Hydrogel substrates as platforms for biological materials

Abstract

This application relates to hydrogel substrates for growing biological materials including, but not limited to, plants, fungi, and bacteria. In some embodiments, this application provides a platform for optimizing the growth of biological materials using various forms of hydrogel substrates. In other embodiments, this application provides methodologies and compositions for growing biological materials such as plants in a hydrogel substrate blend comprising a hydrogel substrate and one or more of the following: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials. In other embodiments, this application provides methodologies and compositions for growing biological materials such as plants in a hydrogel-bound plug, the hydrogel-bound plug does not contain synthetic adhesives or synthetic glues.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 455,821, filed Mar. 30, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field This application relates to methodologies and compositions for growing biological materials in or on a hydrogel substrate.

[0003] Introduction Hydrogels are well - known water - absorbent polymers that are mostly water and contain a small amount of organic material.

[0004] Due to their high water content, hydrogels are used in a variety of applications and industries, including the food industry, cosmetics, medical devices, agriculture, and other industrial uses.

[0005] Summary In one aspect, a method of growing a plant, comprising: (a) constructing a hydrogel substrate comprising one or more additive components, the hydrogel substrate imparting one or more properties for supporting plant growth; (b) growing the plant in the hydrogel substrate in the absence of soil. is provided.

[0006] In one embodiment, the one or more additive components are selected from an opacifying additive, a texture - modifying additive, a cationic capacity - adjusting additive, an anti - fouling additive, a moisturizing additive, and a coloring additive.

[0007] In another embodiment, one or more additive components support plant growth by imparting one or more properties selected from improved nutrient composition, color, light absorption, opacity, elasticity, brittleness, texture heterogeneity, porosity, sterility, antimicrobial properties, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen content, water retention, water retention capacity, water recirculation, cohesive strength, adhesion strength to non-hydrogel surfaces, freeze-thaw hysteresis, temperature, light, and pH-based stimulation, gas permeability, shape memory / hysteresis, solvent exchange behavior, thermal conductivity, antifouling properties, surface roughness, solids suspension, compostability, biodegradability, oxidation-reduction potential, cation exchange capacity, and time-dependent release of nutrients.

[0008] In another embodiment, the plants include tomatoes, potatoes, soybeans, corn, turfgrass, rice, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, orchids, irises, lilies, onions, palms, pines, tobacco, eucalyptus, poplars, sweetgum (Liquidambar), acacia, teak, mahogany, cotton, tobacco, mustard, oranges, apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, melons, grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, loganberries, bananas, and more. Choose from truss, sugar beet, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, spinach, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, cassava, sweet potato, chili pepper, poinsettia, geranium, almond, peanut, pistachio, walnut, green bean, alfalfa, carrot, strawberry, lettuce, oak, maple, walnut, rose, mint, squash, daisy, geranium, avocado, artichoke, olive, coconut, jojoba, and cactus.

[0009] In another embodiment, the hydrogel substrate includes a moisturizing additive that enhances moisture retention.

[0010] In another embodiment, the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a cylindrical hydrogel substrate.

[0011] In another embodiment, the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a hydrogel substrate sheet.

[0012] In another embodiment, the hydrogel substrate is constructed into irregular porous plugs, spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or microfiber-like structures, and irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method for growing plants, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate containing one or more additive components, wherein the hydrogel substrate imparts one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) planting plant seeds in the hydrogel substrate or propagating plants (or parts thereof) vegetatively, A method is provided that includes this.

[0014] In one embodiment, the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a cylindrical hydrogel substrate.

[0015] In another embodiment, the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a hydrogel substrate sheet.

[0016] In another embodiment, the hydrogel substrate is constructed into irregular porous plugs, spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or microfiber-like structures, and irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0017] In another embodiment, one or more additive components are selected from opacity additives, texture-modifying additives, cation capacity-modifying additives, antifouling additives, moisturizing additives, and coloring additives.

[0018] In another embodiment, a method for growing plants, (a) Constructing a hydrogel substrate containing one or more additive components, wherein the hydrogel substrate imparts one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) Forming the hydrogel substrate into a cylindrical shape to obtain a hydrogel substrate cylinder, and (c) Growing a plant in the hydrogel substrate cylinder, and A method is provided that includes these steps.

[0019] In another aspect, a method of growing a plant, comprising: (a) Constructing a hydrogel substrate containing one or more additive components, the hydrogel substrate imparting one or more properties for supporting plant growth; (b) Forming the hydrogel substrate into a sheet to obtain a hydrogel substrate sheet, and (c) Growing a plant in the hydrogel substrate sheet, and A method is provided that includes these steps.

[0020] In another aspect, a composition comprising a hydrogel substrate cylinder and containing no soil is provided.

