Biopolymer composition for agricultural use

Abstract

Formulations containing a homogeneous suspension of biopolymers for use in the agricultural field, and seed coating compositions containing biopolymers are described. In embodiments, the biopolymer is selected from chitin, chitosan, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, amylose, actin, fibrin, collagen, silk, fibroin, keratin, wool, alginic acid and mixtures thereof. In embodiments, the biopolymer is stably dispersed in a polar solvent. The formulations can find specific uses as seed coatings, seed soaking, seed pelleting, granular additives (fertilizers), powder additives (fertilizers), root dripping, foliar spraying and other agricultural uses.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 63 / 356,679 filed on June 29, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present invention relates to the agricultural field, and in particular, to a novel formulation comprising a homogeneous suspension of biopolymers for use in seed coating, seed soaking, seed pelleting, granular additives (fertilizers), powder additives (fertilizers), root drip irrigation, foliar spraying, and other agricultural applications.

Background Art

[0003] With climate change and the increase in the world's population, agriculture is under greater pressure than ever to feed the planet. Therefore, the agricultural industry is constantly seeking ways to improve production and yields, especially in warm and drying conditions. Pest control is also a major concern.

[0004] Seed coating is the application of exogenous materials to the surface of seeds for the purpose of improving the appearance and handling characteristics of the seeds (such as seed weight and size) and / or delivering active compounds (such as plant growth regulators, micronutrients, microbial inoculants) that can protect the seeds. For example, Patent Publication US 2011 / 0039694 describes coating seeds with a composition comprising a binder, wax, one or more stabilizers, and an optional colorant to promote the binding of bioactive components such as insecticides or fungicides to the seeds.

[0005] A natural polymer or biopolymer is a polymer that is abundant, natural, and renewable. However, abundant biopolymers such as cellulose and chitin are mostly insoluble, thereby limiting their use and making it complex. Advantageously, in WO 2022 / 137184, the applicant has described a new suspension of homogeneous and stable biopolymers. The inventors have found that such suspensions of biopolymers can find many uses in agriculture.

[0006] Therefore, there is still a need for compositions containing biopolymers for agricultural uses such as seed coatings.

[0007] In particular, there is a need for seed coating compositions that can provide advantages such as improving the germination rate, increasing water absorption or uptake by seeds, reducing water loss by seeds, and enabling germination under dry and / or low humidity conditions.

[0008] Also, there is still a need for compositions and methods for delivering bioactive ingredients such as insecticides, fungicides, and bacterial inoculants to seeds and other parts of plants.

[0009] The present invention addresses these and other needs, as will become apparent from a review of the disclosure and description of the features of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect, the present invention is a seed coating composition comprising a biopolymer, wherein the composition comprises biopolymer molecules mechanically treated into a stable homogeneous aqueous suspension, relates to the composition.

[0011] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to seeds coated with the seed coating composition as defined herein.

[0012] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a seed coating composition as defined herein for providing at least one of the advantages of improving germination rate, increasing water absorption or water uptake by seeds, reducing water loss by seeds, increasing seedling emergence, enabling germination under low humidity conditions, increasing the number of root nodules, and increasing the nitrogen concentration and / or the total amount of nitrogen fixation, compared to uncoated seeds.

[0013] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of coating seeds, comprising applying a seed coating composition as defined herein to the seeds.

[0014] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of improving the germination of seeds during planting, comprising coating the seeds with a seed coating composition as defined herein.

[0015] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of improving the emergence of plants, comprising coating seeds planted with a coating composition as defined herein.

[0016] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of coating seeds with a bioactive component, comprising applying to the seeds a seed coating composition comprising at least one bioactive component stably dispersed in a biopolymer composition.

[0017] According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a composition for agricultural use, comprising a stable homogeneous aqueous suspension, such as a stable homogeneous aqueous suspension containing insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles stably dispersed in a polar solvent and mechanically treated biopolymer molecules.

[0018] Additional aspects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, which are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0020]

Figure 1

[0021]

Figure 2

[0022]

Figure 3

[0023] Further details of the present invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description contained below.

[0024] Detailed Description of Embodiments In the following description of the embodiments, references to the accompanying drawings are illustrative of examples in which the present invention can be implemented. It will be understood that other embodiments can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed present invention. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs.

[0025] Summary In PCT Publication WO 2022 / 137184, entitled "HOMOGENEOUS BIOPOLYMER SUSPENSIONS, PROCESSES FOR MAKING SAME AND USES THEREOF" (the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference), the applicant describes the preparation of stable homogeneous suspensions of insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymers.

[0026] The present invention generally relates to the use of biopolymers in the manufacture of compositions for use in the agricultural industry, referred to herein as "agricultural compositions". Specific embodiments relate to seed coatings, seed soaking, and / or seed pelleting formulations / compositions, and methods of using them. Other embodiments relate to the use of biopolymers on other parts of plants, such as for use as foliar sprays or for application to roots. Other embodiments relate to the use of biopolymers in the manufacture of granular or powder additives (e.g., fertilizers), (fertilizers), root drip, etc. The present invention includes, but is not limited to, the general and specific biopolymer compositions described in WO 2022 / 137184.

[0027] Biopolymer The agricultural compositions according to the present invention require a minimum amount of biopolymer. As used herein, the term "biopolymer" means a natural polymer produced by the cells of a living organism. Biopolymers consist of monomer units that covalently bond to form larger molecules. The present invention includes biopolymers of polypeptides, polysaccharides, and polynucleotides. Other examples of biopolymers include natural rubber (a polymer of isoprene), suberin and lignin (complex polyphenol polymers), cutin and cutan (complex polymers of long-chain fatty acids), and melanin. In embodiments, the biopolymer used as a starting material and obtained in suspension is substantially pure, i.e., consists only of purified natural polymer.

[0028] Preferably, the biopolymer used in the agricultural application of the present invention contains substantially no chemical residues, or there are no chemical residues, or they are not detected or are present in trace amounts. Preferably, the biopolymer contains substantially no chemical residues, or there are no chemical residues, or they are not detected or are present in trace amounts. As used herein, "substantially free of chemical residues" means that chemical compounds, such as acids, bases, reactive chemicals, organic salts and / or inorganic salts, surfactants, dispersants (e.g., Tween 80 TM ), silanization reagents, acrylamide, etc. are not present at all, or are not detected, or are present only in trace amounts in the final composition or final suspension. In an embodiment, the biopolymer constitutes at least 98 wt%, at least 99 wt%, at least 99.9 wt%, or at least 99.99 wt% of the organic compounds in the biopolymer composition or suspension, i.e., the biopolymer composition or suspension contains less than 2 wt%, less than 1 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, less than 0.01 wt% or less than 0.001 wt% of organic components other than the biopolymer or degradation products.

[0029] In the present invention, the biopolymer may be insoluble or semi-soluble in water. As used herein, the term "insoluble biopolymer" means a biopolymer that is "insoluble" in a polar solvent (especially water), and this term includes equivalent terms such as "non-water-soluble", or "not soluble in water", or "water-insoluble", or "indissoluble". Insolubility can typically be observed by separation, i.e., by a precipitate / deposit of the biopolymer that is in two separate phases in an aqueous mixture, e.g., at the bottom or floating on top of the aqueous mixture. In the present invention, examples of insoluble biopolymers include, but are not limited to, chitin, chitosan, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, amylose, actin, fibrin, collagen, silk, fibroin, keratin, wool, alginic acid, and mixtures thereof. As used herein, the term "semi-soluble biopolymer" means a biopolymer that can be solubilized in a polar solvent such as water, but only under specific conditions (e.g., addition of chemicals such as molecular weight, heat, acid, alcohol, surfactant, etc.). In the present invention, examples of semi-soluble biopolymers include, but are not limited to, gelatin, pectin, starch, amylopectin, agarose, hyaluronic acid, RNA, DNA, xanthan gum, latex, polymannan, suberin, cutin, cutan, and mixtures thereof.

