Treatment to protect agricultural products from surface burns and / or abrasion damage.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a thixotropic aqueous mixture for preventing epidermal burn and / or abrasion damage in agricultural products such as fruits or fruits of the subfamily Poraceae, and to a method of applying the same. The thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer, and the thixotropic aqueous mixture is added to water by high-shear mixing and then applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or fruits of the subfamily Poraceae, via immersion tanks, spray bars, brush beds, or a combination thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition effective for protecting agricultural products from sunburn and / or abrasion damage. For example, when the agricultural product is a fruit such as a fruit of the Malinae subfamily (e.g., apple). The composition is a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing at least one smectite clay and at least one water-soluble polymer or includes the same. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition, a method for coating a fruit or an agricultural product such as a fruit of the Malinae subfamily (e.g., apple), which includes applying the coating composition to the agricultural product, and a method and use of the composition for protecting an agricultural product such as a fruit from epidermal burn damage and / or abrasion damage.

Background Art

[0002] Fruits of the Malinae subfamily such as apples and pears are often stored for a long time in a controlled atmosphere at a temperature close to freezing. During this long storage period, a brown to black discoloration occurs on the surface of the fruit. This discoloration is called sunburn. The current physiology of sunburn seems to be related to the accumulation of α-farnesene that is oxidized to trienol. This oxidation seems to be induced by ambient oxygen. Most of the sunburn seems to occur on the shaded side of the fruit. This may be due to the plant's response to sunlight and the accumulation of antioxidants as a defense against the harmful effects of the sun.

[0003] Recently, it has been demonstrated that coating fruits with squalene reduces sunburn. Squalene is a naturally occurring polyunsaturated hydrocarbon having antioxidant properties. However, squalene is an oil and thus gives an unpleasant oily feeling to the fruits.

[0004] Currently, there are no coatings available that can prevent skin burn on agricultural products such as fruits without adversely affecting the products. Therefore, there is a need for a composition that can protect (and even prevent) skin burn on agricultural products, such as fruits, without adversely affecting them. When coating organic agricultural products, such as organic fruits, the composition must be not only edible but also organic in order to maintain the organic certification of the agricultural products.

[0005] Another significant type of damage to agricultural products, especially fruits, is abrasion damage. Abrasion damage appears on the surface of fruits as scratches caused by rubbing against the surface or bruises caused by impact. In fruits of the subfamily Porideae, such as pears, abrasion damage appears as brown spots or streaks. These abrasions make the fruit unattractive to consumers and reduce its value. Abrasion damage increases as the fruit matures.

[0006] Pears are unique among fruits of the subfamily Morusideae, and their skin is extremely fragile. Pear skins are susceptible to damage during the normal processes of harvesting, sorting, and packaging. Often, pears are stored in large field crates for several months under refrigeration until packaged according to retail demand. The longer the pears are stored, the greater the amount of abrasion damage. Furthermore, ethylene treatment is a common method to accelerate pear ripening. This treatment increases the pears' susceptibility to abrasion damage. Conventional pear processing aids are inorganic and affect the edibility of the pears after coating. Therefore, there is a need for edible, and in the case of organic produce, organic compositions that can prevent abrasion damage in pears and other agricultural products. [Overview of the project]

[0007] The present invention relates to compositions comprising or containing a thixotropic mixture in general. Therefore, the compositions of the present invention are thixotropic compositions. The terms “thixotropic mixture” and “thixotropic composition” (or more specifically “thixotropic aqueous mixture” and “thixotropic aqueous composition”) are used herein synonymously to refer to the compositions and mixtures of the present invention that are thixotropic.

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

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

[0010] As described in the present invention, when applied to the surface of agricultural products, the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention forms a thin film on the surface, which protects the agricultural products from epidermal burn damage and / or abrasion damage (for example, preventing epidermal burn damage and / or abrasion damage). Therefore, the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention is suitable and effective for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or epidermal burn damage. The thixotropic aqueous mixture is particularly suitable for protecting fruits such as those of the Poraceae subfamily (e.g., apples or pears).

[0011] The present invention also provides a method for producing a thixotropic aqueous mixture and a thixotropic aqueous mixture produced by the said method. These methods generally involve mixing smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer in water under high shear. In some embodiments of the present invention, all components of the composition are mixed together under high shear.

[0012] Accordingly, a method for producing a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer) is provided. The method comprises mixing at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer with a solvent under high-shear mixing conditions. The solvent typically contains or consists of water. In some examples, the solvent includes water and a volatile solvent, such as ethanol (a mixture of water and ethanol). In some examples, at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer are added to water, or water and ethanol, simultaneously or sequentially and separately during high-shear mixing. In other examples, at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer are premixed in powder form before being mixed with water or water and ethanol.

[0013] In some embodiments, the process further includes preparing a thixotropic aqueous mixture and then applying the mixture to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., apples and pears, or other fruits of the Poraceae subfamily).

[0014] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer) to agricultural products such as fruits or fruits of the Poraceae subfamily (e.g., pears and apples). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture containing at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer is applied to agricultural products via an immersion tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may be applied to agricultural products via a combination of an immersion tank and a brush bed. Alternatively, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may be applied to agricultural products via a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. In some embodiments, at least one smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic / hydrophobic modified smectite clay) and a water-soluble polymer are mixed with a solvent (e.g., water) under high shear, as described in the present invention, to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture before being applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or subfamily Porphyoideae fruits (e.g., pears and apples). By applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to agricultural products using these methods, skin burn in the agricultural products is reduced, and / or the susceptibility of the agricultural products to abrasion damage is reduced.

[0015] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (which may be a natural water-soluble polymer). The method comprises mixing at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture, and then applying the mixture to agricultural products such as fruits or fruits of the Pyrideae subfamily (e.g., apples and pears). In some examples, the method comprises mixing at least one hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant (which may be a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, e.g., a natural antioxidant oil) with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture, and then applying the mixture to agricultural products. In some examples, the solvent consists of water or includes water and a volatile solvent, such as ethanol (a mixture of water and ethanol). In some embodiments, the method includes applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products using an immersion tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products using a spray bar and a brush bed. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products using an immersion tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments, the method further includes subsequent drying to evaporate the solvent.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method comprises mixing hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, e.g., a natural antioxidant oil) with water under high shear to form a thixotropic fluid, the fluid of which can then be applied to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., pears) using a spray bar and brush bed, after which the solvent can be dried and evaporated. In one embodiment, the method comprises mixing hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, e.g., a natural antioxidant oil) with water and ethanol (e.g., a mixture of water and ethanol) under high shear to form a thixotropic fluid, the fluid of which can then be applied to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., pears) using a spray bar and brush bed, after which the solvent can be dried and evaporated.

[0017] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, the method comprising applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to the surface of the agricultural products. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural products using an immersion tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof, for example, using a spray bar and a brush bed, or using an immersion tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments, prior to applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural products, the method comprises producing the thixotropic aqueous mixture using the high-shear method described in the present invention.

