ie when the active substance is contained in the composition.

[0093] The liquid formulation is preferably used in the following fields: agriculture (e.g. plant production, lawns, orchards, plantations, specialty cultivation, floriculture), forestry, greenhouses, home gardens, nurseries, indoor farming, animal husbandry and cosmetics and personal care.

[0094] The composition is particularly suitable for seed coating, seed pelleting, soil covering, dust suppression (exemplary applications are feed, feed mills, orchids, mining), anti-runoff, plant coating, leaf coating, root coating, fruit and vegetable coating, as a carrier matrix for plant protection products, plant growth stimulants and stand-alone biostimulants. In general, the formulation is suitable for anything that needs coating and pelleting.

[0095] Seed pelleting in the preferred sense refers to the process of coating small or irregularly shaped seeds with an inert material to make them round and uniform. Seed coating in the preferred sense refers to a thicker form of covering of seeds that may include fertilizers, growth promoters and or seed treatment agents as well as inert carriers and polymer shells.

[0096] In the present invention, advantageous results are obtained if the base starch is derived from a high-amylose starch and has an amylose content of not less than 30%, preferably at least 50%. By hydroxyalkylation, preferably under mild conditions, a very low proportion of poorly soluble components can be obtained.

[0097] After hydroxyalkylation, amorphous, non-degraded, molecularly and / or colloidally dispersed starch derivatives can be obtained.

[0098] The composition of the present invention can obtain a viscoelastic aqueous composition. The composition preferably has long-term stability, and the starch in the composition is non-degradable and exhibits an excellent and lasting solution state. The composition can be further processed by known methods, such as spraying, spreading and pouring.

[0099] The liquid formulation can be easily mixed with water in any proportion, i.e., there is no phase separation. In other words, the liquid formulation is completely or almost completely soluble in water in any proportion.

[0100] The viscosity of the liquid formulation depends on the concentration of the modified starch and the content of the ingredients and decreases with increasing water content. The dynamic viscosity ranges from 0.1 to 2.5 Pa·s (at 25°C and 30s -1 The measuring method is described in the Examples section.

[0101] The liquid formula has excellent film-forming properties even without the addition of plasticizers such as glycerol, sorbitol, polyethylene glycol or glucose. The liquid formula can be used as the aqueous component in a mixture or as a neat product.

[0102] The composition is reversely water soluble. This means that the composition can be dried and rehydrated to prepare an aqueous solution.

[0103] The composition can be used as a delayed release matrix. In this composition, active substances, such as agricultural chemicals or plant enhancers or cosmetic ingredients, can be included and released over time.

[0104] Liquid formulations, especially formulations with low salt content, can be used in cosmetics and personal care products. The composition of the present invention or the film obtained from the composition can be used as or in cosmetics or personal care products, preferably as a thickener, co-emulsifier, film former, wetting agent, adhesive, protective barrier and viscosity regulator.

[0105] The preferred starch modification of the present invention is etherification. The basic method is described in the literature Rutenberg, M., W. and Solarek, D.: Starch derivatives, production and uses. Book: Starch: Chemistry and Technology (Ed. Whister, L.) p. 343-349 (1984) and the publication Roth, WB, Mehltretter, CL: Some properties of hydroxy propylated amylomaize starch films. Food Technol. Vol. 21, p. 72-74 (1967). The hydroxyalkylated, preferably hydroxypropylated, starch prepared according to these methods can be dispersed in water at room temperature or by jet cooking.

[0106] The undegraded hydroxyalkylated starch is soluble in water in the composition, and its film properties are affected by the amylose content and the type of starch used. A high value can produce a film with higher mechanical strength and more flexibility. Another additional factor affecting good film forming and long-term stable viscosity is the type of substituent, the optimal MS value and the distribution of the substituents along the carbohydrate backbone, where higher homogeneity will obtain better film forming and longer stability. In the present invention, when the amylose content is low, it is not necessary to use plasticizers or other synthetic additives or biopolymer additives to support film formation, nor is it necessary to reduce brittleness to support film formation.

[0107] The present invention overcomes the problems of unmodified starches. In the case of film formation, unmodified starches have proven to be suitable only for complete dissolution of the starch by pressure cooking at temperatures above 110° C. and for processing starch solutions at higher temperatures due to retrogradation. The gelatinization of starch obtained by cooking starch in water at high temperatures leads to inhomogeneous aqueous dispersions with only a partially dissolved amount of starch and a relatively high proportion of supramolecular structures.

[0108] The present invention allows a certain degree of substitution on the linear polysaccharide chain and the outer chain of the branched polysaccharide, wherein the distribution of the substituents is substantially uniform. This chemical structure is conducive to long-term stable viscosity to prevent precipitation and phase separation in the aqueous system of the modified starch product. The degree of substitution can be adjusted according to the starch type and the amylose content. In this sense, the foundation of the aqueous modified starch formulation with long-term stable rheological properties can be laid. The specific determination method is described in the embodiment section.

[0109] Thus, the present invention provides a composition wherein the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety is substantially uniformly substituted.

[0110] The amylose content was determined by amperometric method. The specific method is described in the Examples section.

[0111] The alkyl group in the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety is preferably selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl (n-propyl or isopropyl), butyl (n-butyl, isobutyl or tert-butyl). A very suitable hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety is hydroxypropyl starch or hydroxypropyl starch moiety, wherein the propyl group is preferably n-propyl.

[0112] In one embodiment of the composition, the content of hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion in the composition is about 5 to about 25 wt% (weight percentage) relative to the entire composition, preferably about 5 to 20 wt%, more preferably 7 to 15 wt%, more preferably 8 to 12 wt%.

[0113] In one embodiment of the composition, the content of the salt is 0.01 to about 10 wt %, preferably 0.02 to about 10 wt %, more preferably 0.05 to about 10 wt %, or 0.05 to 8 wt % relative to the entire composition.

[0114] When the composition is used in agricultural fields, a further range of the salt is preferably about 2 to 10 wt%, preferably 5 to 9 wt%, more preferably 6 to 8 wt%.

[0115] When the composition is used for cosmetics and personal care, a further range of the salt is preferably about 0.01 to 10 wt%, preferably 0.01 to 5 wt%, more preferably 0.01 to 2 wt%.