[0030] In an embodiment, the insoluble biopolymer is selected from chitin, chitosan, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, amylose, actin, fibrin, collagen, silk, fibroin, keratin, wool, and mixtures thereof. In an embodiment, the semi-soluble biopolymer is selected from gelatin, pectin, starch, amylopectin, agarose, alginic acid, alginate, hyaluronic acid, RNA, DNA, xanthan gum, guar gum, carrageenan, latex, polymannan, suberin, cutin, cutan, and mixtures thereof.

[0031] A variety of sources of biopolymers can be used and the present invention is not limited to a particular source. For example, suitable sources of chitin include, but are not limited to, green plants, algae and fungi. Suitable sources of chitin and chitosan include, but are not limited to, fungi, crustaceans (e.g., crabs and shrimp) and insects. In embodiments, insoluble or semi-soluble biopolymers are obtained from fungi and mushrooms. In embodiments, insoluble or semi-soluble biopolymers are obtained from plant materials including, but not limited to, roots, tubers, leaves, petals, seeds, fruits, etc.

[0032] In embodiments, the biopolymer is 100% natural biopolymer, for example, SunSpheres Bio TM (microcrystalline cellulose, Dow Chemical), Chemjac TM (amorphophallus konjac root extract and xanthan gum, Chemspire), Kelset TM (sodium alginate, Dupont), Instant Pure-Flo F TM (corn starch, Ingredion), Gelcarin TM GP 379 (lambda carrageenan, iota form, Dupont), Betafib TM MCF (cellulose (and) water-microfibrillated cellulose, Cosun Biobased Products), Betafib TM ETD (cellulose and cellulose gum-microfibrillated cellulose, Cosun Biobased Products), Exilva TM FM02-V,L (cellulose-microfibrillated cellulose, Borregard), Naturesoft TM 800 (cellulose fine powder), Kelcogel TMCG-HA (Gellan gum-CP, Kelco), agar, agarose, mushroom chitosan (e.g., GBS003, Qingdao Chibio Biotech), fungal chitosan (e.g., GBS010, Qingdao Chibio Biotech; or from Kraeber & Co), fungus-derived chitosan (e.g., Kiosmetine-CS TM , Kitozyme).

[0033] In an embodiment, the biopolymer is a natural-derived biopolymer, such as Natrathix TM Bio cellulose (cellulose gum, Ashland), Aquasorb TM A500 (cellulose gum, Ashland), Polysurf TM CS 67 / Natrosol TM CS plus 330 (cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, Ashland), Structure XL TM (hydroxypropyl starch phosphate, Nouryon), CD-58 (chitosan succinimide, Onlystar Bio-Technology Ltd), carboxymethyl chitosan derivative (GBS010, Qingdao Chibio Biotech), Makimousse TM 7 / 400 (sodium polyacrylate starch - kobo products, Daito Kasei Kogyo), Salanjul / Sanfresh TM 1000 / 300sp (sodium polyacrylate starch, Iwase Cosfa USA Inc. / Sanyo), Antaron ECoT ethyl cellulose (ethyl cellulose, Ashland).

[0034] In an embodiment, the biopolymer is Chemjac TM (Amorphophallus konjac root extract and xanthan gum, Chemspire), PemuPur TMIt contains a synergistic combination of biopolymers such as start (microcrystalline cellulose (and) Sphingomonas fermentation extract (and) cellulose gum, Lubrizol), Nomcort CG (xanthan gum, ceratonia siliqua gum, Ikeda).

[0035] 32 The biopolymer may also contain other active substances such as B-CAN TM 55% (oat beta-glucan, Adams Food Ingredients) and / or beta-glucan derived from mushrooms.

[0036] The present invention encompasses mixtures of two, three, four, five or more insoluble biopolymers including, but not limited to, chitin + chitosan, chitin + cellulose, chitin + collagen, chitin + silk, chitosan + silk, chitosan + cellulose, chitosan + collagen, cellulose + collagen, cellulose + silk, collagen + silk, etc. The present invention also encompasses mixtures of two, three, four, five or more semi-soluble biopolymers including, but not limited to, agarose + DNA, xanthan gum + starch, latex + alginate, xanthan gum + DNA, guar gum + cutan, etc. It is also contemplated to mix two, three, four, five or more insoluble and semi-soluble biopolymers including, but not limited to, chitin + agarose, chitosan + agarose, chitin + gelatin, chitin + xanthan gum, chitosan + xanthan gum, chitin + sodium hyaluronate, chitosan + sodium hyaluronate, cellulose + sodium hyaluronate, chitin + agarose, chitosan + agarose, cellulose + agarose.

[0037] The present invention also encompasses a combination of a hydrophobically modified biopolymer and an unmodified biopolymer that can form an oil-in-water emulsion with a stable viscosity when dispersed using high shear treatment and / or mechanical energy (regardless of the presence or absence of an emulsifier). Examples of hydrophobically modified biopolymers include Natrosol TM CS Plus 330 / Polysurf TM CS 67 (cetyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, Ashland), StarDesign Ultra TM (sodium starch octenyl succinate, Cargill Beauty), Inutec TM SP1 (inulin lauryl carbamate, Beneo), Texturlux Stabil TM (hydrolyzed corn starch hydroxyethyl ether, Primient).

[0038] In an embodiment, the biopolymer consists of a biopolymer composition containing biopolymer molecules mechanically treated into a stable homogeneous aqueous biopolymer suspension. As used herein, the term "homogeneous" generally means the appearance of the suspension to the naked eye (e.g., uniform color, uniform texture, etc.). "Homogeneous" as used herein does not preclude the possibility that the suspension is "heterogeneous" at the molecular level (e.g., various particle sizes, presence of aggregates, etc.). As used herein, the term "stable homogeneous aqueous biopolymer suspension", or similar terms that may be used interchangeably herein such as "homogeneous biopolymer suspension" or "stable biopolymer suspension" or simply "biopolymer suspension", all mean a suspension of insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles stably dispersed in a polar solvent. The polar solvent is a polar protic solvent or a polar aprotic solvent. The polar solvent may be an aqueous solvent. The insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles present in the biopolymer suspension may be in the shape of fibers and / or in the shape of aggregated spheres or aggregates. The stability of the biopolymer suspension can be evaluated by any suitable means. In a preferred embodiment, the stability is measured or observed by the absence of separation, i.e., the absence of a precipitate / deposit of biopolymer at the bottom or floating on top of the aqueous mixture instead of two distinct phases in the aqueous mixture. Preferably, the biopolymer suspension according to the present invention is stable for at least 1 day, or at least 1 week, or at least 1 month, or at least 1 year or more (e.g., no separation).

[0039] Notwithstanding the above, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymers will never truly become soluble. Instead, they become "swellable" and bind to water. This is the reason why the biopolymers become a viscous suspension in the high shear conditions and / or mechanical energy to which the biopolymers are subjected in the present invention. Thus, the present invention encompasses both "swellable biopolymers" and "non-swellable biopolymers". This is because non-swellable polymers can be made swellable using high shear and / or mechanical energy. As used herein, a swellable biopolymer includes a biopolymer that absorbs and binds water, resulting in an increase in particle size and aqueous dispersion viscosity.

[0040] In an embodiment, the biopolymer becomes swellable by wet ball milling. This can include, but is not limited to, chitin, chitosan, hemicellulose, and alpha-corn starch.