[0021] In one embodiment, the method further includes a plant.

[0022] In another aspect, a composition comprising a hydrogel substrate sheet and containing no soil is provided.

[0023] In one embodiment, the composition further includes one or more plants.

[0024] In another aspect, a method of growing a plant, comprising: (a) Obtaining a hydrogel substrate cylinder, the hydrogel substrate cylinder imparting one or more properties for supporting plant growth; (b) Growing a plant in the hydrogel substrate sheet in the absence of soil, and A method is provided that includes these steps.

[0025] In another aspect, a method of growing a plant, comprising: (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate sheet, wherein the hydrogel substrate sheet is provided with one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) Growing one or more plants in the hydrogel substrate sheet in the absence of soil, A method is provided that includes this.

[0026] In another embodiment, a method for growing biological material, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate, wherein the hydrogel substrate sheet is formed, molded, and formed into irregular porous plugs, spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or fine fibrous materials, irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof, (b) Growing a biological material on the hydrogel substrate, A method is provided that includes this.

[0027] In one embodiment, the biological material is a plant, ornamental flower, fruit, vegetable, fungus, mushroom, bacteria, or bacterial culture.

[0028] In one embodiment, a method is provided according to any of the prior claims, wherein the hydrogel substrate does not contain methylcellulose.

[0029] In one embodiment, a composition according to any of the preceding claims is provided, wherein the hydrogel substrate does not contain methylcellulose.

[0030] In one embodiment, a hydrogel substrate blend is provided, comprising a hydrogel blended with one or more materials suitable for plant growth.

[0031] In one embodiment, the raw materials are provided to be selected from one or more of the following: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0032] In one embodiment, a hydrogel substrate blend is provided, the blend comprising about 90% cocoa and about 10% hydrogel based on dry weight.

[0033] In one embodiment, a hydrogel substrate blend is provided, which is a hydrogel substrate blend according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blend comprises, on a dry weight basis, about 90% peat and about 10% hydrogel.

[0034] In another embodiment, a hydrogel substrate blend is provided, which is a hydrogel substrate blend according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blend is an aerosolized product.

[0035] In another embodiment, a hydrogel substrate blend is provided, which is a hydrogel substrate blend according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blend is an aerosolized product comprising a blended cococoia and a wet hydrogel.

[0036] In another embodiment, a hydrogel substrate blend according to any of the preceding claims is provided, wherein the hydrogel substrate does not contain methylcellulose.

[0037] In another embodiment, a method for growing biological material, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate blend, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend comprises a hydrogel and one or more materials suitable for biological growth, (b) Growing the biological material in the hydrogel substrate blend under conditions suitable for the growth of the biological material, A method is provided that includes this.

[0038] In one embodiment, the one or more materials are selected from soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0039] In one embodiment, the hydrogel substrate blend comprises a hydrogel substrate and cocoa.

[0040] In one embodiment, a method according to any of the prior claims, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend comprises about 90% cocoa and about 10% hydrogel, based on dry weight.

[0041] In one embodiment, the hydrogel substrate blend comprises a hydrogel substrate and peat moss.

[0042] In another embodiment, a hydrogel bonded plug is provided, wherein the hydrogel bonded plug does not contain synthetic glue or synthetic adhesive.

[0043] In one embodiment, the plug comprises a hydrogel substrate and one or more of the following: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0044] In one embodiment, a hydrogel-bonded plug according to any of the prior claims, wherein the hydrogel substrate does not contain methylcellulose.

[0045] In another embodiment, a hydrogel-bonded plug according to any of the prior claims, further comprising a biological material.

[0046] In another embodiment, a hydrogel-bonded plug according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a biological material selected from plants, ornamental flowers, fruits, vegetables, fungi, mushrooms, bacteria, and bacterial cultures.

[0047] In another embodiment, a compostable hydrogel-bonded plug is provided, wherein the hydrogel-bonded plug does not contain synthetic glue or synthetic adhesive.

[0048] In another embodiment, a method for growing biological material, (a) To obtain a hydrogel bonded plug, wherein the hydrogel bonded plug does not contain synthetic glue or synthetic adhesive, (b) Growing the biological material in the hydrogel-bound plug under conditions suitable for the growth of the biological material, A method is provided that includes this.

[0049] In one embodiment, the hydrogel-bonded plug comprises a hydrogel substrate and one or more of the following: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0050] In one embodiment, the hydrogel-bound plug contains, on a dry weight basis, about 90% cocoa and about 10% hydrogel.

[0051] In one embodiment, the method according to any of the preceding claims, the biological material is selected from plants, ornamental flowers, fruits, vegetables, fungi, mushrooms, bacteria, and bacterial cultures.

[0052] In one embodiment, the method according to any of the prior claims, the biological material is a plant.