[0018] According to a sixth aspect, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from surface burn damage, the method comprising applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention to the surface of the agricultural products. In some embodiments, the method comprises applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural products using an immersion tank, a spray bar, or a brush bed, or a combination thereof, for example, using a spray bar and a brush bed, or using an immersion tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments, prior to applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the agricultural products, the method comprises producing the thixotropic aqueous mixture using the high-shear method described in the present invention.

[0019] According to a seventh aspect, the present invention provides uses of the thixotropic aqueous composition for coating agricultural products, protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, and / or protecting agricultural products from epidermal burn damage. The present invention provides uses of the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention, comprising at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), for protecting agricultural products, such as fruits or fruits of the subfamily Poraceae (e.g., pears), from abrasion damage and / or epidermal burn damage. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the percentage of epidermal burn observed in limonella pears coated with "Nabaco coating." These were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 5% sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% gum arabic, and 0.2% sodium citrate in water, and the figures show a comparison with "control" limonella pears (coated with carnauba wax) after 6 days of application.

[0021] [Figure 2A]Figures 2A-2B are diagrams showing the degree of maturity and abrasion damage observed in "Nabaco-coated" pears. These are coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams compared with "control" pears (coated with carnauba wax) 9 days after application. [Figure 2B] Figures 2A-2B are diagrams showing the degree of maturity and abrasion damage observed in "Nabaco-coated" pears. These are coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams compared with "control" pears (coated with carnauba wax) 9 days after application.

[0022] [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the degree of skin burn observed in "Nabaco-coated" Granny Smith apples. These are coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.3% bentonite, 1.9% pectin, and 0.18% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams compared with "control" Granny Smith apples (coated with carnauba wax) 9 days after application.

[0023] [Figure 4A] Figures 4A-4B are diagrams showing the degree of skin burn in "Nabaco-coated" pears. These are coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams compared with "control" pears (coated with carnauba wax) 7 days after application. [Figure 4B]Figures 4A-4B are diagrams showing the degree of skin burning in "Nabaco-coated" pears. These are those coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams comparing them with "control" pears (coated with carnauba wax) 7 days after application.

[0024] [Figure 5A] Figures 5A-5B are diagrams showing the degree of skin burning observed in "Nabaco-coated" Bartlett pears. These are those coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.6% bentonite, 1.4% gum arabic, and 0.15% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams comparing them with "control" Bartlett pears (coated with carnauba wax) 5 days after application. [Figure 5B] Figures 5A-5B are diagrams showing the degree of skin burning observed in "Nabaco-coated" Bartlett pears. These are those coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.6% bentonite, 1.4% gum arabic, and 0.15% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams comparing them with "control" Bartlett pears (coated with carnauba wax) 5 days after application.

[0025] [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the ratio of abrasion damage observed in "Nabaco-coated" Bartlett pears. These are those coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate in water, and are diagrams comparing and measuring them with "control" Bartlett pears (coated with carnauba wax) 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days after application.

[0026] [Figure 7]Figure 7 shows the results of the percentage of abrasion damage in "Nabaco-coated" Danjo pears. These were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentony Danjo pear, 1% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate in water, and were measured in comparison with "control" Danjo pears (coated with carnauba wax) 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Detailed explanation

[0028] The following detailed description is provided so that those skilled in the art may manufacture and use the invention. For explanatory purposes, specific details are set out to ensure a full understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not essential for carrying out the invention. Descriptions of specific uses are provided only as representative examples. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and uses without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but should be granted to the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

[0029] Unexpectedly discovered, certain water-soluble polymers and smectite clays, when mixed under high shear in water, form a highly thixotropic fluid. When applied to agricultural products such as fruits (e.g., apples or pears), this mixture forms a coating that provides significant protection against scorching and / or abrasion damage. Furthermore, combinations of smectite clay, water-soluble polymers, antioxidants (e.g., natural antioxidants and / or food-grade antioxidants, e.g., natural antioxidant oils), and solvents (typically food-grade solvents) form a thixotropic fluid when mixed under high shear, which can then be used to coat agricultural products such as morbide fruits (e.g., apples or pears) to protect against and, if necessary, prevent scorching and / or abrasion damage. This invention provides a solution to the problem of scorching and / or abrasion damage to agricultural products.

[0030] The thixotropy of a fluid is crucial in anti-burn and anti-abrasion phenomena. High shear applied during the mixing and / or application stage reduces the viscosity of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, decreasing its resistance to flow. For example, when applying a coating mixture to agricultural products using a spray bar, the shear applied by the pump and spray nozzle reduces the viscosity of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, decreasing its resistance to flow during spraying (i.e., the thixotropic mixture is low viscosity when discharged through the spray nozzle). When the spray hits the surface of the agricultural product, the viscosity of the thixotropic aqueous mixture recovers, forming a relatively thick coating or film on the surface of the agricultural product. Using a brush bed is advantageous, as it further smooths the coating on the agricultural product, making the coating more uniform. It also reorients the smectite clay slabs parallel to the surface of the agricultural product (i.e., along the surface of the agricultural product). Thus, the brush bed strengthens the coating.

[0031] When a coated agricultural product (e.g., fruit) comes into contact with a frictional surface, the thixotropic coating is sheared and becomes low viscosity, thereby providing lubrication to the surface and reducing abrasion. As processing and packaging progress, the coating dries into a uniform covering, which is preferably transparent, making the peel tougher and less susceptible to abrasion. It is difficult to distinguish which fruits have the coating with the naked eye. The same anti-abrasion effect cannot be obtained from individual components alone.

[0032] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thixotropic mixture comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer. The thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture. The thixotropic aqueous mixture is intended to protect (e.g., prevent) agricultural products from scorching and / or abrasion damage.

[0033] As used herein, the term "thixotropic" refers to a mixture having non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, in which its flow properties, such as apparent viscosity, vary with shear rate and shear duration.

[0034] In some examples, at least one type of smectite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, or laponite (lithium sodium magnesium silicate, Na 0.7 Si8Mg 5.5 Li 0.3 O 20 (OH)4), or a mixture of two, three, or all four thereof. In some examples, at least one smectite clay is selected from sodium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, sodium hectorite, or laponite, or a mixture of two, three, or all four thereof. For example, the smectite clay may be sodium montmorillonite or sodium bentonite.

[0035] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains montmorillonite sodium in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains bentonite in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains hydrophobic modified smectite clay in an amount of 1.0 to 7.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0036] In some examples, at least one type of smectite clay is present in the thixotropic aqueous mixture in an amount of 1.0 to 6.0% by weight, for example, 1.5 to 5.5% by weight, 1.0 to 5.0% by weight, 2.0 to 5.5% by weight, or 2.0 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0037] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 0.5 to 3.5% by weight, 0.5 to 2.5% by weight, 1.0 to 2.5% by weight, or 1.0 to 4.0% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, 1.5 to 3.5% by weight, 1.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 2.0 to 3.5% by weight or 2.0 to 3.0% by weight. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 2.0 to 3.0% by weight relative to the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 2.4% by weight or about 2.4% by weight relative to the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) in an amount of 2.0 to 3.0% by weight, for example, about 2.4% by weight.