[0116] In one embodiment of the formulation, the molar substitution (MS) of the modified starch is from 0.05 to about 0.8, preferably from about 0.2 to about 0.7, more preferably from 0.3 to 0.6. Preferably, this value is adjusted according to the amylose content of the starting starch or its components. The measurement method is described in the Examples section. MS is related to all substituted available hydroxyl groups, particularly at the C2, C3 and C6 positions of the anhydroglucose unit, and is also related to the hydroxyl groups contained in the substituents. Therefore, MS includes other oxyalkylene moieties on the hydroxyl groups of one or more functional groups (which are connected to C2, C3 or C6 in the anhydroglucose unit). MS reflects the average molar number of oxyalkylene groups directly and indirectly connected to the anhydroglucose unit.

[0117] The degree of substitution (DS) is only related to the ether groups introduced at the C2, C3 or C6 positions in the anhydroglucose unit. DS reflects the number average of the hydroxyl groups substituted in the anhydroglucose unit. Therefore, compared with MS, DS does not include indirectly connected oxyalkylene moieties.

[0118] In the case of uniform substitution of starch, the anhydroglucose units have substituents of a statistical value, depending on the determined degree of substitution DS. In the case of DS=1, each anhydroglucose unit has a substituent. In the case of DS=0.5, each second glucose unit has a substituent, or in other words, 50% of the pyranose rings are substituted and 50% are not substituted. In the case of non-uniform substitution, some pyranose rings have multiple substituents (disubstituted, trisubstituted). In the case of DS=0.5, after complete hydrolysis of the starch polymer, 50% (very uniform substitution) or more than 50% (the larger the value, the more non-uniform the substitution) of unsubstituted glucose can be found as an additional feature.

[0119] The value of the degree of substitution (DS) is preferably 20-90% of the molar substitution (MS) value. DS can be determined by the synthesis conditions, such as excess oxyalkylene, pH, temperature, starch concentration, reaction time. DS can be in the range of about 0.01 to about 0.72, about 0.04 to about 0.63, about 0.06 to about 0.54, about 0.025 to about 0.6, about 0.1 to about 0.5, about 0.15 to about 0.4, or about 0.1 to about 0.5.

[0120] The proportion of unsubstituted glucose units in the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch part of the present invention is preferably 1-DS. The proportion of unsubstituted glucose units in the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch part of the present invention is preferably 0.4 to 0.975, 0.5 to 0.9, or 0.6 to 0.85. These values ​​can be expressed as percentages or multiplied by 100 to express MS and DS.

[0121] In one embodiment of the composition, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion has a predominantly non-granular, amorphous structure. The term "predominantly" means that at least 95 wt% of the starch or starch portion has a non-granular, amorphous structure relative to the total mass of the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion in the composition of the invention, preferably based on the dry matter of the starch / its components.

[0122] In one embodiment of the composition of the present invention, the salt has an oxygen group element or nitrogen group element comprising an anion.

[0123] In one embodiment of the composition, the anion is selected from phosphate, hydrogenphosphate, sulfate, hydrogensulfate or acetate.

[0124] In one embodiment of the composition, the salt is selected from sodium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium hydrogen sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium phosphate, potassium hydrogen sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium acetate, potassium acetate, calcium acetate.

[0125] In one embodiment of the composition, the composition further comprises an ingredient selected from terpenes, humic substances, agrochemicals, biostimulants, plant enhancers or preservatives, preferably preservatives capable of preventing microbial and fungal activity.

[0126] The amount of the ingredients in the composition (liquid formulation) of the present invention may be 0.001 to 10 wt %, or 0.001 to 5 wt %, 0.001 to 2 wt %, 0.001 to 1 wt %, or 0.001 to 0.1 wt % relative to the entire composition.

[0127] In the present invention, the agrochemical is preferably selected from fertilizers, plant protection products or plant growth regulators.

[0128] Plant protection products can be pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, miticides, nematicides or molluscicides.

[0129] Plant protection products suitable for the present invention, in particular single active ingredients or combined active ingredients (without limiting the specific quantity), are listed in the "List of Plant Protection Products Authorized in Germany and Information on Termination of Authorization" (Date: January 2020) published by the German Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. An electronic version of the list can be obtained from the following website: www.bvl.bund.de / infoppp (select the link "Concise List of Plant Protection Products (Date: January 2020)" on the English webpage of the February 28, 2020 version) or www.bvl.bund.de / infopsm (select the link "List of Plant Protection Products Authorized in Germany and Information on Termination of Authorization (Date: January 2020)" on the German webpage of the February 28, 2020 version).

[0130] Particularly suitable herbicides are listed in the table below.

[0131] (HRAC = Herbicide Resistance Action Committee)

[0132]

[0133]

[0134]

[0135] https: / / pflanzenschutzdienst.rp-giessen.de / ackerbau / pflanzenschutzempfehlungen-ackerbau / wintergetreide-allgemein / uncover-und-ungraskontrolle / webersicht-ueber-herbizid-wirkstoffklassen /

[0136] The plant protection products may be plant protection products of natural origin.

[0137] Fertilizers may be synthetic or of organic origin.

[0138] The composition comprising terpenes is preferably free from microbial activity. The terpenes are preferably monoterpenes, preferably geraniol. The content of terpenes can be about 0.05 to 0.2 wt %, preferably about 0.05 to 0.15 wt % of the composition.

[0139] The biostimulant is preferably selected from the following compounds: amino acids, peptides, antioxidants or products from microbial fermentation and algae.

[0140] The composition may be further diluted in an aqueous solvent. The composition may be diluted with a compound selected from terpenes, humic substances, agrochemicals, biostimulants or plant enhancers.

[0141] In one embodiment, the composition is free of plasticizers.

[0142] In one embodiment, the composition is free of non-biodegradable additives.

[0143] In one embodiment, the composition is biodegradable, preferably fully (100%) biodegradable.

[0144] In one embodiment, the formulation includes a preservative substance capable of preventing microbial and fungal activity, preferably selected from medium-chain or long-chain carboxylic acids and carboxylates, vegetable oils, essential oils, sorbic acid and sorbates, benzoic acid and benzoates, chitosan, isothiazolinone and benzisothiazolinone, and may be present in an amount of about 0.01 to 0.3 wt %, preferably about 0.01 to 0.15 wt %, of the formulation.