[0053] In one embodiment, the plant is selected from lettuce, coriander, rapeseed, herbs, and vegetables in the method according to any of the prior claims.

[0054] In one embodiment, the hydrogel substrate described in any of the preceding claims is dehydrated.

[0055] In one embodiment, the hydrogel substrate blend described in any of the preceding claims is dehydrated.

[0056] In one embodiment, the hydrogel-bonded plug described in any of the preceding claims is dehydrated.

[0057] In another embodiment, a method for growing biological material, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate, wherein the hydrogel substrate is dehydrated, (b) Rehydrating the hydrogel substrate, (c) Growing biological materials in or on the hydrogel substrate, A method is provided that includes this.

[0058] In another embodiment, a method for growing biological material, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate blend, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend is dehydrated, (b) Rehydrate the hydrogel base blend, (c) Growing biological materials in or on the hydrogel substrate blend, A method is provided that includes this.

[0059] In another embodiment, a method for growing biological material, (a) To obtain a hydrogel bonded plug, wherein the hydrogel bonded plug is dehydrated, (b) Rehydrate the hydrogel-bound plug, (c) Growing biological material in or on the hydrogel-bound plug, A method is provided that includes this.

[0060] Further objectives and advantages of the embodiments are partially described in the following description, partially evident therefrom, or can be acquired by practicing the disclosed embodiments. The objectives and advantages can be realized and achieved by the elements and combinations specifically pointed out in the appended claims.

[0061] It should be understood that both the general explanation above and the detailed explanation below are illustrative and descriptive only, and therefore not limiting.

[0062] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of this specification illustrate several embodiments and, together with the description, help to illustrate the principles of those embodiments.

[0063] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of this specification illustrate features enabled by the embodiments described herein and, together with the description, are useful in illustrating the principles. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0064] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of preparing a hydrogel substrate using a batch reactor process. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a cylindrical hydrogel substrate for growing a single plant. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a sheet of hydrogel substrate for growing multiple seeds. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an exemplary hydrogel-bound plug containing hydrogel and cococoia. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an exemplary hydrogel-bound plug containing hydrogel and cococoia. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] This application provides methods and compositions for hydrogel substrates for agricultural applications such as controlled environment agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, aerial cultivation, aquaculture, greenhouses, hoop houses, and plant propagation.

[0066] As described below, the inventors intend to design hydrogel substrates as platforms for supporting or optimizing the growth of biological materials, such as supporting plant growth. In one embodiment, for example, the hydrogel substrate provides a highly customizable platform for providing one or more properties for optimizing plant growth. For example, the hydrogel substrate may include one or more components that can optimize plant growth and development, plant nutrition, pathogen resistance, plant flavor and taste, plant stress response, pest resistance, salinity, water absorption and / or availability, cold tolerance, physical strength, plant density, and germination rate and uniformity.

[0067] In this regard, hydrogel substrates can have customizable or manipulated characteristics such as specific pH, electrical conductivity (EC), texture, porosity, dissolved oxygen content, sterility, color, light absorption, opacity, elasticity, brittleness, antimicrobial properties, water retention, water retention capacity, cohesive strength, adhesion strength to non-hydrogel surfaces, freeze-thaw hysteresis, stimulation based on temperature, light, and pH, gas permeability, shape memory / hysteresis, solvent exchange behavior, thermal conductivity, antifouling properties, surface roughness, solids suspension, compostability, ability to pass through filtration systems and enable water recirculation, biodegradability, oxidation-reduction potential, cation exchange capacity, and time-dependent release of nutrients.

[0068] In one embodiment, the inventors have confirmed that the hydrogel substrate designed to specifications provides means and compositions for supporting biological growth, such as the growth and development of plants, in or without soil. Depending on the composition of the hydrogel substrate and the need to grow specific biological materials, the hydrogel substrate may contain hydrogel without other growth media such as soil. However, in other examples, as described below, the hydrogel substrate blend may contain hydrogel and one or more growth materials, including, but not limited to, cocoa, peat, rock wool, wood, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, wood mulch, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0069] As will be described in more detail below, this hydrogel substrate provides a variety of beneficial attributes to support biological growth, such as, but not limited to, faster and more uniform germination, uniformity of plant plugs, shorter growth cycles, improved plant biomass yield, consistent production yield per batch, improved consistency and predictability of performance or results from harvest to harvest, improved resistance to pests and pathogens, and a controllable plant nutrient profile.

[0070] For example, water recirculation is a growing problem in agriculture. That is, when using current and conventional substrates, the substrate releases particulate matter into the growing system, which is often not filtered and therefore reduces the farm's ability to recirculate water. The inventors intend a hydrogel substrate that can pass through extremely complete filtration (e.g., 0.3 microns) and thus provides the ability to recirculate water. In some embodiments, the filtration is 0.3 microns.