[0038] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 3.5 to 6.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, in amounts of 4.0 to 6.0% by weight, 4.0 to 5.5% by weight, or 4.5 to 6.0% by weight or 4.5 to 5.5% by weight. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 4.5 to 5.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 4.5% by weight or about 4.5% by weight, or in an amount of 5% by weight or about 5% by weight. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) in an amount of 4.5 to 5.5% by weight, for example, about 4.5% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), or about 5% by weight.

[0039] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight relative to the volume of the total thixotropic aqueous mixture composition. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains at least one smectite clay in an amount of 0.5 to 2.5% by weight relative to the volume of the total thixotropic aqueous mixture composition.

[0040] The surface of (unmodified) smectite clay is partially or substantially hydrophilic. Due to its hydrophilicity, unmodified smectite clay does not disperse well in hydrophobic polymers, and therefore the preparation of compositions containing smectite clay and hydrophobic polymers is difficult. As used herein, “hydrophobic modified smectite clay” refers to smectite clay that has been modified by hydrophobicity (“hydrophobic”). The surface of hydrophobic modified smectite clay is substantially hydrophobic and may be completely hydrophobic. Therefore, in some examples, “hydrophobic modified smectite clay” may be substantially referred to as “hydrophobic smectite clay.” Hydrophobic modified smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic smectite clay) has the advantageous characteristic of being affinity for oil or wax, as opposed to being affinity for water. A known method for determining whether smectite clay is hydrophobic or hydrophilic is to use contact angle measurement. The contact angle of a water droplet on smectite clay can be measured using a standard contact angle measuring device known to those skilled in the art. The water droplet forms on a hydrophobic surface, indicating that the cohesive force acting within the droplet is greater than the force associated with the interaction between the water and the smectite clay surface. If the contact angle between the smectite clay surface and the water droplet exceeds 90°, the clay is indicated to be hydrophobic.

[0041] In some embodiments, at least one type of smectite clay is modified to be hydrophobic (e.g., hydrophobic) or has been previously hydrophobic by treatment with a compatibilizer. Generally, a “compatibilizer” is an organic modifier that reacts with a substance to make that substance hydrophobic. In particular, as used herein, the term “compatibilizer” refers to an agent that hydrophobicizes (“hydrophobicizes”) the smectite clay in a composition, thereby “modified to be hydrophobic (clay).” The compatibilizer reacts with the smectite clay to hydrophobicize the smectite clay particles, thereby making the clay compatible with the hydrophobic polymer. Specifically, the compatibilizer reacts with the smectite clay by binding to exchangeable sodium ions on the surface of the smectite clay via ion-dipole bonds of OH groups, thereby converting the surface of the smectite clay from hydrophilic to hydrophobic.

[0042] Ionic liquids are commonly used compatibilizers. Ionic liquids can consist of combinations of organic cations (ammonium, phosphonium, sulfonium, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, piperidinium, and / or pyridinium) and several organic and inorganic anions. Compatibilizers useful for preparing the hydrophobic modified smectite clay of the present invention include sodium citrate, monoglycerides or diglycerides of natural fats, and / or monoesters or diesters of pentaerythritol. In some examples, the thixotropic composition of the present invention contains sodium citrate, which functions as an antioxidant (as described herein) and at the same time as a compatibilizer for hydrophobizing the smectite clay.

[0043] The thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention contains a water-soluble polymer. In some examples, the water-soluble polymer is a naturally occurring water-soluble polymer. As used in this context, the terms “natural” or “naturally occurring” refer to a water-soluble polymer that is present in nature or derived from nature and is not artificially manufactured or produced. This term does not require that the polymer be “directly obtained from nature.” A “natural” or “naturally occurring” water-soluble polymer may, but is not required to be, naturally identical. Since this mixture is applied to agricultural products, the water-soluble polymer is typically a food-grade water-soluble polymer. As used herein, the term “food-grade” refers to a substance that is safe for human or animal consumption and is permissible to come into direct contact with food intended for human or animal consumption. Water-soluble polymers are typically edible, i.e., safe for human or animal consumption.

[0044] In some examples, the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic, pectin, or a combination thereof, or contains them. In some examples, the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture does not contain the polymer PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol). For example, in some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture does not contain any synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers.

[0045] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.5 to 5.0% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of pectin.

[0046] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains a water-soluble polymer in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, in amounts of 0.5 to 4.0% by weight, 0.5 to 3.5% by weight, 0.5 to 3.0% by weight, or 0.5 to 2.5% by weight. Alternatively, it may contain 1.0 to 3.5% by weight, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight, or 1.0 to 2.5% by weight. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains a water-soluble polymer in an amount of 1.0 to 2.0% by weight or 1.5 to 2.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain gum arabic in an amount of 1.0 to 2.0% by weight, for example, 1.2 to 1.5% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). Alternatively, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain pectin in an amount of 1.5 to 2.5% by weight, for example, about 1.9% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0047] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains a water-soluble polymer in an amount of 0.5 to 4.5% by weight relative to the volume of the total thixotropic aqueous mixture composition. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains a water-soluble polymer in an amount of 0.5 to 2.5% by weight relative to the volume of the total thixotropic aqueous mixture composition.

[0048] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite) and gum arabic. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 2.0 to 3.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 0.5 to 1.5% by weight of gum arabic, or 4.0 to 6.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain 2.4% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 1.2% by weight of gum arabic. In another example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain 5.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite and 1.5% by weight of gum arabic.

[0049] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) and gum arabic. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of bentonite and 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite and 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise about 4.5% by weight of bentonite and 1.0 to 1.5% by weight of gum arabic.

[0050] In other examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite) and pectin. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of bentonite and 1.0 to 3.0% by weight of pectin (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite and 1.0 to 2.5% by weight of pectin. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain about 4.3% by weight of bentonite and 1.5 to 2.0% by weight of pectin.

[0051] In this specification, various ratios of at least one smectite clay to a water-soluble polymer are considered. In some examples, the weight ratio of at least one smectite clay to a water-soluble polymer in a thixotropic aqueous mixture is in the range of 1:4 to 4:1. In one example, the ratio of at least one smectite clay to a water-soluble polymer in a thixotropic aqueous mixture is in the range of 3.5:1 to 1:1, for example, about 3:1, 2:1, or 1:1.

[0052] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture further contains an antioxidant. In some embodiments, the antioxidant is a natural antioxidant or a naturally occurring antioxidant. In this context, the terms “natural” or “naturally occurring” refer to antioxidants that are present in nature or originate from nature and are not artificially manufactured or produced. This term does not require that the antioxidant be “directly obtained from nature.” “Natural” or “naturally occurring” antioxidants may, but are not required to be, naturally identical. Since this mixture is applied to agricultural products, the antioxidant is typically a food-grade antioxidant. In this specification, the term “food-grade” refers to a substance that is safe for human or animal consumption and is permitted to come into direct contact with food intended for human or animal consumption. Antioxidants are typically edible, i.e., safe for human or animal consumption.