[0145] In one embodiment, the hydroxyalkyl starch or the hydroxyalkyl starch portion is crosslinked. Crosslinking can be used to adjust the viscosity and is particularly suitable for use in the cosmetic field. Useful crosslinking agents are: low molecular weight aldehydes, dialdehydes, ketones, diketones, oxidants, such as formaldehyde, glyoxal, glutaraldehyde, pyruvic acid; organic polyacid chlorides and their derivatives, such as pyruvic acid, glutaric acid, citric acid, adipic acid, malonic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid; inorganic crosslinking agents, inorganic polyacids, basic chlorates (including chlorine in alkaline medium), phosgene, phosphorus oxychloride, polyphosphates, basic triphosphates, multifunctional silanes; epoxy compounds, their derivatives and reactive oligomers and polymers, such as epichlorohydrin, derivatives of epichlorohydrin, such as monofunctional and Polyfunctional glycidyl ethers, epoxy halides, substituted epoxides, polyepoxides; aliphatic dihalides, substituted polyethylene glycols, such as diethylene glycol dichloride, triethylene glycol dichloride; grafting agents that can be further reacted to crosslink, such as free radical-mediated crosslinking, polymerization of double bonds, such as acrylic acid derivatives, substituted acrylates, vinyl-containing compounds, aldehyde-amide-condensates; N,N-dimethylimidazolidinone-2 (DMEU), cyanuric chloride, biphenyl compounds, oxidized monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides, any type of borate crosslinking.

[0146] There are further variants of physically induced cross-linking: thermal processes (without water), including melting, hydrothermal processes (heat-water treatment), compounding, freeze-thaw processes. However, for the general purpose of the present invention, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moieties do not need to be cross-linked.

[0147] In one embodiment, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch portion has at least additional substituents or modifications. This refers to substituents other than hydroxyalkyl, or modifications other than hydroxyalkylation. Additional substituents can adjust the properties in agricultural uses and cosmetics, such as viscosity, film-forming properties, water solubility, gelling properties, water holding capacity, ion binding, introduced charge, hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity. Useful substituents / modifications are: any type of esters, ethers, any alkyl (branched or unbranched) group attached to the starch as an ether, with additional functional groups or heteroatoms (sulfur, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, boron) in the carbon chain, such as alkyl carboxylic acids, alkyl carboxylates, alkyl esters, alkyl ethers, hydroxyalkyl, carbamoylalkyl, oxidation of starch, reduction of starch, alkylamines, quaternary amines, quaternary alkylamines, alkylamides, alkylnitriles, carbamates, carbonates, alkylthiols, any type of inorganic groups, such as phosphates, sulfates, silanes, silanols, siloxanes, silyl ethers, nitro, thioketones, sulfides, sulfoxides, xanthates, thiocarbamates, aldehydes, thioaldehydes, ureas, guanidinos, carbonyls, alkylcarbonyls, alkyl halides, any type of grafting, such as free radical grafting, such as with acrylic acid derivatives, substituted acrylic acid esters, vinyl-containing compounds, aldehyde-amide condensates. However, for the general purpose of the present invention, the hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety does not need to have other types of substituents.

[0148] In another aspect, the present invention provides a film comprising a hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch portion having an amylose content of at least 30 wt % and a weight average molar mass of about 10 5 g / mol to about 10 8 g / mol, preferably about 10 5 g / mol to about 4·10 7 g / mol, and a salt selected from an alkali metal salt and / or an alkaline earth metal salt. Such a film can be obtained or obtained by at least partially drying the composition of the invention. Preferably, the composition is completely or substantially dried.

[0149] The present invention also provides a method for preparing the film, the method comprising:

[0150] - applying the composition of the invention to a substrate,

[0151] - at least partially drying the composition to form a film.

[0152] The film is formed on a substrate. The method may further include separating the film from the substrate. The separation may be accomplished by, for example, peeling, cutting or pulling.

[0153] In one embodiment, the composition may be applied by spraying, spreading, dipping or pouring.

[0154] Substrate can be any material disclosed in the application, and described film exists or forms thereon, or exists or forms coating, and wherein coating can be film.In one embodiment, substrate is selected from seed, soil, plant or part of plant, growth medium or animal feed.The present invention also provides a kind of product, and this product comprises film and substrate.In this product, film forms or is placed on substrate.

[0155] Drying or partial drying can be carried out by (partial) evaporation of the water contained in the composition according to the invention.

[0156] In one embodiment, drying can be carried out in any gas environment. Any suitable gas or gas mixture can be used. Drying can be carried out in ambient air in particular. Drying can be carried out with or without convection of the surrounding atmosphere.

[0157] In one embodiment, drying can be carried out in a temperature range of 2 to 60° C., 2 to 50° C., 2 to 40° C. or 2 to 30° C. Another lower limit that can be combined with any of the upper limits mentioned is 3° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C. or 10° C.

[0158] In one embodiment, drying may be carried out at atmospheric pressure. In one embodiment, drying may be carried out at a pressure range of 0.4 bar to 1.070 bar.

[0159] "Substantially dry" means that the water content is about 15 wt% or less, or the water content is 5 wt% or less, more preferably 3 wt% or less, relative to the weight of the dry film composition. The water content is preferably measured at a relative humidity of 50% and an air temperature of 25°C.

[0160] Regarding the ingredients of the film or coating mentioned below, please refer to the composition disclosed above. The same ingredients as in the composition can be contained in the film or coating.

[0161] In another aspect, the present invention provides a seed, soil, plant or plant part or animal feed having a coating, wherein the coating comprises hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch part having an amylose content of at least 30 wt % and a weight average molar mass of about 10 5 g / mol to about 10 8 g / mol. Preferably, about 10 5 g / mol to about 4·10 7 g / mol range, and a salt selected from an alkali metal salt and / or an alkaline earth metal salt, or the coating is obtained or obtainable from the aforementioned composition, wherein the composition can be at least partially dried, or the coating is the aforementioned film.

[0162] The present invention also provides a method for coating seeds, soil, plants, plant parts or animal feed, the method comprising:

[0163] - applying the composition according to the invention to seeds, soil, plants, plant parts or animal feed,

[0164] - at least partially drying the composition to form a coating on seeds, soil, plants, plant parts or animal feed.

[0165] In one embodiment, the composition may be applied by spraying, spreading, dipping or pouring.

[0166] Drying or partial drying can be carried out by (partial) evaporation of the water contained in the composition according to the invention.