[0071] Without limiting in any sense, and depending on the needs of the specific biological material, hydrogels can be designed to have specific or customizable pH, customizable conductivity (EC), customizable texture, customizable porosity, customizable dissolved oxygen content, sterility, material volume and shape, color, light absorption, opacity, elasticity, brittleness, antimicrobial properties, water retention, water retention capacity, cohesive strength, adhesion strength to non-hydrogel surfaces, freeze-thaw hysteresis, temperature, light, and pH-based stimulation, gas permeability, shape memory / hysteresis, solvent exchange behavior, thermal conductivity, antifouling properties, surface roughness, solids suspension, compostability, biodegradability, redox potential, cation exchange capacity, and time-dependent release of nutrients.

[0072] In some embodiments, the hydrogel substrate does not contain chemically modified polysaccharides such as chemically modified cellulose. For example, methylcellulose is a chemically modified cellulose and is frequently used as a thickener or emulsifier. In some embodiments, the hydrogel substrate does not contain methylcellulose. Although not bound by any theory, the inventors believe that methylation increases the porosity of cellulosic hydrogels, resulting in hydrogels with more air pockets or air cavities, which may result in a lower density.

[0073] By creating novel platforms for supporting or optimizing the growth of specific biological materials, the hydrogel substrate can take on any form or shape suitable for the biological material. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, the inventors envision a hydrogel substrate in a cylindrical form for growing a single plant. Similarly, in a non-limiting embodiment, the hydrogel substrate may take the form of a flat sheet for simultaneously supporting the growth of multiple plant seeds or other biological materials. Further embodiments may include, but are not limited to, a flat sheet of hydrogel substrate for culturing microorganisms, etc. Furthermore, since the hydrogel is a viscous liquid at the time of manufacture, the hydrogel substrate can be molded, shaped, and formed into virtually any required shape or format to achieve compatibility with substantially any growth system or format. For example, without limiting it in any sense, hydrogel substrates can be molded, shaped, and formed into irregular porous plugs (sponge-like structures with holes), spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or microfiber-like structures, irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0074] Herein, this embodiment is referred to in detail, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0075] The conjunctions "and" or "or" can be used within a list of components, but the phrase "at least one" is dominant in the language. For example, at least one of A, B, and C is an abbreviation of A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B, B and C, A and C, or A, B and C.

[0076] The technical terms used herein follow common usage in horticulture, biochemistry, agriculture, and other fields. This usage and these technical terms are detailed, for example, in Soils and Other Growth Media, SBN 333125711, The Macmillan Press.

[0077] As used herein, hydrogel substrate refers to a hydrogel comprising water, a gelling agent, and a crosslinking agent, and may include one or more additives that support any biological material growing in the hydrogel itself and / or in the hydrogel substrate, through the hydrogel substrate and / or on the hydrogel substrate.

[0078] As described below, in some embodiments, biological materials such as plants or fungi can be grown in, through, and / or on a hydrogel substrate, without the presence of any other growth medium, including but not limited to cocoa, peat, rock wool, wood, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, wood mulch, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0079] As described below, in some embodiments, biological materials such as plants or fungi can be grown in, through, and / or on a hydrogel substrate in the presence of other growth media, including, but not limited to, cocoa, peat, rock wool, wood, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, wood mulch, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0080] In some embodiments, the hydrogel substrate may be dehydrated or freeze-dried for transport, long-term use, and / or storage, and such hydrogel substrate is referred to herein as “dehydrated hydrogel.” Before use, the dehydrated or freeze-dried material is rehydrated with water, and is referred to herein as “rehydrated hydrogel.”

[0081] In other embodiments, as described below, biological materials such as plants or fungi can be grown in or on the hydrogel substrate blend, and the hydrogel is blended with one or more substrate materials, including but not limited to soil, cocoa, peat, rock wool, wood, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, wood mulch, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials, thereby obtaining a blended hydrogel substrate. The terms “hydrogel substrate blend” and “blended hydrogel substrate” are used interchangeably and refer to a blended product comprising a hydrogel and one or more of the following materials, in varying proportions, compositions, states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.), particle sizes, etc.: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