[0053] In some examples, the antioxidant is sodium citrate.

[0054] In some examples, the antioxidant is an antioxidant oil, which may be a naturally occurring antioxidant oil. In some examples, the antioxidant oil is squalene.

[0055] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant) in an amount of 0.001 to 1.00% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.01 to 1.00% by weight, 0.05 to 0.75% by weight, or 0.05 to 0.5% by weight. Alternatively, it is present in an amount of 0.1 to 0.5% by weight, 0.1 to 0.4% by weight, 0.1 to 0.3% by weight, or 0.15 to 0.25% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains an antioxidant in an amount of 0.1 to 0.2% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.05 to 0.25% by weight (as a percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture) of sodium citrate, for example, in an amount of 0.1 to 0.2% by weight, or about 0.2% by weight.

[0056] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains 0.75 to 0.90% squalene by weight of the total thixotropic aqueous mixture.

[0057] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains a food-grade antioxidant in an amount of 0.001 to 0.05% by weight relative to the volume of the total composition.

[0058] In one example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), gum arabic, and sodium citrate. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of montmorillonite, 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic, and 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 4.0 to 6.0% by weight of montmorillonite, 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic, and 0.1 to 0.3% by weight of sodium citrate. In another example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may comprise 5.0% by weight of sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% by weight of gum arabic, and 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate.

[0059] In one example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite), gum arabic, and sodium citrate. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of bentonite, 0.5 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic, and 0.05 to 0.25% by weight of sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite, 1.0 to 2.0% by weight of gum arabic, and 0.1 to 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain about 4.5% by weight of bentonite, 1.3 to 1.4% by weight of gum arabic, and 0.1 to 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0060] In one example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises bentonite (e.g., sodium bentonite), pectin, and sodium citrate. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises 1.0 to 7.0% by weight of bentonite, 1.0 to 3.0% by weight of pectin, and 0.1 to 0.25% by weight of sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 4.0 to 5.0% by weight of bentonite, 1.0 to 2.5% by weight of pectin, and 0.1 to 0.2% by weight of sodium citrate. For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may contain about 4.3% by weight of bentonite, about 1.9% by weight of pectin, and about 0.18% by weight of sodium citrate (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture).

[0061] The thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention further comprises one or more solvents. Since this mixture is applied to agricultural products, the solvent is typically a food-grade solvent. In one example, the solvent is water. Alternatively, the solvent may include water and a volatile solvent such as ethanol, or it may be a mixture of water and ethanol, for example.

[0062] In some examples, the solvent is present in an amount of at least 85% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, in the range of 85–98% by weight or 90–98% by weight, and optionally in the range of 95–98% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the solvent is added in an amount of at least 90% by weight, at least 95% by weight or at least 97% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture). In some examples, the mixture contains 25% by volume of ethanol and 75% by volume of water.

[0063] In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture contains ethanol in an amount of 5 to 28% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic aqueous mixture), for example, 5 to 25% by weight or 5 to 20% by weight.

[0064] In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, e.g., a natural antioxidant oil), and a solvent (typically a food-grade solvent). In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a natural water-soluble polymer such as gum arabic or pectin, a natural and / or food-grade antioxidant, and a food-grade solvent. In any embodiment of the present invention, when hydrophobic modified smectite clay is used, the solvent may include water and a volatile solvent (typically ethanol). For example, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may include a solvent comprising hydrophobic sodium montmorillonite or bentonite, gum arabic, sodium citrate, water, and ethanol. Alternatively, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may include a solvent comprising hydrophobic bentonite, gum arabic or pectin, sodium citrate, water, and ethanol.

[0065] The present invention further comprises a thixotropic mixture for protecting agricultural products such as pear subfamily fruits from epidermal burn damage, the mixture comprising at least one hydrophobic modified smectite clay, a natural antioxidant oil, and a food-grade solvent. Hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clays suitable for use in the mixture include hydrophobic montmorillonite (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), bentonite, sodium hectorite, laponite, or mixtures thereof. For example, the smectite clay may be made hydrophobic by treatment with a compatibilizer such as sodium citrate, monoglycerides or diglycerides, or a monoester of pentaerythritol. In some examples, the natural antioxidant oil is squalene, which may be present in small amounts as needed, for example, about 0.75 to 0.9% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic mixture). In these and other embodiments of the present invention, the solvent is typically ethanol, if a hydrophobic modified smectite clay is used. For example, ethanol may be present in the thixotropic mixture at a concentration of 5 to 28% by weight (percentage of the total weight of the thixotropic mixture).

[0066] In some examples of any thixotropic mixture / composition of the present invention, the thixotropic mixture is an aqueous colloidal dispersion containing 1-7% solids, for example, 2-7%, 3-7%, 5-7%, or 6-7% solids, or 1-5% or 3-4% solids. In the aqueous colloidal dispersion, the solids (including clay) are dispersed in the solution rather than dissolved, and individual plates of clay are held in a colloidal dispersion state. The aqueous colloidal dispersion is measured by drying a known volume of the dispersion and weighing the solid components of the mixture.

[0067] In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture of the present invention does not require additional components to obtain the desired effect. For example, in some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture does not contain calcium salts. Thus, in some embodiments, a thixotropic aqueous mixture is provided comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic modified smectite clay)), a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, e.g., a natural antioxidant oil), and a solvent (typically a food-grade solvent, e.g., water or a mixture of water and ethanol).

[0068] In some examples, the thixotropic mixtures are edible. As used herein, "edible" means safe for consumption by humans or animals.

[0069] In some examples, the thixotropic mixture does not negatively alter the agricultural product to which it is applied. For example, if the agricultural product is organic, the thixotropic mixture is also organic. As used herein, "organic" refers to a component that, when applied to an agricultural product, does not alter the organic certification of the agricultural product. Therefore, these components meet the standards set for organically produced agricultural products, such as the regulations on "organic" labeling set by the USDA's National Organic Program (NOP). In some examples, the organic thixotropic aqueous mixture contains no inorganic components. As used herein, "inorganic" refers to a component that, when applied to an agricultural product, alters its organic certification.

[0070] Therefore, in some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixtures described herein are edible organic compositions for preventing scorching and / or abrasion damage in agricultural products. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is an organic thixotropic aqueous mixture for protecting organic fruits (e.g., pears) from abrasion damage and comprises at least one smectite clay and a natural water-soluble polymer. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is an organic thixotropic aqueous mixture for protecting pear subfamily fruits from scorching damage and comprises at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer. In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is an organic thixotropic mixture for protecting pear subfamily fruits from scorching damage and comprises at least one hydrophobic-modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay, a natural antioxidant oil and a food-grade solvent.