[0041] In an embodiment, the biopolymer becomes swellable by high shear treatment other than ball milling. This can include, but is not limited to, microcrystalline cellulose, microfibrillated cellulose, nanocellulose, hairy nanocellulose, konjac glucomannan, hydroxypropyl phosphate starch, high acyl type gellan gum, gellan gum, carboxymethyl starch, carboxymethyl cellulose (low ds type), agar agar, and agarose.

[0042] In the present invention, it is also conceivable to use soluble biopolymers including, but not limited to, xanthan gum, diutan gum, sodium alginate, and sclerotium gum.

[0043] In an embodiment, the biopolymer molecules or particles that are part of the agricultural composition are mechanically treated to a stable homogeneous aqueous biopolymer suspension. In an embodiment, the mechanical treatment involves high shear conditions and / or high mechanical energy. In an embodiment, the high shear conditions and / or high mechanical energy are obtained by processes including, but not limited to, mechanical shearing, shear thinning, planetary ball milling, rolling mill, vibratory ball milling, tumbling stirred ball milling, horizontal media mill, colloid milling. As shown below, the high shear conditions and / or high mechanical energy can be carried out for a certain time, parameters, under appropriate conditions, etc. until a desired state change is obtained, such as a change in color, a change in viscosity, a change from slurry to paste, ointment, cream, lotion, gel or milk.

[0044] While not wishing to be bound by theory, subjecting the biopolymer to high shear conditions and / or high mechanical energy improves the performance of the biopolymer that was not seen in conventional processes, such as improvement in rheological properties such as viscosity, shear thinning properties and high yield values. The biopolymer dispersed using high shear treatment may include a lamellar crystal gel network (LGN) that can synergistically increase the viscosity of the biopolymer dispersion. The oil + water biopolymer dispersion according to the present invention may include a Pickering emulsion in which an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion is stabilized by the biopolymer.

[0045] In an embodiment, high shear conditions and / or high mechanical energy are obtained using suitable apparatus or instruments including, but not limited to, ball mills (e.g., planetary ball mills, rolling mills, vibrating ball mills, tumbling stirring ball mills, horizontal media mills, colloid mills, magnetic mills), twin screw extruders, high pressure homogenizers, blade homogenizers, stirring homogenizers, dispersers, rotor stator homogenizers, high shear mixers, plowshare mixers, dynamic mixers, plow mixers, turbine mixers, speed mixers, attrition millers, ultrasonic processors (e.g., high shear ultrasonication), tissue tearors, celllizers, polytrons, ribbon agitators, microfluidizers, high pressure homogenizers, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes ball milling under wet conditions. Specific examples of ball mills include vertical planetary mills (e.g., Tencan XQM-2A TM ) with a 100 mL zirconia jar and 10 mm diameter zirconia balls, Flacktek TM speed mixer (DAC 330-11 SE) with a 40 mL zirconia jar with 5 mm diameter zirconia balls or zirconia rings, 1.5 L Supermill Plus TM with 1.4 - 1.7 mm zirconia beads, and Netzsch mill Labstar TM with 0.6 - 0.8 mm beads or 1.4 - 1.7 mm beads, but are not limited thereto.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the biopolymer compositions and suspensions according to the present invention are obtained using a specific protocol herein referred to as the "10 + 1 Alt method". This method involves milling the biopolymer for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), followed by a short rest period (e.g., 1 minute), then for a certain period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), for a total of 1 hour, or 2 hours, or 3 hours, or 5 hours, 10 hours, or 12 hours, and milling in the reverse direction.

[0047] Advantageously, the viscosity of the composition / suspension can be varied by changing the high shear conditions and / or mechanical energy to which the biopolymer is subjected. These conditions can be adjusted to obtain a stable homogeneous suspension (e.g., a stable colloidal homogeneous suspension) having the desired viscosity. Typically, supplying more mechanical energy increases shear and, correspondingly, decreases the viscosity of the final product. The biopolymer itself and / or the final composition for drug delivery can be formulated as a paste, ointment, cream, lotion, gel or milk.

[0048] In an embodiment, the biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules or particles, is a colloidal homogeneous biopolymer suspension. In an embodiment, the colloidal homogeneous suspension comprises colloids having a range of about 1 nm to about 1 μm.

[0049] In an embodiment, the biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, comprises biopolymer fibers. In an embodiment, the fibers have a width in the range of about 1 nm to about 5 μm, or about 5 nm to about 5 μm, about 7 nm to about 5 μm, or about 10 nm to about 5 μm, or about 20 nm to about 5 μm, or about 25 nm to about 5 μm, or about 30 nm to about 5 μm, or about 35 nm to about 5 μm, or about 35 nm to about 3 μm. In an embodiment, the fibers have a width of at least 1 nm, or at least 5 nm, or at least 10 nm, or at least 20 nm, or at least 30 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm, or at least 75 nm, or at least 100 nm, or at least 250 nm, or at least 500 nm, or at least 750 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm, or at least 3 μm, or at least 4 μm, or at least 5 μm or wider.

[0050] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, comprises biopolymer fibers having a length in the range of about 1 nm to about 200 μm, about 10 nm to about 100 μm, or about 50 nm to about 10 μm, or about 100 nm to about 10 μm, or about 500 nm to about 10 μm, or about 750 nm to about 10 μm, or about 800 nm to about 10 μm, or about 900 nm to about 5 μm, or about 1 μm to about 10 μm, or about 1 μm to about 5 μm, or about 1 μm to about 3 μm. In an embodiment, the fibers have a length of at least 1 nm, or at least 10 nm, at least 50 nm, or at least 100 nm, or at least 250 nm or at least 500 nm, or at least 750 nm, or at least 800 nm, or at least about 900 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm, or at least 3 μm, or at least 4 μm, or at least 5 μm, or at least 6 μm, or at least 7 μm, or at least 8 μm, or at least 9 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 25 μm, or at least 50 μm, or at least 75 μm, or at least 100 μm, or at least 150 μm, or at least 200 μm or longer. In an embodiment, the dry particle size can range from about 1 nm to about 1 μm, or up to 10 μm, and the wet particle size can range from about 200 nm to about 20 μm, or up to 200 μm.

[0051] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or a biopolymer molecule comprises biopolymer fibers having both of the following: (i) a width greater than 20 nm (e.g., at least 25 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and a length greater than 50 nm (e.g., at least 100 nm, or at least 500 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm); or (ii) a width greater than 32 nm (e.g., at least 35 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and a length greater than 50 nm (e.g., at least 100 nm, or at least 500 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm); or (iii) a width greater than 20 nm (e.g., at least 25 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and a length greater than 500 nm (e.g., at least 600 nm, or at least 750 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm); or (iv) a width greater than 30 nm (e.g., at least 35 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and a length greater than 800 nm (e.g., at least 900 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm); or (v) a width greater than 8 nm (e.g., at least 10 nm, at least 25 nm, or at least 35 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and a length greater than 340 nm (e.g., at least 350 nm, or at least 500 nm, at least 750 nm, or at least 900 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm); or (vi) a width greater than 11 nm (e.g., at least 15 nm, at least 25 nm, or at least 35 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and a length greater than 166 nm (e.g., at least 200 nm, or at least 350 nm, or at least 500 nm, at least 750 nm, or at least 900 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm);or (viii) a width greater than 32 nm (e.g., at least 35 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and a length greater than 800 nm (e.g., at least 900 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm, or at least 3 μm, or at least 4 μm, or at least 5 μm, or at least 6 μm, or at least 7 μm, or at least 8 μm, or at least 9 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 25 μm, or at least 50 μm, or at least 75 μm, or at least 100 μm, or at least 150 μm, or at least 200 μm or longer).;

[0052] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer molecule, is a biopolymer fiber, wherein the average width and average length of the fibers in the composition are as defined above herein, e.g., an average width greater than 20 nm (e.g., at least 25 nm, or at least 40 nm, or at least 50 nm) and an average length greater than 50 nm (e.g., at least 60 nm, at least 75 nm, or at least 100 nm, or at least 500 nm, at least 750 nm, or at least 1 μm, or at least 2 μm, or at least 3 μm, or at least 4 μm, or at least 5 μm, or at least 6 μm, or at least 7 μm, or at least 8 μm, or at least 9 μm, or at least 10 μm, or at least 25 μm, or at least 50 μm, or at least 75 μm, or at least 100 μm, or at least 150 μm, or at least 200 μm or longer) of the biopolymer fiber.