[0167] In one embodiment, drying can be carried out in any gas environment. Any suitable gas or gas mixture can be used. Drying can be carried out in ambient air in particular. Drying can be carried out with or without convection of the surrounding atmosphere.

[0168] In one embodiment, drying can be carried out in a temperature range of 2 to 60° C., 2 to 50° C., 2 to 40° C. or 2 to 30° C. Another lower limit that can be combined with any of the upper limits mentioned is 3° C., 4° C., 5° C., 6° C., 7° C., 8° C., 9° C. or 10° C.

[0169] In one embodiment, drying may be carried out at atmospheric pressure. In one embodiment, drying may be carried out at a pressure range of 0.4 bar to 1.070 bar.

[0170] The coating layer may be a film as described above. The coating layer may be a film composed or formed of hydroxyalkyl starch or a hydroxyalkyl starch portion thereof, having an amylose content of at least 30 wt % and a weight average molar mass of about 10 5 g / mol to about 10 8 g / mol, preferably about 10 5 g / mol to about 4·10 7 The coating layer comprises a salt selected from an alkali metal salt and / or an alkaline earth metal salt.

[0171] In one embodiment, the coating comprises an ingredient selected from agrochemicals, biostimulants or plant enhancers, wherein the ingredient is contained (particularly encapsulated) in the coating or attached to the coating. Such a coating can be obtained or obtainable from a formulation of the invention comprising the ingredient.

[0172] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention for coating seeds, soil, growth medium, plants or parts of plants (especially the surface of plants or plant parts) or animal feed. In other words, the present invention provides a method of using the composition or film of the present invention, wherein the composition or film of the present invention is coated on seeds, soil, growth medium, plants or parts of plants (especially the surface of plants or plant parts) or animal feed.

[0173] The coating can refer to a coating with a composition of the present invention or a partially dried or fully dried composition of the present invention or a film of the present invention. When the coating is a film of the present invention, this coating can be obtained by a composition of the present invention, which is at least partially dried after being applied to a surface to be coated or articles.

[0174] Coating, in particular coating of seeds, can be carried out after treatment with the active substances or together with the application of active substances (for example agrochemicals).

[0175] The composition or film of the invention can be applied to seeds as a film-forming adhesive. Another purpose of coating seeds can be encrustation, granulation for bonding, fixing substances selected from agrochemicals, inoculants and biostimulants on the seed surface, or improving germination. The composition or film of the invention can be used to coat seeds that have been treated with a substance, in particular with an agrochemical, before coating. All of this also applies to the seeds of the invention.

[0176] In various forms of seed coating, such as film coating, encrustation and pelleting applications, the starch film formed can improve the fixation and binding of the applied active substances (such as agrochemicals, especially pesticides, fertilizers or biostimulants) on the seed surface. The composition or film of the present invention can reduce dust formation, abrasion and dispersion of such substances in the environment.

[0177] Seed coating with the composition or liquid formulation of the present invention, without the need for additional active substances or ingredients, can also improve water holding capacity and germination rate.

[0178] The composition or film of the present invention can be used for soil coating, in particular to reduce or prevent wind erosion or reduce leaching, especially organic matter (preferably humus), clay silt or sand. The substances can be bound or fixed to the soil by the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention. Soil coating can be carried out before treatment with agricultural chemicals. The composition or film of the present invention can be used for soil bonding. For example, the composition or film of the present invention can be used to prevent active substances (such as agricultural chemicals, especially fertilizers or pesticides) from leaching from the soil (especially from the topsoil). Soil coating can be used to improve the water holding capacity of the soil. If the composition or film of the present invention applied to the soil includes agricultural chemicals, the applied agricultural chemicals, especially the applied pesticides, are kept in the topsoil for a longer time, which is conducive to the biodegradation of microorganisms and reduces the pollution of groundwater. All of these are also applicable to the soil of the present invention.

[0179] For sandy soils, adding humic substances, such as humic acid, fulvic acid, humates, as part of the composition will improve the availability of nutrients and minerals and uptake by plant roots, as well as water holding capacity (A. Noroozisharaf, M. Kaviani, Physiol Mol Biol Plants 24, 423-431 (2018)).

[0180] A part of a plant (plant part) may for example be selected from leaves, inflorescences, flowers, stems, fruits, roots, ears, awns, grains, ears or roots.

[0181] The plant may be selected from crop plants, cereals, vegetables, fruits, nuts, fiber crops such as cotton, spice plants, grains, grasses, plants providing wood, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, shrubs, garden plants.

[0182] The plant can be specifically selected from wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn, rice, soybean, rapeseed, sugar cane, potato, beet, cassava, watermelon, banana, sweet potato, millet, onion, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, carrot, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, kohlrabi, cabbage, Chinese broccoli, kale, turnip, Chinese cabbage, Napa cabbage, Chinese cabbage, radish, white radish, grain varieties, parsnip, beetroot, sea beet, Swiss chard, beet, beans, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, zucchini, courgette (dense zucchini), gourd, garlic, spinach, yam, cassava, apple, pear, cherry, orange, lemon, pineapple, coffee beans, tea, cocoa beans, tobacco, peanuts, walnuts, olives, etc., ryegrass, alfalfa, etc., lentils, etc., roses and all other flowers, etc.

[0183] Specific plants suitable for the present invention are listed in the following articles, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0184] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Liste_von_Nutzpflanzen (version as of January 14, 2020).

[0185] https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / List_of_domesticated_plants (version as of January 14, 2020).

[0186] https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / List_of_culinary_fruits (version as of January 14, 2020).

[0187] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Liste_der_Obstarten (version as of January 14, 2020).

[0188] https: / / de.wikipedia.org / wiki / Liste_der_Gemüse (version as of January 14, 2020).

[0189] https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / List_of_vegetables (version as of January 14, 2020)

[0190] Grasses, shrubs, trees / woodland, ornamental plants, garden plants

[0191] The composition or film of the present invention can be used as a leaf coating to reduce the washing away of active substances, such as agricultural chemicals, in particular pesticides or fertilizers, preferably foliar fertilizers. The aqueous formulation is applied to the leaves together with the active substances (such as plant protection products, such as fungicides, insecticides, bactericides and herbicides, or fertilizers, preferably foliar fertilizers), and washing is reduced due to the starch film formed after drying, which reduces unnecessary washing and retains the active substances (also called active ingredients) in their place of action, and avoids premature contamination of the soil. Therefore, the present invention reduces unnecessary soil and groundwater contamination caused by washing away active substances, in particular pesticides or fertilizers applied to plants, especially on leaves.