[0071] A thixotropic mixture is prepared by mixing its individual components under high shear to form a thixotropic fluid, which may then be applied to agricultural products such as fruits or fruits of the Pyrophilus subfamily (e.g., apples or pears). The thixotropic mixture of the present invention forms a film on the surface of agricultural products, protecting (e.g., preventing) damage from abrasions and / or skin burns. Therefore, in some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture described herein is a novel composition for preventing abrasions and / or skin burns of agricultural products such as fruits or fruits of the Pyrophilus subfamily (e.g., apples and pears).

[0072] The present invention also provides methods for producing thixotropic mixtures and mixtures produced by these methods. The methods include high-shear mixing.

[0073] Accordingly, in a second embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention. The method comprises mixing at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer) with a solvent under high shear to form a thixotropic aqueous mixture.

[0074] The descriptions and definitions provided herein with respect to the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention also apply to the methods of the present invention for producing thixotropic mixtures. In particular, the smectite clay, water-soluble polymer and optional antioxidant used in the methods may be any of the smectite clay, water-soluble polymer and antioxidant described herein with respect to the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention. Furthermore, any of these smectite clays may be modified to be hydrophobic as described herein. In some examples, the solvent used in the methods may contain or consist of water. In some examples, particularly in examples involving hydrophobically modified smectite clay, the solvent may contain water and a volatile solvent (typically ethanol).

[0075] The present invention relates to a method for producing a thixotropic mixture, comprising at least one step carried out under high shear. Any method or step of method involving high shear mixing described herein can be carried out using a known high shear mixer such as a vane mixer, cowless dissolver, or colloid mill. High shear mixing requires equipment with high revolutions per minute (RPM) and high horsepower, thereby ensuring that the dispersion blades reach a maximum speed of 2,500 to 5,000 feet per minute. The high shear mixing step may take 1 to 2 hours. For mixing small batches of composition, a high shear blender may be used. High shear methods are advantageous for rapidly mixing smectite clay and water-soluble polymers and / or other components in a solvent to form a thixotropic mixture in which smectite clay particles (platelets) are uniformly dispersed. When using standard mixing methods without high shear (e.g., tanks with paddle mixers), mixing smectite clay and water-soluble polymers and / or other components in a solvent will never result in complete dispersion of the smectite clay and the formation of a homogeneous mixture. This is because the smectite clay plates are stacked on top of each other by many weak bonds, such as hydrogen bonds and ion-dipole interactions, and their aggregation creates a large cohesive force. Standard mixing cannot overcome this cohesive energy. When using a method with high shear, the increased energy and the large force applied by the high shear are sufficient to break the forces binding these smectite clay plates together. Therefore, the method of producing the composition of the present invention using high shear is extremely efficient.

[0076] In some examples, the method involves adding at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer to water, and then mixing the smectite clay, water-soluble polymer, and water under high shear. In some examples, at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are added to water and mixed under high shear. In some examples, the method involves adding at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer to a mixture of water and ethanol, and then mixing the smectite clay, water-soluble polymer, water, and ethanol under high shear. In some examples, at least one smectite clay (e.g., hydrophobic / hydrophobic modified smectite clay), a water-soluble polymer, and an antioxidant are added to a mixture of water and ethanol and mixed under high shear.

[0077] In some examples, at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer are mixed in powder form, and then this "premix" of smectite clay and water-soluble polymer is added to water or a mixture of water and ethanol and mixed under high shear mixing conditions. In some examples, at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer and an antioxidant are mixed in powder form, and then this "premix" of smectite clay, water-soluble polymer and antioxidant is added to water or a mixture of water and ethanol and mixed under high shear mixing conditions. In some examples, the method includes mixing montmorillonite sodium or bentonite, gum arabic and sodium citrate in powder form, and then adding this mixture to water or a mixture of water and ethanol and mixing under high shear mixing conditions. In some examples of these methods, the smectite clay is modified to be hydrophobic (e.g., hydrophobic), and a solvent containing water and ethanol may be used as needed.

[0078] In some examples, at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer are added individually to a solvent (e.g., water or a mixture of water and ethanol) and then mixed under high shear. In some examples, an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, e.g., a natural antioxidant oil) is also added individually to the solvent and mixed under high shear. In some examples, montmorillonite sodium or bentonite, gum arabic, and sodium citrate are added individually to a solvent (e.g., water or a mixture of water and ethanol) and mixed under high shear. In some examples of these methods, the smectite clay is modified to be hydrophobic (e.g., hydrophobic), and a solvent containing water and ethanol may be used as needed. In any of these examples, adding components "individually" to the solvent includes adding all components to the solvent at the same time, adding two or more components at the same time and then adding the remaining one or more components thereafter (simultaneously or sequentially), or adding each component sequentially.

[0079] As described herein, sodium citrate, an antioxidant, can also act as a compatibilizer that hydrophobicizes smectite clay. Mixing sodium citrate and smectite clay under high shear in the presence of a solvent promotes the mixing and reaction between sodium citrate and smectite clay, hydrophobicizing the smectite clay and thereby forming hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay (i.e., converting smectite clay into "hydrophobic smectite clay"), as described above.

[0080] In some examples of any method for producing the thixotropic composition of the present invention, smectite clay and water-soluble polymer are added to the solvent in a ratio of 1:4 to 4:1, for example, 3.5:1 to 1:1, or in a ratio of about 3:1, 2:1 or 1:1 (by weight).

[0081] The present invention also provides thixotropic mixtures prepared by any method of the present invention, for example, thixotropic aqueous mixtures comprising at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer and optionally an antioxidant, and a solvent. Thixotropic compositions prepared by any method of the present invention may be edible and optionally organic. These terms have the meanings defined herein.

[0082] In some embodiments of any method for producing the thixotropic mixture of the present invention, the method further includes applying the thixotropic mixture to the surface of agricultural products. For example, the mixture may be applied using a spray bar, immersion tank, brush bed, inkjet printing, gravure printing or doctor's knife, or a combination thereof. For example, a thixotropic mixture produced by any method of the present invention may be applied to the surface of agricultural products using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed, or using an immersion tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is applied to agricultural products before harvest, while in other embodiments, it is applied after harvest. The method further includes drying the composition after application (e.g., by heating), but more generally, the composition is allowed to air dry under ambient conditions. The thixotropic mixture forms a film on the surface of the agricultural product to which it is applied. This film serves to protect the agricultural product from epidermal burn damage and / or abrasion damage.

[0083] The present invention also provides a method for applying the thixotropic mixture of the present invention to the surface of agricultural products to produce one or more of the technical effects described herein. The descriptions and definitions described herein with respect to the thixotropic mixture of the present invention also apply to the methods described below for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or epidermal burn damage.

[0084] Accordingly, in a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, the method comprising applying the thixotropic mixture of the present invention to the surface of the agricultural products.

[0085] In a fifth embodiment, the present invention provides a method for protecting agricultural products from surface burn damage, the method comprising applying the thixotropic mixture of the present invention to the surface of the agricultural products.