[0082] Hydrogel substrates can be formed into any shape or format, including, but not limited to, hydrogel substrate cylinders, hydrogel substrate sheets, irregular porous plugs (sponge-like structures); spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or microfiber-like structures, and irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0083] Additives or additive components refer to compositions that support either the hydrogel itself and / or biological materials growing in, through, and / or on the hydrogel substrate. For example, additives may provide structural support to the hydrogel substrate in the form of tensile strength, elasticity, etc., without limiting them in any sense. Similarly, additives may support both the hydrogel itself and biological materials such as plants by increasing water retention and water-holding capacity. Similarly, additives may enhance the ability to pass through a filtration system and enable water recirculation. Illustrative additives, without limit, include: • Opaquers: Opaque additives are substances added to hydrogels to adjust or control the opacity of the finished material. • Texture: Texture-modifying additives are substances added to hydrogels to control the physical properties of the finished material, such as roughness, brittleness, elasticity, adhesive strength, and cohesive strength. • Cation capacity: Cation capacity adjusting additives are substances added to hydrogels to control their cation exchange capacity, or the capacity to retain cations within the hydrogel material. • Antifouling: Antifouling additives are substances added to hydrogels to prevent the growth of attached organisms such as algae or bacteria. • Humectants: Moisturizing additives are substances added to hydrogels to reduce water loss from the finished material. • Colorants: Coloring additives are substances added to hydrogels to impart the desired pigment or color to the finished material.

[0084] Biological material refers to any substance produced by or derived from a living organism. For example, without limiting it in any sense, biological material may include any material from any of the five major classification kingdoms: the plant kingdom, the fungi kingdom, the protists kingdom, the archaea kingdom or archaeons, and the bacteria kingdom or eubacteria. For example, without limiting it in any sense, biological material may include plants, ornamental flowers, fruits, vegetables, fungi, mushrooms, bacteria, bacterial cultures, etc.

[0085] A. Hydrogel base composition Hydrogel substrates contain several categories of components, each influencing specific attributes and properties of the desired substrate. Primary components are gelling agents and crosslinking agents.

[0086] As is known in the art, gelling agents are derived from a variety of sources, including plants, animals, bacteria, fungi, and other sources, as well as synthetic gelling agents. Gelling agents are polymeric materials containing sugar molecules, polysaccharides, amino acids, proteins, acrylates, acrylamides, glycols, and / or vinyls. Exemplary gelling agents include, but are not limited to, cellulose, starch, lignin, pectin, carrageenan, and gum. The amount of gelling agent is typically about 0.5–2.5% by weight of the solution, but can vary depending on the specific needs, with water representing the remainder of the base solution.

[0087] For example, without limiting it in any sense, the hydrogel may contain gelling agent in amounts of approximately 0.5% by weight, approximately 0.6% by weight, approximately 0.7% by weight, approximately 0.8% by weight, approximately 0.9% by weight, approximately 1.0% by weight, approximately 1.1% by weight, approximately 1.2% by weight, approximately 1.3% by weight, approximately 1.4% by weight, approximately 1.5% by weight, approximately 1.6% by weight, approximately 1.7% by weight, approximately 1.8% by weight, approximately 1.9% by weight, approximately 2.0% by weight, approximately 2.1% by weight, approximately 2.2% by weight, approximately 2.3% by weight, approximately 2.4% by weight, and approximately 2.5% by weight of the solution. In some embodiments, the hydrogel may contain a gelling agent in amounts of about 0.5% by weight, about 0.6% by weight, about 0.7% by weight, about 0.8% by weight, or about 0.9% by weight of the solution.

[0088] In some embodiments, the hydrogel does not contain chemically modified polysaccharides such as chemically modified cellulose. For example, methylcellulose is a chemically modified cellulose and is frequently used as a thickener or emulsifier. In some embodiments, the hydrogel does not contain methylcellulose. Although not bound by any theory, the inventors believe that methylation increases the porosity of cellulosic hydrogels, resulting in hydrogels with more air pockets or air cavities, which may result in a lower density.

[0089] The crosslinking agent(s) may be ionic or nonionic and have at least two functional sites for creating ionic or covalent chemical bonds between the gelling agents. Typically, the crosslinking agent(s) make up about 0.001–1.0% by weight of the solution, while the gelling agent and water make up the remainder of the base solution. After the water base solution, gelling agent(s), and crosslinking agent(s) are mixed, secondary components, so-called additives, can be added to the solution to express specific substrate attributes and properties for the intended application of the substrate.

[0090] Additives typically constitute about 0.5–2% by weight of the solution, though not in all cases. Additives are selected to design specific attributes and properties in the substrate based on how it is intended to be used or for which crop(s) it is intended to be optimized. For example, for certain crops, texture or porosity additives may be included, while for other crops, the additive may be unhelpful or even harmful. Furthermore, different amounts of the same additive may be used selectively for certain crops. For example, some crops may prefer higher pH substrates, resulting in an increase in the pH additive for those crops, while other crops may prefer lower pH substrates, resulting in a smaller amount of the same additive being used. In some cases, the additive itself may confer secondary attributes beyond its primary attributes (e.g., for pH control), and therefore, some crops may actually prefer the use of different pH additives than others.