[0192] Root coating can have the effect of improving moisture retention, for improving moisture retention, including water availability, water use efficiency and water absorption. The formulation or film of the present invention can be applied to the roots to improve water holding capacity, root growth, storage stability, improve nutrient absorption and / or improve the fixation and binding of applied agrochemicals, applied biostimulants, applied microorganisms and / or applied root growth promoting substances on the root surface.

[0193] The coating of fruits and vegetables can avoid osmotic bursting (food cracking) during rainfall. Therefore, the composition or film of the present invention can be used as a protective film to reduce the bursting (food cracking) of fruits and vegetables due to increased osmotic pressure during rainfall.

[0194] The composition or film of the invention can be used as a covering for ears or cobs, particularly in monocotyledonous plants, such as grasses and many other plants where seed shattering is particularly severe. This has the effect that seed losses due to wind and rain before harvest can be reduced or avoided.

[0195] In this regard, the compositions or films of the present invention can be used as binders for ears, cobs and seeds.

[0196] The composition or film of the invention can be applied as a binder to animal feed. It is natural, harmless and edible. Here, the composition or film of the invention can also be used to improve abrasion resistance and thus reduce dust. The invention can reduce dust exposure of animal food raw materials, because almost all products used in the animal feed industry are in powder form. Many of them are chemicals and biological agents with acute and long-term toxic effects, such as skin and respiratory irritation.

[0197] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention as a carrier matrix for an agrochemical, a biostimulant or a plant enhancer, or as a biostimulant. In other words, the present invention provides a method of using a composition, wherein an agrochemical, a biostimulant and / or a plant enhancer is placed in the composition to form a carrier matrix for one or more of them, or a method of using the composition or film of the present invention itself as a biostimulant.

[0198] Composition or film of the present invention can be used as carrier matrix of active substance, for example agricultural chemicals, particularly plant protection products, such as insecticides, fungicides, pesticides, bactericides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Active substance can be embedded in composition, or embedded in at least partially dried composition, or embedded in film of the present invention. Composition, at least partially dried composition or film can be used as slow-release matrix. Active substance, for example agricultural chemicals or plant enhancer can be included and released in composition or film. Composition or film can delay transport, delay diffusion, control release and slow release, reduce plant stress caused by active substance or blend containing plant protection products. For example, pesticide efficiency is improved by slow release and long-term activity, reduce plant stress. This also applies to embodiments in which composition or film of the present invention is used as coating.

[0199] The composition according to the invention or the film according to the invention may comprise a biostimulant as an additional substance, or the composition according to the invention or the film according to the invention itself may be a biostimulant. The composition according to the invention or the film according to the invention may be used as a biostimulant for plants to reduce the effects of external stresses such as drought, solar radiation, frost and rainfall. The composition according to the invention or the film according to the invention may be applied to the soil to ensure the stimulation of microbial activity. This may be done in particular when the composition according to the invention or the film according to the invention is used as a coating. The composition according to the invention or the film according to the invention may be used to form a biostimulant film on leaves to reduce the effects of external stresses such as drought, solar radiation, frost and rainfall and to stimulate microbial activity in the soil.

[0200] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention as a dust binder or dust preventive. In other words, the present invention provides a method for reducing dust using the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention. The composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention can be used in particular for reducing dust in animal production facilities, wherein the animal production facilities are feed lots, pastures, stables, barns and racecourses. The composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention can be applied to a surface or object, or introduced into the environment, for example by spraying.

[0201] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention as a yield enhancer, in particular when the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention is applied to seeds, soil, plants or parts of plants. In this use, the composition may include an agrochemical, a biostimulant or a plant enhancer.

[0202] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention as a formulation for improving water use efficiency, in particular when the composition of the present invention or the film of the present invention is applied to seeds, soil, plants or parts of plants. In this use, the composition may include an agrochemical, a biostimulant or a plant enhancer.

[0203] In the use of the invention or the method of use of the invention, the composition can be applied, for example, to a seed, soil, plant or plant part or animal feed and at least partially dried, preferably substantially dried. Thus, a film of the invention can be formed. "Substantially dry" means that the water content is about 15 wt% or less, or the water content is 5 wt% or less, more preferably 3 wt% or less, relative to the weight of the dry components of the film. The water content is preferably measured at a relative humidity of 50% and an air temperature of 25°C.

[0204] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a composition as described above or a film as described above as or for cosmetic or personal care applications. The formulation can be used, inter alia, as a thickener, film former, humectant, barrier former, wetting agent, adhesive, gelling agent, protective barrier and / or rheological additive.

[0205] The present invention also provides a cosmetic comprising the above composition or the above film.

[0206] The present invention also provides a personal care application comprising the above composition or the above film.

[0207] The present invention also discloses a cosmetic, comprising:

[0208] - hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch fractions having an amylose content of at least 30 wt % and a weight average molar mass of about 10 5 g / mol to about 10 8 g / mol, preferably about 10 5 g / mol to about 4·10 7 Between g / mol,

[0209] - a salt selected from alkali metal salts and / or alkaline earth metal salts.

[0210] The cosmetic may include hydroxyalkyl starch or hydroxyalkyl starch moiety in an amount of 0.001 to 10 wt %, 0.001 to 5 wt %, 0.001 to 2 wt % or 0.001 to 1 wt % based on the total mass of the cosmetic.

[0211] The cosmetic may include the salt in an amount of 0.001 to 1 wt %, 0.001 to 0.5 wt %, 0.001 to 0.2 wt % or 0.001 to 0.1 wt % based on the entire mass of the cosmetic.

[0212] The cosmetic product may include the composition of the present invention, evenly distributed, such as in bulk, or concentrated in a certain location.

[0213] The cosmetic product may include the film of the present invention as a coating.

[0214] Preferred cosmetic or personal care applications are selected from creams, sprays, lotions, shampoos, shaving creams, shaving gels, hair care and hair styling products, skin care and make-up, sunscreens, lipsticks, lip balms, soaps, emulsions, conditioners, hair straighteners, make-up, nail care products, toothpastes, oral hygiene and treatment products.