[0086] As used herein, the term “agricultural product” refers to agriculturally produced crops. In some embodiments, the agricultural product is a fruit. In some embodiments, the agricultural product is a pomelo, citrus fruit, or tomato. The present invention is particularly applicable to pomelo fruits, and more specifically to apples, pears, and / or quince. In some embodiments relating to abrasions, the agricultural product is a pear. In some embodiments, the agricultural product is a vegetable. For example, the vegetable agricultural product may be a cucumber or a mushroom.

[0087] Scratch damage occurs, for example, during the harvesting, sorting, and packaging of agricultural products, particularly fruits of the Poraceae subfamily such as apples and pears. Protecting agricultural products from scratch damage includes reducing and even preventing scratch damage. Reduction of scratch damage can be defined by comparing it to the same agricultural product without the coating mixture (uncoated control) or to the same agricultural product coated with a conventional composition known in the prior art. Methods for observing and measuring scratch damage are known, and the percentage of scratch damage on agricultural products can be determined, for example, by image analysis or visual inspection. In some examples, agricultural products (e.g., pears) coated with the thixotropic composition of the present invention show a significant reduction in scratch damage when evaluated between 1 and 7 days after application, compared to the same agricultural product (e.g., pears) coated with conventional carnauba wax. For example, in some examples, agricultural products coated with the thixotropic mixture of the present invention show at least a 50% reduction in scratch damage compared to the same agricultural product coated with a conventional control composition. In several examples, agricultural products coated with the thixotropic mixture of the present invention exhibit reduced abrasion damage and delayed maturation compared to conventionally coated agricultural products.

[0088] Epidermal burn damage occurs, for example, during the cold storage of agricultural products, particularly fruits of the Pyrodeideae subfamily such as apples and pears. Protecting agricultural products from epidermal burn damage includes reducing and even preventing it. Reduction of epidermal burn damage can be defined by comparing it to epidermal burn of the same agricultural product without the coating mixture (uncoated control), or by comparing it to epidermal burn of the same agricultural product coated with conventional compositions known in the prior art. Methods for observing and measuring epidermal burn damage are known, and the percentage of epidermal burn damage on agricultural products can be determined, for example, by image analysis or visual inspection. For example, in several examples, Pyrodeideae fruits (e.g., pears) coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention were observed to have significantly reduced epidermal burn damage when evaluated 1 to 7 days after application compared to the same fruit (e.g., pears) coated with conventional carnauba wax-based compositions. For example, when evaluated 6 days after application, the proportion of fruits coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention that had less than 50% skin burn was at least twice as high as that of fruits coated with a conventional control composition. In several examples, when evaluated 5 to 7 days after application, less than 10% of the surface of pear subfamily fruits (e.g., pears) coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention showed skin burn, whereas when evaluated 5 to 7 days after application, 40 to 80% of the surface of the same pear subfamily fruits (e.g., pears) coated with a conventional control composition showed skin burn. Furthermore, in other examples, the thixotropic aqueous composition of the present invention prevents skin burn in pear subfamily fruits. For example, in several examples, when pear subfamily fruits (e.g., apples) coated with the thixotropic composition of the present invention were evaluated 9 days after application, no skin burn was observed at all, whereas when the same fruits (e.g., apples) coated with carnauba wax were evaluated 9 days after application, skin burn was observed on 30-40% of the fruit surface.

[0089] In some examples, the thixotropic mixture is applied to crops before harvest, while in others it is applied after harvest. Applying the mixture to crops before harvest has the advantage of protecting them from abrasion damage that may occur during the harvesting process. The greatest effect is observed when the thixotropic mixture is applied before harvest, but even when crops are covered after storage, a substantial effect against skin burn and abrasion damage is observed.

[0090] A thixotropic mixture used in a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion and / or dermal burn damage may be any of the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention as described herein. In some examples, the thixotropic mixture used in a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion and / or dermal burn damage is a thixotropic aqueous mixture comprising at least one smectite clay (which may be hydrophobic modified (e.g., hydrophobic) smectite clay) and a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer). In some examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture comprises at least one smectite clay, a water-soluble polymer (e.g., a natural water-soluble polymer), and an antioxidant (e.g., a natural antioxidant and / or a food-grade antioxidant, e.g., a natural antioxidant oil). The thixotropic mixture usually further comprises a solvent, which may include or consist of water, or a mixture of water and ethanol as defined herein, etc. In some examples, the thixotropic mixture comprises at least one hydrophobic modified smectite clay, an antioxidant, and a solvent (a mixture of water and ethanol, if necessary). The terms “smectite clay,” “hydrophobic modified smectite clay,” “water-soluble polymer,” “antioxidant,” and “solvent” are defined herein.

[0091] In some embodiments of a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion and / or epidermal burn damage, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing sodium montmorillonite or bentonite and gum arabic, and is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or fruits of the Pyrophilus subfamily (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. In other embodiments, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing sodium montmorillonite or bentonite and gum arabic, and is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or fruits of the Pyrophilus subfamily (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a immersion tank and a brush bed. In some embodiments of a method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion and / or epidermal burn damage, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing bentonite and pectin, and is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or fruits of the Pyrophilus subfamily (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. In other examples, the thixotropic mixture is a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing bentonite and pectin, which is applied to agricultural products, such as fruits or fruits of the Pyrophilus subfamily (e.g., apples or pears), using a combination of immersion tanks and brush beds. In any of these examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture may further contain an antioxidant such as sodium citrate. The thixotropic mixture usually further contains a solvent, which may contain water or consist of water, or a mixture of water and ethanol as defined herein. In any of these examples, sodium montmorillonite or bentonite may be modified to be hydrophobic.

[0092] In some embodiments of these methods of the present invention, namely, methods for applying a thixotropic mixture to the surface of agricultural products, or methods for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage and / or epidermal burn damage, the thixotropic mixture is applied to the surface of agricultural products using a immersion tank, a spray bar or a brush bed, or a combination thereof.

[0093] The immersion tank is a device that holds 5,000 to 10,000 liters of the thixotropic mixture of the present invention and is used to immerse agricultural products such as fruits or fruits of the Poraceae subfamily (e.g., apples and pears) to coat their surface. When applying the thixotropic mixture to agricultural products using the immersion tank, the agricultural products are immersed in the thixotropic mixture once and held for a residence time of 2 to 5 minutes. After applying the mixture using the immersion tank, the agricultural products may be placed on a drainage belt to remove excess mixture.

[0094] In some examples, the thixotropic mixture is applied to agricultural products such as fruits or subfamily Porideae fruits (e.g., apples or pears) using a spray bar, and, if necessary, using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed. The spray bar is a device equipped with a pump and at least one nozzle for spraying the thixotropic aqueous mixture onto agricultural products. During the application stage, the shear force provided by the pump and spray nozzle of the spray bar reduces the viscosity of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, thereby reducing the flow resistance when applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products such as fruits or subfamily Porideae fruits (e.g., apples or pears). In some examples, the spray bar sprays the thixotropic aqueous mixture onto agricultural products in the range of 1,000 to 7,000 pounds of agricultural products per liter of thixotropic mixture, for example, in the range of 3,000 to 7,000 pounds of agricultural products per liter of thixotropic mixture. When a spray of the thixotropic aqueous mixture collides with the surface of agricultural products (i.e., when the thixotropic aqueous mixture reaches the surface of agricultural products), its viscosity is restored, forming a relatively thick film on the agricultural products. This advantageous property observed when applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention is due to the non-Newtonian hydrodynamics of the thixotropic mixture.