[0053] In an embodiment, a biopolymer suspension and / or a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer molecule has a pH of about 6.5 to about 8.5. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer suspension is a chitosan suspension having a pH of about 7.8 to about 8.1.

[0054] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or biopolymer molecules comprises biopolymer fibers having both crystalline and amorphous regions. In an embodiment, a stable homogeneous suspension comprises spherical biopolymer fibers. In an embodiment, a stable homogeneous suspension consists mainly of, or only of, suspended biopolymer nanofibrils.

[0055] Those skilled in the art recognize that particle size measurements can vary depending on the measurement method and the state of the particles (e.g., wet particles are generally larger than the same particles in a dry state). Typically, when measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), the particles are in a wet or suspended state, and when measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the particles are in a dry state.

[0056] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or biopolymer molecules comprises alginate agglomerated spheres having an average size of about 40 nm to about 80 nm, or about 45 nm to about 75 nm, as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In an embodiment, a stable homogeneous suspension comprises alginate agglomerated spheres having a median size of about 30 nm to about 70 nm, or about 35 nm to about 65 nm, and an average size of about 40 nm to about 80 nm, or about 45 nm to about 75 nm, as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

[0057] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or biopolymer molecules comprises cellulose agglomerated spheres having an average size of about 50 nm to about 80 nm, or about 55 nm to about 75 nm, about 40 nm to about 80 nm, or about 45 nm to about 75 nm, as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In an embodiment, a stable homogeneous biopolymer suspension comprises cellulose agglomerated spheres having a median size of about 35 nm to about 75 nm, or about 40 nm to about 65 nm, and an average size of about 40 nm to about 80 nm, or about 45 nm to about 75 nm, as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

[0058] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or a biopolymer molecule comprises aggregated spheres of chitin having an average size of about 45 nm to about 85 nm, or about 50 nm to about 80 nm. In an embodiment, a stable homogeneous biopolymer suspension comprises aggregated spheres of cellulose having a central size of about 45 nm to about 80 nm, or about 50 nm to about 75 nm as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

[0059] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or a biopolymer molecule comprises aggregated spheres of chitosan having an average size of about 75 nm to about 120 nm, or about 80 nm to about 115 nm, or about 85 nm to about 110 nm as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In an embodiment, a stable homogeneous suspension comprises aggregated spheres of chitosan having a central size of about 70 nm to about 100 nm or about 75 nm to about 95 nm as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

[0060] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or a biopolymer molecule comprises aggregated spheres of silk having an average size of about 40 nm to about 165 nm, or about 45 nm to about 160 nm as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In an embodiment, a stable homogeneous biopolymer suspension comprises aggregated spheres of silk having a central size of about 40 nm to about 150 nm or about 45 nm to about 140 nm as measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

[0061] In an embodiment, a biopolymer composition comprising a biopolymer and / or a biopolymer molecule comprises one or more particles of alginic acid, cellulose, chitin, chitosan and silk, and the range of particle sizes measured by SEM is as defined in the tables and figures of WO 2022 / 137184.

[0062] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, is characterized by the visual properties depicted in the SEM images shown in the figures of WO2022 / 137184.

[0063] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, is characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum depicted in the figures of WO 2022 / 137184.

[0064] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, is characterized by the solid state nuclear magnetic resonance property evaluation (SSNMR) depicted in the figures of WO2022 / 137184.

[0065] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, is characterized by the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern(s) depicted in the figures of WO 2022 / 137184.

[0066] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, is characterized by the dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements reported in WO 2022 / 137184.

[0067] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, is characterized by the transmittance spectrum shown in the figures of WO2022 / 137184.

[0068] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules, is characterized by the sweep suspension test reported in WO 2022 / 137184.

[0069] In an embodiment, a biopolymer, and / or a biopolymer composition comprising biopolymer molecules is characterized by the rheological behavior depicted in the figures of WO 2022 / 137184.

[0070] Seed Coating Composition + Composition for Other Parts of Plants A particular aspect of the present invention relates to a seed coating formulation / composition comprising biopolymers and / or a biopolymer. A further aspect of the present invention relates to a formulation / composition comprising a biopolymer and / or a biopolymer composition as defined herein, which can be used and / or applied to other parts of a plant (e.g., roots, tubers, leaves, petals, seeds, fruits, etc.). Typically, unless there is conflicting evidence, references to the following "seed coating compositions" typically apply to compositions generally for agricultural use, including formulations / compositions for other parts of a plant.

[0071] In an embodiment, the seed coating composition comprises biopolymer molecules mechanically treated into a stable homogeneous aqueous suspension. In an embodiment, the stable homogeneous aqueous suspension comprises insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles. In an embodiment, the biopolymer consists of a stable homogeneous aqueous suspension composed of insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles. In an embodiment, the insoluble and / or semi-soluble particles are stably dispersed in a polar solvent.

[0072] The seed coating composition may further comprise additional compounds or substances including, but not limited to, a toxicity reliever, a binder, a wax, a stabilizer, a wetting agent, a colorant, etc.

[0073] The seed coating composition may further comprise bioactive agents including, but not limited to, a bactericide, an insecticide, bacteria, a bio-peptide, a nitrogen fixer, a low molecular weight biopolymer, an oligomer, etc.

[0074] Examples of insecticides include imidacloprid, clothianidin, chlorpyrifos, organochlorines, organophosphates, organosulfurs, carbamates, formamidines, dinitrophenols, organotins, pyrethroids, neonicotinoids, spinosyns, pyrazoles, pyridazinones, quinazolines, botanical formulations, synergists / activators, antibiotics, fumigants, inorganic formulations, biological formulations, benzoylureas, permethrin (pyrethroid), esfenvalerate (pyrethroid), Bacillus thuringiensis (BT - biological formulation), diazinon (organophosphate), methomyl (carbamate), malathion (organophosphate), pyrethrin (botanical formulation), carbaryl (N - methylcarbamate), endosulfan (organochlorine), beta - cyfluthrin (pyrethroid), carbaryl (carbamate), chlorpyrifos (organophosphate), cyfluthrin (pyrethroid), dimethoate (organophosphate), gamma - cyhalothrin (pyrethroid), Idoxacard TM (carboxylate), Methomyl TM (carbamate), Methyl Parathion TM (organophosphate), Permethrin TM (pyrethroid), Phosmet TM (organophosphate), Spinosad TM(fermentation product), zeta-cypermethrin (pyrethroid), beta-cyfluthrin (pyrethroid), carbaryl (carbamate), chlorpyrifos (Organophosphate), deltamethrin (pyrethroid), dimethoate (Organophosphate), esfenvalerate (pyrethroid), gamma- and lambda-cyhalothrin (pyrethroid), malathion (Organophosphate), methidathion (Organophosphate), methomyl (cyclodiene), Sevin TM (carbaryl), Imidan TM (phosmet), Kelthane TM (dicofol), Guthion TM (azinphos-methyl), Vendex TM (hexakis(phenbutatin) oxide), Lanate TM (methomyl), methoxychlor (methoxychlor), Provado TM (imidacloprid), Thiodan TM (endosulfan), Malathion TM , Neemix TM , Pyrethrins TM , Cygon 400 TM (dimethoate), Cythion TM 57% (malathion), Diazinon TM AG500 (Organophosphate), Dibrom TM 8E, Dipel TM 2X, Imidan TM 50 WP, Lannate L, TM Lorsban TM 15G, Metasystox-R TM , Parathion TM 4E, Thiodan TM 3E, Zolone TM 3EC, Acramite TM (bifenazate), Baythroid TM(Cyfluthrin), Dimilin TM (Diflubenzuron), Fulfill TM (Pymetrozine), MSR TM (Oxydemeton - methyl), Temik TM (Aldicarb), Venom TM (Dinotefuran), Zeal TM (Ethoxazole), Asana TM XL (Esfenvalerate), Baythroi TM d2 (Cyfluthrin), Cruiser TM 5FS (Thiamethoxam), Dimethoate TM 4E (Organophosphate), Gaucho TM 480 (Imidacloprid), Lorsban TM 4E (Chlorpyrifos), Mustang TM Max (Pyrethroid), Nufos TM 4E (Chlorpyrifos), Warrior TM (Organophosphate) is included, but not limited to these.