[0091] Additives are used to influence hydrogel properties such as nutrients, color, light absorption, opacity, elasticity, brittleness, texture heterogeneity, porosity, sterility, antimicrobial pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen content, water retention, water retention capacity, cohesive strength, adhesion strength to non-hydrogel surfaces, freeze-thaw hysteresis, temperature, light, and pH-based stimulation, gas permeability, shape memory / hysteresis, solvent exchange behavior, thermal conductivity, antifouling properties, surface roughness, solids suspension, compostability, biodegradability, oxidation-reduction potential, cation exchange capacity, and time-dependent release of nutrients. Many additives are known in the art and include, but are not limited to, opacifying additives, texture-modifying additives, cation capacity-modifying additives, antifouling additives, moisturizing additives, and coloring additives.

[0092] The ability to selectively combine specific components to achieve a particular type of substrate is not generally possible in the agricultural market using only traditional substrates such as peat moss, coconut coir, perlite, or other similar "traditional" substrates. The ability to design hydrogels from scratch to provide, for example, plants, and especially to give them a preferred substrate, is unique in the market and is why such embodiments are novel.

[0093] In one embodiment, unlike the conventional use of hydrogel substrates for agricultural purposes, the hydrogel may be a “substrate medium” or a “soilless medium” because it is suitable, for example, for growing plants in a medium that does not contain natural soil, either entirely or primarily. Similarly, in one embodiment, the hydrogel substrate is found to be used alone for cultivating mushrooms or other fungi, as well as in sterile cultures. Since the hydrogel substrate is the substrate itself for growing or culturing biological materials, the hydrogel substrate can be molded, shaped, and formed into virtually any required shape or format to achieve compatibility with substantially any growth system or format.

[0094] B. Hydrogel Substrate Methodology In one embodiment, a hydrogel substrate can be manufactured by combining primary components (multiple gelling agents and crosslinking agents) and optional secondary components (additives) to achieve the desired result.

[0095] The gelling agent is hydrated in water to produce a homogeneous saturated solution, which forms the base of the substrate mixture. This requires a specific time for hydrating the material (gelling agent), as well as a specific temperature to achieve saturation and homogeneity. Stirring is typically applied to ensure complete saturation and homogeneity. The base solution is heated to a specific temperature and for a specific period of time specific to the selected gelling agent.

[0096] Once the base is prepared, various additives can then be incorporated to achieve different attributes and properties, based on the specific desired results or uses of the hydrogel substrate. A system for thoroughly mixing the solution ensures complete homogenization of the material. After homogenization of the material, a sparge tube may be used to introduce or increase the concentration of dissolved gases, or to increase the porosity and volume-to-mass ratio of the final solution. Once the material is thoroughly mixed, it can be deposited into a holding container for distribution. Distribution of the finished solution can be done by pouring, coating, layering, spraying, or aerosolizing the solution into molds, containers, sheets, etc. The gelation point of the finished solution, i.e., the temperature at which the finished solution changes from a fluid liquid to a semi-solid, is higher than the operating temperature range required for growing plants in the culture medium.

[0097] The unique properties of hydrogel materials allow them to be poured into molds, containers, sheets, etc., and spray-coated or aerosolized onto suitable surfaces, making it possible to achieve any variety of substrate formats and / or surface area ratios. These include conventional formats such as "plugs" commonly used in the agricultural industry, as well as novel formats such as material sheets of various thicknesses or any other moldable formats, where growers or customers may desire to meet specific needs. Other exemplary examples, but not limited to, may include 3D architectures of final materials containing irregular porous plugs (sponge-like structures); spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or microfiber-like structures, and irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof.

[0098] Hydrogel substrates are used in a variety of applications, including, but are not limited to, substrates for floriculture and horticulture; substrates or base materials for sterile and subculturing (similar to agar culture); substrates for cultivating mushrooms; tissue culture; cloning from plant cuttings; and cultivation of aquatic organisms.

[0099] C. Hydrogel substrates for biological growth Although hydrogel substrates are unique in their material attributes and properties, they can be used in a manner very similar to other biological growth substrates, such as plant growth substrates. Once such hydrogel substrates are manufactured or otherwise obtained, cultivators are required to change, in fact in many cases, nothing at all, in terms of modifying the method of plant propagation or growth operations to use these hydrogel substrates.

[0100] Furthermore, the inherent properties of hydrogels as a substrate allow for significant operational reductions in pests and pathogens. Growers typically have to develop a wide variety of interventions to prevent pests and pathogens specific to traditional substrates. As a completely unique material, pests and pathogens do not have the ability to use hydrogel substrates as vectors to infect plants. Moreover, hydrogels, primarily as aqueous materials, can maintain the health of plants in the event of operational failures such as water pump failures that result in insufficient hydration available to the plants. In this case, hydrogels can supply water directly to plants through the material when water is not supplied by growing operations. Furthermore, many modern agricultural methods, such as hydroponics, aerial cultivation, and aquatic organism cultivation, incorporate water recirculation. As a substrate, hydrogels, unlike "traditional" substrates, can prevent the release of particulate matter into the water system, thus ensuring the efficiency of water recirculation.