[0095] In some embodiments, the coating is applied by spraying using a spray bar after the immersion tank and before the brush bed. For example, the thixotropic mixture may be sprayed onto the produce after it has passed through the immersion tank and drainage belt, and / or before the brush bed as needed, using a spray bar. The brush bed brushes each produce after the thixotropic aqueous mixture has been applied to its surface. The brush bed typically has 6 to 12 rotating brushes that transport and brush the fruit simultaneously. These brushes uniformly and efficiently coat the fruit with the thixotropic mixture of the present invention. The use of a brush bed is particularly advantageous as it ensures the formation of a uniform coating of the thixotropic aqueous mixture on the produce and avoids the use of excess mixture. Applying the thixotropic mixture of the present invention in combination with a spray bar and a brush bed has the advantage of increasing the coverage of the coating.

[0096] In other examples, the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied to agricultural products by a combination of immersion tanks and brush beds without spraying.

[0097] Before applying the thixotropic mixture, agricultural products may be washed in a immersion washing tank. The immersion washing tank is typically a 10,000-liter tank used to introduce the fruit into the packaging line and to wash the fruit to remove debris such as leaves and twigs. Using a immersion washing tank is advantageous in minimizing the potential damage to agricultural products during these processes. The immersion washing tank and / or the immersion tank may contain a mild disinfectant such as peracetic acid.

[0098] These methods of coating agricultural products with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention (containing at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer (and optionally an antioxidant)) have been demonstrated to reduce the susceptibility of agricultural products to abrasion and / or skin burns.

[0099] In a sixth aspect, the present invention provides uses for any thixotropic mixture of the present invention. The present invention provides uses for the thixotropic mixture of the present invention to protect agricultural products from abrasion damage (e.g., to reduce and even prevent abrasion damage). The present invention also provides uses for the thixotropic mixture of the present invention to protect agricultural products from keratin damage (e.g., to reduce and even prevent keratin damage). In these uses of the present invention, the reduction of abrasion damage and / or keratin damage may be determined by comparison with an uncoated control agricultural product or by comparison with the same agricultural product coated with a conventional coating composition known in the prior art. In these uses of the present invention, the agricultural product is, as may be, a fruit or a vegetable. As described herein, the thixotropic mixture is particularly suitable for protecting melon subfamily fruits such as apples and pears. Accordingly, in some examples, the present invention provides uses for the thixotropic mixture of the present invention to protect melon subfamily fruits (e.g., apples and / or pears) from abrasion damage and / or keratin damage. In any of these uses of the present invention, the descriptions and definitions set forth herein with respect to the thixotropic mixtures of the present invention also apply. Therefore, the thixotropic mixture used may be any thixotropic mixture of the present invention as described herein.

[0100] Example 1

[0101] A commercial-scale trial was conducted on limonella pears. "Nabaco-coated" limonella pears were coated in water with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 5% sodium montmorillonite, 1.5% gum arabic, and 0.2% sodium citrate (percentages are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition), and compared to "control" limonella pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to 300 pounds of limonella pears (Nabaco-coated) using immersion tanks and brush beds, achieving a coverage rate of 3000 pounds of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture. Carnauba wax was applied to control limonella pears with a solids content of 20% using immersion tanks and brush beds. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, the Nabaco-coated and control pears were sorted and packaged. The percentage of skin burn was measured 6 days after application. Scratch damage and / or epidermal burn damage may be measured by determining the percentage of scratches and / or epidermal burn damage through image analysis or visual inspection. As shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, the percentage of pears with less than 50% epidermal burn was 26% in the control group, and 55% in the Nabaco-coated pears. Therefore, the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention reduces epidermal burn in pears. [Table 1]

[0102] Example 2

[0103] A second commercial-scale trial was conducted on Bartlett pears. “Nabaco-coated” Bartlett pears were coated in water with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 2.4% sodium montmorillonite and 1.2% gum arabic (% values ​​are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition), and compared to “control” Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to 5,000 pounds of Bartlett pears (Nabaco-coated) using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 3,000 pounds of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture at a solids content of 4–6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control Bartlett pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 2,500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture or carnauba wax, the Nabaco-coated pears and control pears were sorted and packaged. Three days after application, the degree of abrasion was 7 out of 25 pears in the control group, compared to 3 out of 25 pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention. Therefore, this test demonstrates that abrasion damage is reduced by 57% in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0104] Example 3

[0105] Line testing was conducted on Bartlett pears. Bartlett pears coated with "Nabaco coating" were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (percentages are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition), and compared to control Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 7,000 pounds of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture at a solids content of 4-6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 2,500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture or carnauba wax, the Nabaco-coated pears and control pears were stored at room temperature for 9 days, after which the degree of abrasion damage was observed. As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, Nabaco-coated pears (Figure 2A) showed delayed ripening and significantly reduced abrasion damage compared to control pears (Figure 2B). Therefore, this test demonstrates that pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention exhibit delayed ripening and reduced abrasion damage.

[0106] Example 4

[0107] Further experiments were conducted on Granny Smith apples stored at low temperatures for 10 weeks. Granny Smith apples coated with "Nabaco" were compared to control Granny Smith apples coated with carnauba wax, after being coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.3% bentonite, 1.9% pectin, and 0.18% sodium citrate (percentages are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition). The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabaco-coated apples using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 7,000 pounds of apples per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture at a solids content of 4–6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control apples using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 2,500 pounds of apples per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture or carnauba wax, the Nabaco-coated apples and control apples were stored at room temperature for 9 days, after which the degree of skin burn was observed. As shown in Figure 3, 30-40% of the fruit surface of the control apples showed skin burn, whereas no skin burn was observed at all (0%) in the Nabaco-coated apples. Therefore, this test demonstrates that skin burn is completely reduced in apples coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0108] Example 5

[0109] Further line testing was conducted on pears stored at low temperatures for two months. "Nabaco-coated" pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (percentages are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition), and compared to control pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 7,000 pounds per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture at a solids content of 4–6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 2,500 pounds per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, both Nabaco-coated and control pears were stored at room temperature for 7 days, after which the degree of skin burn was observed. As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, 80% of the surface of the control pears showed skin burn (Figure 4A), whereas less than 10% of the surface of the Nabaco-coated pears showed skin burn (Figure 4B). Therefore, this test demonstrates that skin burn is reduced in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0110] Example 6