[0075] Examples include Vibrance by Syngenta TM Maxx RFC, Actino - Iron (登録商標) (Streptomyces lydicus WYEC), Actinovate TM AG (Streptomyces lydicus), Agclor TM 310 (Sodium hypochlorite), Affirm TM WDG (Polyoxine - D), Agri - Fos TM (Phosphoric acid), Agri - mycin TM 17 (Streptomycin sulfate), Aliette TM WDG (Phosphorus acetyl Al), Alude TM (Phosphoric acid), Apron TM XL (Mefenoxam), Aprovia TM Top (Benzovindiflupyr + Difenoconazole), AristonTM (Chlorothalonil + Cymoxanil), BadgeX2 (登録商標) SC (Copper oxychloride + Copper hydroxide), Basic Copper 53 (登録商標) (Basic copper sulfate), Bio - Save 10 LP (登録商標) (Pseudomonas syringae ESC - 10), Bio - Tam (登録商標) (Trichoderma aperellum, T. gamsii), Blocker TM 4F (PCNB), BotryStop (登録商標) (Ulocladium oudemansii U3 strain), Bumper TM (Propiconazole), Bravo TM (Weather Stik, Ultrex, ZN)(Chlorothalonil), Cabrio TM EG (Pyraclostrobin), Cabrio TM Plus (Pyraclostrobin + Methylam), Camelot O (登録商標) (Copper soap), Cannonball TM WG (Fluazinam), Catamaran TM (Potassium phosphite + Chlorothalonil), Cease (登録商標) (Bacillus subtilis QST 713), Champ WG (登録商標) (Copper hydroxide), Champ TM Dry Prill (Copper hydroxide), Champ TM Formula 2 Flowable (Copper hydroxide), ChampION++ TM (Copper hydroxide), Companion (登録商標) (Liquid, WP)(Bacillus subtilis strain GB03), Contans WG (登録商標) (Coniothyrium minitans), Cuprofix TM Ultra 40 Disperss (Basic copper sulfate), Cuproxat TM , Cuproxat FL(登録商標) (Basic copper sulfate), Curzate 60 DF (Simoxanyl), Custodia (Azoxystrobin + Tebuconazole), DiTera DF (登録商標) (Myrothecium verrucaria strain AARC - 0255), Dithane TM (M - 45, F - 45 Rainshield TM )(Mancozeb), Decree 80 WDG (Fenhexamid), Double Nickel (登録商標) 55 and LC (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens), Dynasty TM (Azoxystrobin), Echo TM (90DF, 720)(Chlorothalonil), EcoSwing (登録商標) (Extract of Swinglea glutinosa), Emblem TM (Fluoxastrobin), Endura TM (Boscalid), Equus TM 720 SST (Chlorothalonil), Flint TM (Trifloxystrobin), Fontelis TM (Penthiopyrad), Forum TM (Dimethomorph), Fosphite TM (Phosphoric acid), Gavel TM (75DS, DF)(Zoxamide + Mancozeb), GEM 500 SC TM (Trifloxystrobin), Headline TM 、Headline SC TM (Pyraclostrobin), Headline AMP TM (Pyraclostrobin + Metconazole), Incognito TM (4.5F, 85 WDG)(Thiophanate - methyl), Initiate TM (720, ZN)(Chlorothalonil), Inspire Super TM (Difenoconazole + Cyprodinil), Iprodione 4L AG (Iprodione), JMS Stylet - Oil(登録商標) 、JMS Stylet - Oil TM (Paraffin - based oil), Kaligreen (登録商標) (Potassium bicarbonate), Kalmor (登録商標) (Copper hydroxide), Kentan TM DF (Copper hydroxide), K - Phite TM 7LP (Phosphoric acid), Kocide TM 2000, Kocide 2000 - O (登録商標) 、Kocide TM 3000, Kocide TM 3000 - O (登録商標) (Copper hydroxide), Kumulus DF (登録商標) (Sulfur), Luna Experience TM (Fludioxonil + Tebuconazole), Luna Sensation TM (Fludioxonil + Trifloxystrobin), Luna Tranquility TM (Fludioxonil + Pyrimethanil), ManKocide TM (Copper + Mancozeb), Manzate TM (Max, Pro - Stick)(Mancozeb), MasterCop TM (Copper sulfate pentahydrate), Maxim TM 4FS (Fluazinam), Maxim TM MZ (Fluazinam + Mancozeb), Maxim TM PSP (Fluazinam), Merivon TM (Fluaxapoxad + Pyraclostrobin), Mertect TM 340 - F (Thiabendazole), Micora TM (Mandipropamid), Microthiol Disperss (登録商標) (Sulfur), Microfine TM Sulfur (Sulfur), Micro Sulf (登録商標) (Sulfur), Mildew Cure (登録商標) (Cotton seeds, corn, and garlic oil), MilStop (登録商標) (Potassium bicarbonate), M - Pede (登録商標) (Insecticidal soap) : 、MoncoatTM MZ (Flutolanil + Mancozeb), Moncut TM 70 DF (Flutolanil), Mural TM (Azoxystrobin & Benzovindiflupyr), MycoStop (登録商標) (Streptomyces griseoviridis K61), Nevado TM (Iprodione), Nordox TM 75 WG (登録商標) (Cuprous Oxide), Nu-Cop TM (3L, 50DF (登録商標) 、50WP (登録商標) 、HB (登録商標) )(Copper Hydroxide), Nutrol TM (Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate), Nufarm TM T-Methyl 70WSB, 4.5F (Thiophanate-Methyl), Obtego (登録商標) (Trichoderma aperellum, T. gamsii), Omega TM 500 (Fludioxonil), Omega TM Top MP (Fludioxonil), Organocide (登録商標) (Sesame Oil), Orius TM (3.6F)(Tebuconazole), Orondis Opti TM (Chlorothalonil + Oxathiapiprolin), Orondis Opti B TM (Chlorothalonil), Orondis TM (Ultra A, Gold 200, Opti A)(Oxathiapiprolin), Orondis Ultra TM (Oxathiapiprolin + Mandipropamid), Orondis Ultra B TM (Mandipropamid), OSO TM 5% SC (Polyoxine D), OxiDate 2.0 (登録商標) (Hydrogen Dioxide + Peroxyacetic Acid), OxiPhos TM (Phosphoric Acid + Hydrogen Peroxide), Pageant Intrinsic TM (Pyraclostrobin + Boscalid), PenncozebTM (75DF, 80WP) Mancozeb, PhD TM Polyoxin D, Phyton TM 35 Copper Sulfate, Phostrol TM Phosphoric Acid, Polyram TM 80 DF Methylam, Potato Seed Treater TM 6% Mancozeb, PreFence (登録商標) (Streptomyces griseoviridis K61), Presidio TM 4SC Fluopyram, PreStop (登録商標) (Gliocladium catenulatum J1446), Previcur Flex TM Propamocarb, Priaxor TM (Fluxapyroxad + Pyraclostrobin), Pristine TM (Boscalid + Pyraclostrobin), PVent (登録商標) (Gliocladium catenulatum J1446), Procure TM Triflumizole, Prolin TM 480SC Prothioconazole, ProPhyte TM Phosphoric Acid, PropiMax TM EC Propiconazole, Quadris TM Azoxystrobin, Quadris Opti TM (Azoxystrobin + Chlorothalonil), Quadris Ridomil Gold TM (Azoxystrobin + Mefenoxam), Quadris Top TM (Azoxystrobin + Difenoconazole), Quash TM (Metraconazole), Quilt TM (Azoxystrobin + Propiconazole), Quilt Xcel TM (Azoxystrobin + Propiconazole), Quintec TM(Quinoxyfen), Rally TM 40 SWP (Microbutanyl), Rampart TM (Phosphoric acid), Ranman TM (Cyazofamid), Reason TM 500 SC (Femadione), Regalia (登録商標) (Extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis), Reville TM (Phosphoric acid), Resist TM (Phosphoric acid), Revus TM (Mandipropamid), Revus Top TM (Mandipropamid + Difenoconazole), Rhyme TM (Fluotrimazole), Ridomil Gold TM (4SL, GR) (Mefenoxam), Ridomil Gold Bravo SC TM (Mefenoxam + Chlorothalonil), Ridomil Gold MZ 72 TM (Mefenoxam + Mancozeb), Ridomil Gold Copper TM (Mefenoxam + Copper), RootShield TM AG, WP (登録商標) (Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain KRL-AG2), RootShield Granules (登録商標) (Trichoderma harzianum strain T-22), RootShield Plus WP TM , Granules (登録商標) (Trichoderma harzianum strain T-22 + T. virens strain G-41), Roper (DF TM , DF Rainshield TM )(Mancozeb), Rovral TM 4F (Iprodione), Scala TM SC (Pyraclostrobin), Serenade TM (ASO(登録商標) 、Opti (登録商標) (Bacillus subtilis QST 713), Sil-MATRIX (登録商標) (Potassium silicate), Sonata (登録商標) (Bacillus pumilus QST 2808), Sovran 50 WG TM (Kresoxim-methyl), Spirato TM (Fluoxastrobin), Sporan TM EC (Rosemary oil, clove oil, thyme oil), Stargus (登録商標) (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens F727), Stratego TM 、Stratego YLD TM (Propiconazole + Trifloxystrobin), Subdue MAXX TM (Mefenoxam), Suffoil-X (登録商標) (Petroleum-based oil), Sulfur 6L TM (Sulfur), Super Tin TM 80 WP (Triphenyltin hydroxide), Switch TM 62.5 WG (Cyprodinil + Fluoxastrobin), Taegro 2 TM (B. subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24), Tanos 50 DF TM (Famoxadone + Cymoxanil), Terraclor TM 400 (PCNB), Tilt TM (Propiconazole), Topguard TM (Flutriafol), Topguard TM EQ (Azoxystrobin + Flutriafol), Topsin TM (4.5FL, M 70 WSB) (Thiophanate-methyl), Torino TM (Fluxapyroxad), Triathlon TMBA (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens D747), Trilogy (登録商標) (Indendane oil), Trionic TM 4SC (Triflumizole), Trivapro TM (Benzovindiflupyr + Azoxystrobin + Propiconazole), Ultra Flourish TM (Mefenoxam), Vanguard TM WG (Cyprodinil), Vivando TM (Metrafenone), ZeroTol 2.0 (登録商標) (Hydrogen peroxide), Zampro TM 525SC (Ametoctradin + Dimethomorph), Ziram TM (76DF, Excel) (Ziram), Zing! TM (Zoxamide) is mentioned, but these are not limited to these.