[0215] Due to the viscoelastic properties, the liquid formulations can be used to increase the viscosity of cosmetic and personal care products or to improve the stability of oily emulsions. The viscosity in the final product can be adjusted by parameters such as the starch content, the degree of substitution and the average molecular weight of the starch used. In addition, the film-forming properties allow the liquid formulations to be used as film formers in cosmetic and personal care products such as hair fixatives, skin care products and make-up. Film-forming substances are currently mainly acrylates, which form a transdermal film on the skin to avoid skin dehydration, as protectants to protect the skin from external influences and as setting retainers in hair products. Today, there is a great demand for alternatives to synthetic substances such as acrylates that cause environmental problems. In addition, the water-holding capacity of liquid starch formulations can be used to increase the moisturizing and wetting effect in skin care products.

[0216] In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of the composition of the invention as an emulsifier or co-emulsifier, in particular but not exclusively in cosmetic or personal care applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0217] Figure 1 : The molar mass of the starch containing the composition of the present invention was determined by SEC-MALLS.

[0218] Figure 2 :Through high resolution 13 The degree of substitution (DS) and molar substitution (MS) were determined by C-NMR in D2O.

[0219] Figure 3a , Figure 3b : Two independent flow curves of a starch based composition (formulation, according to the invention) after 1 day and 6 months respectively.

[0220] Figure 4 : Frequency scan of starch recipe.

[0221] Figure 5 :Through high resolution 13 The degree of substitution (DS) was determined by C-NMR in D2O.

[0222] Figure 6 : Bar graphs showing the mancozeb residues on leaves of sprayed mancozeb alone as a fungicide and with the inventive starch formulation as an adjuvant after 27 mm of rainfall washout 6 days after application in 2009 (A) and 24 mm of rainfall washout 4 days after application in 2010 (B).

[0223] Figure 7 : The bar graphs show the fluazinam residues remaining on leaves of sprays of fluazinam alone as a fungicide and with the composition of the present invention as an adjuvant, after 27 mm of rainfall washout 6 days after application in 2009 (A) and after 24 mm of rainfall washout 4 days after application in 2010 (B).

[0224] Figure 8 : Bar graphs showing the residues of dimethomorph on leaves sprayed with dimethomorph alone as a fungicide and with the starch formulation of the invention as an adjuvant, 6 days after application in 2009 and after 27 mm of rainfall washoff (A) and 4 days after application in 2010 and after 24 mm of rainfall washoff (B).

[0225] Fig. 9 : Effect of starch-based formulations on reducing stress caused by fungicide applications during hot and dry weather conditions in 2018. Example

[0226] method:

[0227] The weight-average molar mass of starch polymers was determined by SEC-MALLS as follows. The HPSEC system consisted of a 600MS pump module, a 717 autoinjector, a column chamber, a 410 RI detector, and a Dawn-F-DSP MALLS detector (Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara). The three columns used were PSS Super Columns: 10 8 -10 6 g / mol; 2·10 6 -5.10 4 g / mol; 10 3 -10 5 g / mol. Their size is 300*7.8 mm. The sample was eluted with H2O containing 0.05 mNaNO3 at a flow rate of 0.735 mL min-1 , temperature is 40°C. Depending on the expected molar mass, the concentration is between 1 and 5 mg mL -1 The MALLS detector is connected in series with the refractive index detector (DRI).

[0228] The degree of substitution (DS) and molar substitution (MS) are determined by 13 The DS value is determined by measuring the fully hydrolyzed hydroxypropyl starch by C-NMR spectroscopy. As described in Kunze, A. Ebert, H.-P. Fink, Cellul. Chem. Technol. 2000, 34, 21-34, the DS value is determined based on the average value of the signals at the C2-, C3- and C6-positions and the signal at the C1-position.

[0229] The degree of substitution (DS) and molar substitution (MS) are determined by 13 The DS value is determined by measuring the fully hydrolyzed hydroxypropyl starch by C-NMR spectroscopy. As described in the literature. Kunze, A. Ebert, H.-P. Fink, Cellul. Chem. Technol. 2000, 34, 21-34, the DS value is determined by integrating the methyl signals of the hydroxypropyl groups directly connected to the C2-, C3- and C6-positions, while for MS determination, it is determined based on the signal at the C1-position associated with the additional hydroxypropyl group of the hydroxyl group connected to the hydroxyl group chain of the hydroxypropyl substituent.

[0230] Referring to the method described by Richter, Augustat and Schierbaum ( Method Wiss. Verlagsgesellschaft mbH. Stuttgart (1968). 111), the amylose content was measured by the amperometric method.

[0231] Morphological analysis (e.g., amorphous, crystalline, special) was performed by polarized light microscopy.

[0232] All rheological measurements were performed on a Physica Rheolab MC 100 at a constant temperature of 25 °C.

[0233] Working Example:

[0234] Example 1: Preparation steps of liquid formulations for agriculture, horticulture, forestry and animal husbandry

[0235] High amylose starch containing 68% amylose was stirred continuously for 2-8 hours in the temperature range of 20-60°C under alkaline conditions (pH=12-14) without using any swelling inhibitor until the starch granules were completely destroyed and dispersed (transparent dispersion). Afterwards, the starch paste was hydroxypropylated with propylene oxide in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 according to MS. The resulting derivative had a degree of substitution of DS=0.17 and a molar substitution of MS=0.35. For the solution, the pH was adjusted to 6.2, and additional humic acid and geraniol were added. The final concentrations of the ingredients in the aqueous formulation were: 10wt% starch, 8wt% potassium phosphate, 0.01wt% humic acid and 0.1wt% geraniol.

[0236] Example 2: Preparation steps for liquid formulations for cosmetics and personal care products

[0237] Preparation steps of liquid formulations in cosmetics and personal care products: High amylose starch containing 68% amylose is stirred continuously for 2-8 hours in alkaline conditions (pH = 12-14) without any swelling inhibitor in the temperature range of 20-60°C until the starch granules are completely destroyed and dispersed (transparent dispersion). After that, the starch paste is hydroxypropylated with propylene oxide in the range of 0.1 to 0.8 according to MS. For aqueous solutions, the pH value is adjusted to 6.2 and desalination is performed if necessary until the conductivity reaches a value of ≤1500μS / cm. The final concentration of the ingredients in the aqueous solution formulation is: 10wt% starch.