[0101] As a fully customizable material, this hydrogel substrate can incorporate attributes and properties specific to the grower's use. For seed-based production, growers can utilize the hydrogel substrate in the same or identical manner to conventional substrates. For example, the hydrogel substrate may or may not be dibbled (i.e., having small pores on the surface of the material). For plant propagation by cuttings (i.e., cloning), growers simply need to insert the cut plant into the hydrogel substrate material. Uniquely, as a sterile or nearly sterile substrate, the hydrogel substrate of the present invention may not require growers to apply further interventions such as rooting hormones to increase the survival rate from cuttings. In all cases, whether seed-based or cutting-based propagation, plants require less water than is needed during germination and propagation. As an aqueous material, this hydrogel substrate has extremely high water availability, enabling germination or rooting of cuttings, which is completely different from conventional substrates that require frequent, if not continuous, hydration to ensure that the substrate material has moisture available for seeds or cuttings.

[0102] Plants: "Plants" include eukaryotic multicellular organisms belonging to the Plant Kingdom that perform photosynthesis, and are characterized by forming embryos, possessing chloroplasts, and having cell walls made of cellulose. This application includes both angiosperms (monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants) and gymnosperms, and includes the whole plant as well as any part of the plant such as leaves, roots, buds, stolons, tubers, stolons, stems, cuttings, seeds, flowers, etc. This methodology and composition are not limited in any sense, but include tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, garlic, soybeans, corn, turfgrass, rice, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, orchids, irises, lilies, onions, palms, pine, tobacco, eucalyptus, poplar, sweetgum (Liquidambar), acacia, teak, mahogany, cotton, tobacco, mustard, oranges, apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, melons, grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, loganberries, and bananas. It can be used to grow citrus, sugar beets, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, coriander, lettuce, spinach, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, cassava, sweet potato, chili pepper, poinsettia, geranium, almond, peanut, pistachio, hazelnut, walnut, green bean, alfalfa, carrot, strawberry, lettuce, oak, maple, walnut, rose, mint, squash, daisy, geranium, avocado, artichoke, olive, coconut, jojoba, rapeseed, and cactus.

[0103] In a botanical sense, "fruit" or "fruit(s)" refers to the seed-bearing structure of flowering plants (also known as angiosperms) that is formed from the ovary after flowering. Common fruits include apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, melons, dates, coconuts, and berries such as strawberries, but less common fruits include bean pods, corn kernels, tomatoes, and wheat grains. However, as used herein, "fruit" includes any plant or part of a plant that is safe for human or animal consumption.

[0104] "Small fruits" include, but are not limited to, strawberries, raspberries (of any color), blackberries, blueberries, and / or black-raspberries. Small fruits refer to the plant itself, as well as any part thereof, such as berries, seedlings, stolons, stolons, seeds, leaves, stems, or root cuttings.

[0105] In a botanical sense, "vegetable" or "vegetable(plural)" means any part of a plant that is consumed for food, other than fruit or seeds. However, as used herein, vegetable refers to any edible stem, stalk, root, tuber, bulb, leaf, flower, some fruits, legumes (pulses), fungi, algae, etc. Exemplary vegetables include, but are not limited to, lettuce, herbs, rapeseed, coriander, carrots, potatoes, pepper, radishes, cauliflower, tomatoes, peas, beans, mushrooms, truffles, spirulina, and moringa. Exemplary vegetables include, but are not limited to, the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae) (celery or carrots). Carrot family, Apocynaceae (Periwinkle family), Asteraceae (formerly Compositae family), Daisy family, Bignoniaceae (Bignonia family), Boraginaceae (Forget-me-Not family), Brassicaceae (formerly Cruciferae family) (Cabbage family) (Bean family), Caesalpiniaceae, Fabaceae, Mimosaceae, Papilionaceae (formerly Leguminosae), Campanulaceae (Bellflower family), Caryophyllaceae (Pink family), Clusiaceae (formerly Guttiferae) (St. John's wort (St. John's wort)John's Wort family), Convolvulaceae (Bindweed family), Ericaceae (Heath family), Geraniaceae (Geranium family), Gesneriaceae (African Violet family), Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf family), Iridaceae (Iris family), Lamia family (Lamiaceae, formerly Labiatae) (Mint or Nettle family) Nettle family, Liliaceae (Lily family), Malvaceae (Mallow family), Musaceae (Banana family), Oxalidaceae (Wood sorrel family) Sorrel family, Papaveraceae (Poppy family), Plumbaginaceae (Leadwort family), Polemoniaceae (Phlox family), Primulaceae (Primrose family), Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family), Rosaceae (Rose family), Rubiaceae (Bedstraw family), Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage family), Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family), Solanaceae (Eggplant or potato family) Examples include the Violaceae family (and Nightshade family) and the Viola family (Violaceae).