[0111] A commercial line test was conducted on Bartlett pears stored at low temperature for 30 days. Bartlett pears coated with "Nabaco coating" were compared to control Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax, after being coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.6% bentonite, 1.4% gum arabic, and 0.15% sodium citrate (percentages are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition). The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to the Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 7,000 pounds of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture at a solids content of 4–6%. Carnauba wax was applied to the control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 2,500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. After application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture, the Nabaco-coated pears and control pears were stored at room temperature for 5 days, after which the degree of skin burn was observed. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, approximately 35% of the control pears showed severe skin burn, and 40-50% showed moderate skin burn, whereas less than 10% of the Nabaco-coated pears showed skin burn. Therefore, this test demonstrates that skin burn is reduced in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0112] Example 7

[0113] A packaging line test was conducted on Bartlett pears. Bartlett pears coated with "Nabaco coating" were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (percentages are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition), and compared to control Bartlett pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 7,000 pounds of pears per liter of thixotropic aqueous mixture at a solids content of 4–6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 2,500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. The percentage of abrasion damage was measured 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture. As shown in Figure 6, Nabaco-coated pears showed significantly reduced abrasion damage compared to control pears. Therefore, this packaging line test demonstrates a reduction in skin burn in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0114] Example 8

[0115] Packaging line testing was conducted on Danjou pears. “Nabaco-coated” Danjou pears were coated with a thixotropic aqueous mixture containing 4.5% bentonite, 1.32% gum arabic, and 0.18% sodium citrate (percentages are by weight relative to the total weight of the composition), and compared to control Danjou pears coated with carnauba wax. The thixotropic aqueous mixture was applied to Nabaco-coated pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 7,000 pounds of pears per liter of the thixotropic aqueous mixture at a solids content of 4–6%. Carnauba wax was applied to control pears using a spray bar and brush bed, achieving a coverage rate of 2,500 pounds of pears per liter of carnauba wax at a solids content of 20%. The percentage of abrasion damage was measured 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after application of the thixotropic aqueous mixture. As shown in Figure 7, Nabaco-coated pears showed significantly reduced abrasion damage compared to control pears. Therefore, this packaging line test demonstrates a reduction in skin burn in pears coated with the thixotropic aqueous mixture of the present invention.

[0116] As used in the claims and specifications herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are to be interpreted as referring to an open group that may include other elements. The words “a,” “an,” and the singular forms are to be interpreted as encompassing the plural forms of those words, and therefore these terms mean that one or more objects are provided. The terms “one” or “single” may be used to indicate that only one is intended. Similarly, other specific integer values ​​such as “two” may be used when a specific number of objects are intended. “preferably,” “preferred” The terms "prefer," "optionally," "may," and similar terms are used to indicate that the item, condition, or process mentioned is an optional (non-essential) feature of the invention.

[0117] The present invention has been described in relation to various specific preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that methods, apparatus, apparatus elements, materials, procedures and techniques not specifically described herein can also be applied to the implementation of the invention broadly disclosed herein without requiring excessive experimentation. All functional equivalents known in the art to the methods, apparatus, apparatus elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by the invention. Where a scope is disclosed, all subranges and individual values ​​are intended to be encompassed. The present invention is not limited by the disclosed embodiments, including those shown in the drawings or illustrated in the specification; they are given as examples and are not limitations.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described in relation to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art who have benefited from the disclosure herein will understand that other embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims.

[0119] All documents cited throughout this application, such as patent documents including issued or registered patents or equivalents, patent application publications, and non-patent documents and other materials, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, as if they were individually incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that each does not conflict with at least part of the disclosure herein (for example, partially conflicting documents are incorporated by reference excluding the conflicting portion).

Claims

1. A thixotropic aqueous mixture for protecting agricultural products from abrasion and / or epidermal burn damage, comprising at least one smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer.

2. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 1, wherein the amount of at least one type of smectite clay is 1 to 7% by weight, optionally 2 to 6% by weight.

3. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one smectite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, or laponite, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

4. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 3, wherein the at least one smectite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite.

5. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one smectite clay is a smectite clay that has been modified to be hydrophobic.

6. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic or pectin.

7. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water-soluble polymer is 0.5 to 5.0% by weight, optionally 1 to 2.5% by weight.

8. A thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the ratio of at least one smectite clay to the water-soluble polymer is 1:4 to 4:1, or optionally the ratio is about 1:

1.

9. A thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an antioxidant.

10. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9, wherein the antioxidant is sodium citrate.

11. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the antioxidant is 0.05 to 0.5% by weight.

12. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 9, wherein the antioxidant is an antioxidant oil, and optionally squalene.

13. A thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a solvent.

14. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to claim 13, wherein the solvent contains water or consists of water, or optionally the solvent contains a mixture of water and ethanol.

15. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is an aqueous colloidal dispersion containing 1 to 7% solid content.

16. The thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the mixture is an organic agricultural product.

17. A method for producing a thixotropic aqueous mixture, comprising forming a thixotropic mixture by high-shear mixing of at least one type of smectite clay and a water-soluble polymer with a solvent.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the solvent contains water or consists of water, or optionally the solvent contains a mixture of water and ethanol.

19. The method according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the at least one smectite clay is montmorillonite, bentonite, hectorite, or laponite, or a mixture of two or more thereof; optionally, the at least one smectite clay is sodium montmorillonite or bentonite; optionally, the at least one smectite clay is hydrophobically modified smectite clay.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the water-soluble polymer is gum arabic or pectin.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, comprising combining the at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer in powder form, and then mixing the combined powder with a solvent under high shear mixing.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the at least one smectite clay and the water-soluble polymer are individually added to the solvent during high-shear mixing.

23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 22, further comprising high-shear mixing of the at least one smectite clay, the water-soluble polymer, and the antioxidant in a solvent.

24. A thixotropic composition prepared by the method described in any one of claims 17 to 23.

25. It is a method, i) producing a thixotropic mixture using the method described in any one of claims 17 to 23, and ii) Applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture to the surface of agricultural products via an immersion tank, spray bar, brush bed, or a combination thereof. Methods that include...

26. A method for protecting agricultural products from abrasion damage, comprising applying a thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or claim 24 to the surface of the agricultural product.

27. A method for protecting agricultural products from epidermal burn damage, comprising applying the thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or claim 24 to the surface of the agricultural products.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied via an immersion tank, a spray bar, a brush bed, or a combination thereof.

29. The method according to claim 25 or claim 28, wherein the thixotropic aqueous mixture is applied using a combination of a spray bar and a brush bed, or a combination of an immersion tank and a brush bed.

30. The method according to any one of claims 25, 28, or 29, wherein the spray bar applies the thixotropic aqueous mixture to agricultural products at a spraying rate of 1 liter of the thixotropic aqueous mixture per 3,000 to 7,000 pounds of agricultural products.

31. To protect agricultural products from abrasion and damage, use the thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or claim 24.

32. To protect agricultural products from epidermal burn damage, use the thixotropic aqueous mixture according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or claim 24.

33. The method according to any one of claims 25, 26 to 30, or the use according to claim 31 or claim 32, wherein the agricultural product is a fruit, and optionally a fruit of the subfamily Porideae.

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