[0238] Example 3: Analytical Data of Starch-Based Formulations

[0239] Determination of molecular mass (Figure 01)

[0240] pass 13 C-NMR in D2O for DS and MS (Figure 02)

[0241] To obtain a higher resolution, the starch-containing formulation (according to the invention) was first hydrolyzed with trifluoroacetic acid.

[0242] Flow curve of the present invention (Fig. 03)

[0243] Therefore, the starch composition exhibits a long-term stable viscosity.

[0244] Frequency scanning of the present invention (Figure 04)

[0245] The loss modulus and storage modulus are strongly dependent on the frequency of deformation within the viscoelastic range and G">G' in the frequency range of 0.1-10 Hz, indicating a liquid state.

[0246] Table 1: Results of the amperometric determination of amylose

[0247]

[0248] Example 4: Determination of Substituent Distribution in Starch-Based Formulations

[0249] As mentioned above, after the starch ether is completely hydrolyzed, 13 The degree of substitution (DS) of the modified hydroxypropyl starch was determined by C-NMR spectroscopy, and the DS value obtained was 0.30 (Figure 05).

[0250] The proportion of unsubstituted glucose units was determined from the same fully hydrolyzed sample by HPAE-PAD, calibrated with glucose standards, and found to be 0.75.

[0251] According to Spurlin (HMSpurlin Journal of the American Chemical Society 1939, 61, 2222-2227), assuming that the three hydroxyl groups react at the same rate, the proportion of unsubstituted glucose units is 0.73 at a DS of 0.30. The only slight difference between the experimentally determined and theoretically calculated values ​​indicates that the product is essentially uniformly substituted.

[0252] Example 5: Active ingredients remaining on leaves after rainfall

[0253] The present invention improves the rain resistance of mancozeb (Figure 06), fluazinam (Figure 07) and dimethomorph (Figure 08) on the leaf surface.

[0254] Example 6: Reduction of active herbicide ingredients

[0255] The efficacy of a standard herbicide without any adjuvant and a fifty percent (50%) reduced herbicide combined with a starch-based formulation (according to the invention) was tested in a 3-year GEP-trial (Good Experimental Practice) comparison.

[0256] Table 2: Application of the following herbicide formulations

[0257]

[0258] a SC = Suspension Concentrate, WG = Water Dispersible Granules

[0259] Table 3: Herbicidal efficiency of mixtures of herbicides and starch-based formulations at standard and reduced application rates. In 2014, 24 days after application.

[0260]

[0261] Table 4: Herbicidal efficiency of mixtures of herbicides and starch-based formulations at standard and reduced application rates. In 2014, 54 days after application.

[0262]

[0263] Table 5: Herbicidal efficiency of mixtures of herbicides and starch-based formulations (according to the invention) at standard and reduced application rates. In 2014, 67 days after application.

[0264]

[0265]

[0266] Table 6: Herbicidal efficiency of mixtures of herbicides and starch-based formulations (according to the invention) at standard and reduced application rates. In 2015, 24 days after application.

[0267]

[0268] Table 7: Herbicidal efficiency of mixtures of herbicides and starch-based formulations (invention) at standard and reduced application rates. In 2016, 18 days after application.

[0269]

[0270] Example 7: Reducing stress

[0271] Table 8: In a GEP-trial, the application of a standard fungicide was compared with the application of a fifty percent (50%) reduced fungicide, both in combination with and without a starch-based formulation (according to the invention). Due to very dry and hot weather conditions, the extent of Phytophthora infestans (PHYTIN) infection of potatoes was low (less than 1%) in all treatments. The effect of the addition of a starch-based formulation (according to the invention) on the stress caused by the fungicide treatments was evaluated. Due to the reduction of fungicide-stress, a positive effect on potato yield was shown.

[0272] The following fungicide treatments were evaluated.

[0273]

[0274]

[0275] Effect of starch-based formulation on stress reduction (Figure 09)

[0276] Example 8: Preparation of oil-in-water emulsion

[0277] The aqueous formulation represents the continuous phase, and the dispersed phase is the oil from different sources. In preliminary investigations, the dispersibility of several oils in the aqueous solution formulation of the present invention at different concentrations has achieved unexpected results. Although the hydroxyalkyl starch does not contain hydrophobic or lipophilic groups in its macromolecular structure and no surfactant is used in the preparation of the oil-water emulsion, no phase separation is found. The emulsion remains stable for many hours and even days.

[0278] Steps Example:

[0279] 237.5 g, 225 g or 212.5 g of the liquid formulation of the invention according to Example 2 were placed in a beaker and covered with 12.5 g, 25 g and 37.5 g of rapeseed oil (the rapeseed oil was previously dyed red with 0.005% of Sudan III) and homogenized for 2 minutes using a manual stirrer (12.500 rpm). The emulsions containing 5%, 10% and 15% rapeseed oil were left at room temperature for 24 hours. The results showed that these emulsions remained stable for at least 24 hours with little or no phase separation.

[0280] Example 9: By adding To increase crop yields

[0281] In this example and the following examples, the applicant's trademark name is used To refer to the composition of the present invention.

[0282] Composition of Working Example 1 The slow-release mechanism of the compound can reduce abiotic stress in crops, thereby increasing yield. We have been demonstrating this in GEP and on-farm research [OFR] trials on different crops for several years.

[0283] A) By adding fungicide to the application To increase the production of processed potatoes

[0284] Trial 1: GEP Trial – Field Research Support, Germany

[2015]

[0285]

[0286] Potato variety: Innovator

[0287] The following fungicide formulations are used with the compositions of the present invention:

[0288]

[0289] Trial 2: GEP Trial – Field Research Support, Germany

[2016]

[0290]

[0291] Potato variety: Orwell

[0292] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0293]

[0294] Trial 3: GEP Trial – Field Research Support, Germany

[2017]

[0295]

[0296] Potato variety: Innovator

[0297] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0298]

[0299] (Continued) Test 1-3

[0300] In a three-year trial, adding The yield of processed potatoes can be increased by an average of 8.9%. The size class greater than 55 mm, which is important for processing potatoes, could increase by an average of 42.9%.