[0076] Examples of bacteria include Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thurigiensis, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Serratia, Alcaligenes, Arthrobacter, Delftia acidovorans (e.g., Lallemand's Lalfix Proyield TM liquid soy inoculant), but are not limited to these. Further examples include U.S. Patent No. 9,333,227 describing genetically engineered microbial cells that produce bacteriocins, and U.S. Patents Nos. 9,868,675 and 10,053,392 describing consortia of bacterial strains for enhancing the availability of soil phosphorus and other macronutrients to plants.

[0077] Examples of biopeptides include, but are not limited to, Thuricin 17 (see PCT Patent Publication WO 2008 / 138129), Bacillin 20 (a peptide produced by Bacillus thuringiensis), colicin, microcin, pyocin, carocin S1, carotovoricin s, glycinesin, putidacin, ipomicin, Michiganin A, surfactin, iturin, and fengycin.

[0078] Examples of nitrogen fixers include, but are not limited to, cyanobacteria (blue-green bacteria such as Oscillatoria, Gloeocapsa, Lyngbya, Plectonema), lichens, free-living soil bacteria, Azotobacter, Anabaena, Nostoc, Beijerinckia, Clostridium, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium elkanii, Azospirillum, Chlorobium, Chromatium, Azomonas, Derxia, Rhodospirillum, Desulfovibro, Rivularia, Calothrix, Pullularia.

[0079] Desired Characteristics The seed coating composition according to the present invention is preferably stable. By stability is meant, at least, that the biopolymer (e.g., fiber, sphere), and / or any other component of the composition does not settle to the bottom. In embodiments, the insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer(s) are retained in suspension for at least one week, or at least one month, or at least six months, or at least twelve months, or at least eighteen months, or at least two years, or at least three years or more.

[0080] The seed coating composition according to the present invention can be formulated to have a desired viscosity (e.g., paste, ointment, cream, lotion, gel or emulsion). In embodiments, the desired formulation is obtained by obtaining a composition having the desired viscosity. In embodiments, the viscosity of the composition / suspension can be varied by changing the high shear conditions and / or mechanical energy to which the biopolymer(s) are subjected. In embodiments, a stable homogeneous suspension includes a viscosity of from about 25 mPa to about 85000 mPa. Table 1 below provides non-limiting examples of desirable viscosities of the composition / suspension according to the present invention.

[0081] TIFF2025521938000002.tif50155

[0082] In embodiments, it can be varied by appropriately selecting additional components (e.g., toxicity mitigants, binders, waxes, stabilizers, wetting agents, colorants, bioactive agents, etc.).

[0083] The viscosity of the seed coating composition according to the present invention can be modified depending on the respective ratio or concentration of each of the compounds entering the composition, in addition to the biopolymer. In embodiments, the weight ratio of biopolymer: other components (e.g., toxicity mitigants, binders, waxes, stabilizers, wetting agents, colorants, bioactive agents, etc.) is from about 0.1:20 to about 10:20, or from about 0.5:20 to about 3:20, or about 0.75:20, or about 1.0:20, 1.25:20, or about 1.5:20.