[0301] B) By adding fungicides To increase starch potato production

[0302] Trial 4: GEP Trial – LWK Lower Saxony, Germany

[2016]

[0303]

[0304] Potato variety: Starga

[0305] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0306]

[0307]

[0308] Trial 5: GEP Trial – LWK Lower Saxony, Germany

[2017]

[0309]

[0310] Potato variety: Starga

[0311] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0312]

[0313] (Continued) Test 4-5

[0314] In two consecutive years, farm-specific fungicide treatments were added After adding After that, the starch content increased by 3% on average.

[0315] C) By adding fungicides To increase wheat production

[0316] Trial 1: GEP trial – SMUL-LfULG, Germany

[2019]

[0317]

[0318] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0319]

[0320]

[0321] (Continued from previous article)

[0322] Compared with the fungicide treatment without amylofol, After that, wheat products increased by 3.3%.

[0323] D) By adding fungicides To increase sugar beet yields

[0324] Trial 1: GEP Trial – Field Research Support, Germany

[2017]

[0325]

[0326] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0327]

[0328] (Continued from previous article)

[0329] With no addition Compared with the fungicide treatment, by adding After the experiment, the yield of sugar beets increased by 2.2% and the sugar content increased by 0.3%.

[0330] E) By adding fungicides To increase soybean yield

[0331] Trial 1: GEP Trial – AgriNova LLC, USA

[2020]

[0332]

[0333] *CST: Commercial Seed Treatment

[0334] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0335]

[0336] (Continued from previous article)

[0337] In the first U.S. soybean trial in 2020, the addition of only 1% chloramphenicol to a commercial seed treatment This improved germination, emergence and plant vigor, leading to higher yields at two different trial locations.

[0338] Example 10: Use in agricultural systems Improve water use efficiency.

[0339] Different follow-up trials including irrigation have been conducted mainly in potatoes since 2018. In all trials, the use of amylofol as an adjuvant to insecticide treatments increased water use efficiency [WUE], expressed as irrigation water productivity [WPirrig].

[0340] A) Water use efficiency in potato experiments under irrigation conditions

[0341] Trial 1: OFR Trial – Netherlands

[2018]

[0342]

[0343] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0344]

[0345] (Continued from previous article)

[0346] Compared with the standard treatment, the addition A 13% higher WUE was obtained, expressed as yield / ha / mm.

[0347] Study 2: GEP Study – Miller Research LLC

[2019]

[0348]

[0349] IF = In-furrow

[0350] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0351]

[0352]

[0353] (Continued from previous article)

[0354] In 2019, compared with not using Compared with the foliar solution, adding After 4 hours, WUE increased by 9%. In-furrow application of Quadris was performed only once. After treatment, the WUE of irrigated potatoes increased by 4%.

[0355] Trial 3: GEP Trial – Miller Research LLC

[2020]

[0356]

[0357] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0358]

[0359] (Continued from previous article)

[0360] In 2020, with no addition Compared with the foliar application scheme, adding After that, water utilization efficiency increased by 4%. Potato irrigation experiments in the United States have shown for two consecutive years that adding pesticides to It can improve water use efficiency. When added to the pesticide treatment, water use efficiency increased by an average of 7.5%. This resulted in higher commercial yields for all treatments.

[0361] B) Water use efficiency in potato experiments without irrigation

[0362] Trial 1: On-farm research trial – Netherlands

[2018] .

[0363]

[0364] Use the following fungicide formulation:

[0365]

[0366]

[0367] (Continued from previous article)

[0368] In the absence of irrigation, add to farm-specific fungicide treatments WUE (expressed as yield / ha / mm) increased by 20%. Increased WUE results in higher yields.

Claims

1. A composition comprising: Hydroxypropyl starch, having an amylose content of at least 30 wt % and a weight average molar mass of at least 10 5 g / mol to 10 8 g / mol, the hydroxypropyl starch has a non-granular, amorphous structure; wherein the non-granular, amorphous structure is obtained by gelatinizing the starch as a starting material for 2 to 8 hours at a temperature range of 20-60° C. under alkaline conditions without adding a swelling inhibitor until the starch granules are completely broken and then performing a hydroxypropylation treatment; a salt selected from an alkali metal salt and / or an alkaline earth metal salt, wherein the salt has an anion containing an oxygen group element or a nitrogen group element; and water; The molar substitution degree of the hydroxypropyl starch is 0.1 to 0.8, The content of hydroxypropyl starch is 5wt% to 25wt%, and The hydroxypropyl starch is dissolved in water.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the salt is present in an amount of 0.01 wt% to 10 wt%.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the anion is selected from phosphate, hydrogen phosphate, sulfate, hydrogen sulfate or acetate.

4. The composition of claim 1, further comprising an ingredient selected from terpenes, agrochemicals, biostimulants, plant enhancers or preservatives.

5. The composition of claim 1, further comprising humus.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the degree of substitution of the hydroxypropyl starch is from 0.025 to 0.

6.

7. A film obtained by at least partially drying the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A method for preparing the thin film according to claim 7, comprising: applying the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to a substrate, The composition is at least partially dried to form the film.

9. A substance having a coating, the substance being a seed, soil, plant or animal feed, the coating being obtained from a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition is at least partially dried, Alternatively, the coating layer is the film as claimed in claim 7.

10. The substance of claim 9, wherein the coating comprises an ingredient selected from agrochemicals, biostimulants or plant enhancers, wherein the ingredient is contained in or attached to the coating.

11. A method for coating a substance, wherein the substance is a seed, soil, plant or animal feed, the method comprising: applying the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 to the substance, The composition is at least partially dried to form a coating on the substance.

12. Use of a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 or a film as claimed in claim 7 for coating seeds, soil, growing media, plants or animal feed.

13. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or the film according to claim 7 as: Biostimulants; Dust binders; Dust suppressants; Yield enhancers; or Uses of agents for improving water utilization efficiency.

14. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or the film according to claim 7 as a carrier matrix for agrochemicals, biostimulants or plant enhancers.

15. Use of a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 or a film according to claim 7 as or for cosmetic or personal care applications.

16. The use according to claim 15, wherein the composition is used as a thickener, wetting agent, adhesive, gelling agent, protective barrier and / or rheological additive.

17. The use according to claim 15, wherein the composition is used as a barrier forming agent.

18. The use according to claim 15, wherein the composition is used as a film former.

19. A cosmetic comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, or the film according to claim 7.

20. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6 as an emulsifier or co-emulsifier.

21. A personal care product comprising the composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, or the film of claim 7.

Images