[0084] In an embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises from about 0.01 to 10% w / w of a biopolymer, or from 0.01 to 5% w / w of a biopolymer, or from 0.01 to 2% w / w of a biopolymer, or from 0.01 to 1% w / w of a biopolymer. In an embodiment, the composition according to the present invention comprises about 0.01% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 0.05% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 0.1% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 0.25% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 0.5% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 0.75% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 1% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 1.5% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 2.5% w / w of a biopolymer, or about 5% w / w of a biopolymer.

[0085] The agricultural composition according to the present invention is also provided in a dry form and can be formulated as a powder, pellet, granule, film, rod, etc. The dry form can be useful for foliar spraying and / or the production of sustained release formulations for roots or seeds (e.g., granules that release biological activity and / or granules that allow for the retention and release of humidity / water to plants). The composition in dry form can be obtained by preparing a biopolymer composition as defined herein or optionally by the following steps: (i) preparing a mixture containing the active ingredient mixed in the biopolymer composition; (ii) drying the mixture to obtain a dried product; and optionally, forming a powder, pellet, granule, film, and / or rod from the dried product. In the case of a powder, the suspension composition may be spray dried into a powder form. The powder may be compressed into pellets. The suspension may also be dried to form large droplets to form pellets or purified into granules.

[0086] Manufacturing method Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an agricultural composition as defined herein.

[0087] In one embodiment, obtaining an agricultural composition comprises subjecting an insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer to mechanical energy in the presence of a polar solvent and / or to obtain a stable homogeneous suspension of the insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer(s). The stable homogeneous suspension can function as a general other agricultural use, including a seed coating composition and / or a formulation / composition for other parts of a plant.

[0088] In one embodiment, obtaining an agricultural composition comprises mixing at least one bioactive agent into a stable homogeneous aqueous solution containing insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles. As previously described herein, the bioactive agent is selected from fungicides, insecticides, bacteria, bio-peptides, nitrogen fixers, and mixtures thereof.

[0089] In an embodiment, the manufacture of an agricultural composition comprises mechanically treating at least one bioactive agent with a biopolymer under high shear conditions and / or high mechanical energy to obtain a stable homogeneous aqueous composition as defined herein, the composition containing insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles in which the bioactive agent is dispersed. Preferably, the bacteria are added after the preparation of the biopolymer suspension.

[0090] In an embodiment, the manufacture of an agricultural composition comprises mixing additives (e.g., bioactive agent(s)) into a pre-manufactured biopolymer suspension.

[0091] In Agriculture and Potential Advantages The compositions according to the invention can find numerous uses in the agricultural field, as seed coatings and / or for other uses on roots, leaves, fruits, etc.

[0092] In an embodiment, the agricultural composition according to the present invention consists of a seed coating composition that can provide one or more of the following advantages when compared to uncoated seeds: improved germination rate, increased water absorption or uptake by the seeds, reduced water loss by the seeds, increased emergence of young plants, increased root hair formation, enabling germination under low humidity conditions (e.g., warm and / or dry conditions where the seeds have restricted access to water), and the like.

[0093] In an embodiment, the agricultural composition according to the present invention consists of a composition for use on plant leaves, roots, fruits, flowers, etc. For example, the composition can be applied by any suitable means in either solid (e.g., as a free-flowing powder), liquid, or viscous form (such as spraying). Envisioned techniques include foliar spraying and root contacting. The composition can also be applied to various parts of the plant or provided to the roots or seeds in sustained-release formulations such as beads, granules, or gels.

[0094] In an embodiment, such a composition can provide the plant with advantages such as an increase in the number of root nodules, an increase in nitrogen concentration, and / or an increase in the total amount of nitrogen fixation. When applied as a foliar spray, the composition can increase the photosynthetic rate of the leaves, the greenness of the leaves, and the leaf area. When applied to the roots, it can increase the photosynthetic rate, increase the greenness of the leaves, increase the leaf area, and / or increase the dry matter accumulation of the plant.

[0095] The agricultural composition of the present invention can be used anywhere plants are cultivated, such as in greenhouses, fields, or laboratory conditions, and the method of the present invention can be implemented. The composition can be used for plants cultivated at temperatures above 30°C, which is the temperature at which nitrogen-fixing rhizosphere bacteria are generally most activated, or at low temperatures such as an average root zone temperature of 28°C, 26°C, 24°C, 22°C, 20°C, 18°C, 16°C, 14°C, 12°C, or 10°C or lower for one day.

[0096] The agricultural compositions and methods of the present invention are not limited to use on specific plants or plant types. Exemplary plants on which the methods of the present invention can be practiced include, but are not limited to, the following: leguminous plants such as soybeans, peanuts, beans (e.g., fava beans and lentils), lima beans, forage crops (e.g., alfalfa and clover), plants of low agricultural importance (e.g., lupine, winged bean, trefoil, and even some small tree species); Solanaceae family (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, eggplants), Cucurbitaceae family (cucumbers, pumpkins, melons), corn; horticultural tree species (e.g., peaches, apples, plums, pears, mangoes), forestry tree species (e.g., spruce, pine, fir, maple, oak, poplar), and small grains such as wheat, barley, oats and canola.

[0097] In an embodiment, for seed coating applications, the seeds are selected from corn, wheat, soybeans, barley, oats, canola, sunflowers, alfalfa, edible beans, grain sorghum, nightshade, pumpkins, cucumbers, melons, turf grass, forage grass and fava beans.

[0098] Accordingly, certain aspects of the present invention relate to a method of seed coating. In one embodiment, the method includes applying a composition as defined herein to a seed.

[0099] Another related aspect relates to a method of improving the germination of seeds during planting. In one embodiment, the method includes coating the seeds with a coating composition as defined herein.

[0100] Another related aspect relates to a method of delivering one or more bioactive components to a plant. In one embodiment, the method comprises applying to the seed(s) a coating composition comprising at least one bioactive component stably dispersed in the biopolymer composition described herein. In another embodiment, the method comprises applying a composition comprising at least one bioactive component stably dispersed in the biopolymer composition described herein to roots, tubers, leaves, petals, seeds and / or fruits, etc.

[0101] The compositions of the present invention are also useful in the manufacture of fertilizers, and also as fertilizers themselves, as conditioning agents, as plant disease control agents, as transpiration inhibitors, as ripening retardants, and as fruit coating agents.

[0102] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures, embodiments, claims, and examples described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of the present invention and are covered by the claims appended hereto. The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as further limiting or in any way particularizing the invention.

Examples

[0103] Example 1: Seed Coating Experiments were conducted to evaluate the extent to which the seed coating according to the present invention can contribute to water retention on the seeds and improve germination under low humidity conditions.

[0104] Seed coating A biopolymer suspension containing any one of chitosan, cellulose, and chitin was prepared and used for seed coating. Briefly, coated lens bean seeds were produced by adding 10 g of lens beans to a 90 mL polypropylene container containing 3 - 3.5 g of any biopolymer suspension (this is in excess). Each suspension of chitosan, chitin, or cellulose was prepared in a 20 L batch using a 1.5 L Supermill Plus with 1.4 - 1.7 mm zirconia beads TM and using 982 mL of 1.4 - 1.7 mm zirconia beads, each suspension of chitosan, chitin, or cellulose was produced by grinding under general grinding conditions of a pump flow rate of 7.3 GPH (gallons per hour) and a rotational speed of 2400 FPM (feet per minute). Here, 20 liters of slurry was treated at 5% solids (1.05:20).

[0105] The coating was dispensed by manually rotating and shaking the container. Visual inspection revealed that the seeds were completely coated with the biopolymer suspension within 2 minutes. The coated seeds were spread on a silicon sheet and dried. After drying, the coated seeds were labeled with the coating label. The dry coating of 10 g of seeds was approximately 0.12 g of biopolymer.

[0106] Comparison of water uptake 4 g of coated lens bean seeds and uncoated radish seeds were added to 15 g of water and left for 30 minutes to absorb water. After 30 minutes, the seeds were sieved to separate them from the water. Next, the wet seeds were placed on a paper towel and gently blotted to remove the surface moisture.

[0107] Next, the weight of the seeds was measured and the amount of water absorbed was measured. Over time, the weight of the seed batch was recorded and the water loss was measured. The relative humidity of the environment was 35%.

[0108] During the initial 30 minutes, the uncoated seeds retained approximately 1.27 g of moisture, while the coated seeds retained approximately 2.20 g of moisture.

[0109] Moisture loss was measured by weighing the seeds in the Petri dish over time. The increased water absorption of the coated seeds improved the moisture retention period compared to the uncoated seeds. As shown in Figure 1, the extra water absorption of the coated seeds (CS03 and CS03) delays drying by approximately 6 hours when the weight of the coated seeds matches the initial weight of the uncoated seeds (US01 and US02).

[0110] Example 2: Germination of plants using chitosan and Bacillin 20 An experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effect of chitosan seed coating on the germination and growth of soybean seedlings in soil. At 72 hours, the seeds coated with a composition containing a combination of chitosan and Bacillin 20 showed an increased germination rate (73%) compared to the uncoated seeds (62%) and the seeds coated with Bacillin 20 alone (43%).

[0111] Example 3: Seed coating with chitin combined with a bioactive agent An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of chitin and a bioactive agent (i.e., a microbial peptide with plant biostimulant activity such as Bacillin 20 (ABIO TM ) on the water absorption and seed germination of soybean seeds. Significant results were observed for seed germination and root hair formation.

[0112] Water absorption As observed in Fig. 2, at a relative humidity level of 40%, after 3 days, the uncoated seeds did not germinate, while the germination rate of the seeds coated with chitin was about 8% and that of the seeds coated with chitin and bacillin 20 was about 13%. The germination rate after 5 days was about 20% without coating, while it was nearly 50% with chitin coating. With chitin - bacillin 20, the germination rate was nearly 38%. At a relative humidity level of 70%, after 3 days, about 3% of the uncoated seeds germinated, the germination rate of the seeds coated with chitin was about 22%, and that of the seeds coated with chitin and bacillin 20 was about 23%. The germination rate after 4 days was about 76% without coating, while it was nearly 91% with chitin coating, and the germination rate (about 91%) of the seeds coated with chitin and bacillin 20 was similar. From these results, it was demonstrated that coating soybean seeds with chitin (regardless of the addition of bioactive agents such as bacillin 20) promoted the germination of soybean seeds and the emergence of seedlings under standard conditions and water stress conditions.

[0113] Root hair formation As shown in Fig. 3, the growth of root hairs was also significantly promoted by coating soybean seeds with chitin (regardless of the presence or absence of bacillin 20). Briefly, the growth of roots was compared at different relative humidity levels. The germination conditions of relative humidity were compared among uncoated soybeans, soybeans coated with chitin, and soybeans coated with chitin + bacillin 20. At 100% RH, the root growth of all versions was good and the appearance was similar. At 70% relative humidity, the uncoated seeds had little growth of secondary roots, the seeds coated with chitin had significantly growing roots as in the case of 100% relative humidity, and the seeds coated with chitin and bacillin 20 had less root growth than chitin alone (however, the roots grew more than the uncoated ones). At 40% relative humidity, the root growth of the uncoated seeds was short. The seeds coated with chitin had the same length of the main root and longer secondary roots. Finally, the seeds coated with chitin and bacillin 20 had considerably longer roots at this stage. These results indicate that coating soybean seeds with chitin (regardless of the presence or absence of bioactive agents including bio-peptides such as bacillin 20) promotes root hair formation.

[0114] In this specification, headings are attached for reference purposes and to help locate specific sections. These headings are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts described therein, and these concepts may be applicable in other sections throughout this specification. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown in this specification, but the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed in this specification is given.

[0115] The singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include the corresponding plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "biopolymer" includes one or more such biopolymers, and reference to a "method" includes reference to equivalent steps and methods known to those skilled in the art that may be modified or substituted for the methods described herein.

[0116] Unless otherwise indicated, all numerical values representing amounts of ingredients, reaction conditions, concentrations, properties, etc. used in this specification and the claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". At the very least, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the reported number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the appended claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. Although the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth broad ranges of embodiments are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors resulting from variations such as experimental, testing measurements, statistical analysis, and the like.

[0117] The examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or changes can be made in light of them, and it is understood that they are included in the present invention and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A seed coating composition comprising a biopolymer, wherein the composition comprises biopolymer molecules mechanically treated in a stable, homogeneous aqueous suspension.

2. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of a bioactive agent, a toxicity mitigator, a binder, a wax, a stabilizer, a wetting agent, and a coloring agent.

3. The seed coating composition according to claim 2, wherein the bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of fungicides, insecticides, bacteria, biopeptides, nitrogen fixers, low molecular weight biopolymers, and oligomers.

4. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, wherein a stable, homogeneous aqueous suspension comprises insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles stably dispersed in a polar solvent.

5. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the biopolymer comprises a stable, homogeneous aqueous suspension composed of insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles.

6. The seed coating composition according to claim 1, wherein the biopolymer is selected from the group consisting of chitin, chitosan, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, amylose, actin, fibrin, collagen, silk, fibroin, keratin, wool, alginic acid, and mixtures thereof.

7. Seeds coated with a seed coating composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The seeds according to claim 7, wherein the seeds are selected from the group consisting of corn, wheat, soybeans, barley, oats, canola, sunflower, alfalfa, edible beans, grain sorghum, nightshade, pumpkin, cucumber, melon, turfgrass, forage grass, and peas.

9. A seed coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, to provide at least one of the following advantages compared to uncoated seeds: To improve germination rates, increase water absorption or uptake by seeds, reduce water loss by seeds, increase seedling emergence, increase root hair formation to enable germination under low humidity conditions, increase the number of root nodules, and increase nitrogen concentration and / or total nitrogen fixation.

10. A method for improving plant germination, comprising: (i) coating seeds to be planted with a coating composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and (ii) planting the coated seeds in soil, wherein the coated seeds exhibit improved germination compared to uncoated seeds.

11. A method for coating seeds with a bioactive component, comprising applying a seed coating composition to the seeds, the composition comprising applying a seed coating composition containing at least one bioactive component stably dispersed in a biopolymer composition.

12. A composition for agricultural use comprising a mechanically treated biopolymer molecule in a stable, homogeneous aqueous suspension, wherein the stable, homogeneous aqueous suspension comprises insoluble and / or semi-soluble biopolymer particles stably dispersed in a polar solvent.

13. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition is formulated for application to at least one of the leaves, seeds, roots, fruits, and flowers of a plant.

14. The composition according to claim 12, wherein the composition comprises a seed coating, seed pellets, fertilizer, powder, root drip solution and / or foliar spray.

15. The composition according to claim 12, further comprising at least one of a bioactive agent, a toxicity mitigator, a binder, a wax, a stabilizer, a wetting agent, and a colorant.

16. The composition according to claim 15, wherein the bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of fungicides, insecticides, bacteria, biopeptides, nitrogen fixers, low molecular weight biopolymers, and oligomers.

17. The composition according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the biopolymer is selected from the group consisting of chitin, chitosan, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, amylose, actin, fibrin, collagen, silk, fibroin, keratin, wool, alginic acid, and mixtures thereof.

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