[0106] In some embodiments, the plants are selected from adzuki beans, alfalfa, broccoli, buckwheat, cabbage, cauliflower, chia, chives, clover, dill, fenugreek, flax, chickpeas, garlic, kale, green beans, lentils, mung beans, mustard, navy beans, oats, peas, pinto beans, pumpkin, radish, red clover, soybeans, sunflower, wheat grains, and wheat sprouts.

[0107] In some embodiments, one or more plants are selected from one or more herbs and spices. In some embodiments, the spices include allspice (Pimenta dioica), angelica (Angelica archangelica), anise (Pimpinella anisum), asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida), bay leaf (Laurus nobilis), basil (Ocimum basilicum), bergamot (Monarda spp.), black cumin (Nigella sativa), black mustard (Brassica nigra), black pepper (Piper nigrum), and borage (Borago officinalis). Brown mustard (Brassica juncea), burnet (Sanguisorba minor, S. officinalis), caraway (Carum carvi), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), cassia (Cinnamomum cassia), catnip (Nepeta cataria), cayenne pepper (Capsicum annuum), celery seed (Apium graveolens var. dulce), chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) Cerefolium, Chicory (Cichorium intybus), Chili Pepper (Capsicum spp.))), chives (Allium schoenoprasum), Sicilian (Myrrhis odorata), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), cosmary (Tanacetum balsamita), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), curry, dill (Anethum graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum ulgare) Vulgare), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), fillet powder (Sassafras albidum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta), holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum), horsehound (Marrubium vulgare), horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), lavender (Lavandula spp.)), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), lavender (Levisticum officinale), mace (Myristica fragrans), marjoram (Origanum majorana), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), oregano (Origanum vulgare), paprika (Capsicum annuum) Annuum), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), peppermint (Mentha × piperita), poppy seeds (Papaver somniferum), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), rue (Ruta graveolens), saffron (Crocus sativus), sage (Salvia officinalis), savory (Satureja hortensis and Satureja montana), salt, sesame (Sesamum indicum), sorrel (Rumex genus) (spp.), star anise (Illicium verum), spearmint (Mentha spicata), tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), turmeric (Curcuma longa), vanilla (Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitensis).The spices are selected from tahitensis, wasabi (Eutrema japonicum), and white mustard (Sinapis alba). In some embodiments, the spices are selected from saffron, garlic, onion, and mustard seeds.

[0108] D. Hydrogel base blend In other embodiments, as described below, a blended hydrogel substrate is obtained by blending biological materials such as plants or fungi with one or more of the following in various proportions, compositions, states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.), particle sizes, etc.: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials, and can be grown in or on the hydrogel substrate blend containing the hydrogel.

[0109] Hydrogel substrate blends may include, but are not limited to, a variety of mixed compositions, percentage compositions, particle sizes, and states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.) of hydrogels with one or more substrate materials, including soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials. For example, without limiting it in any sense, a hydrogel substrate blend may contain, based on total dry weight, 90% cococoia and 10% hydrogel, or 85% cococoia and 15% hydrogel, or 80% cococoia and 20% hydrogel, or 75% cococoia and 25% hydrogel, or 70% cococoia and 30% hydrogel, or 65% cococoia and 35% hydrogel, or 60% cococoia and 40% hydrogel, or 55% cococoia and 45% hydrogel, or 50% cococoia and 50% hydrogel.

[0110] In other embodiments, the hydrogel substrate blend may comprise a mixture of hydrogel and one or more substrate materials, such as soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials, each in varying percentages. For example, without limiting it in any sense, the hydrogel substrate blend may comprise 70% cocoa, 20% peat, and 10% hydrogel. In another example, the hydrogel substrate blend may comprise 70% cocoa, 20% tree fibers, and 10% hydrogel.

[0111] In other embodiments, the hydrogel substrate blend may contain a variety of particle sizes. For example, without limiting it in any sense, the hydrogel substrate blend may contain 90% coco coir and 10% hydrogel, with particles of uniform or varying sizes. For example, without limiting it, the hydrogel substrate blend may contain 90% coco coir and 10% hydrogel, with particles of 1 mm size. For example, without limiting it in any sense, a hydrogel substrate blend containing 90% coco coir sieved to a 1 mm fraction size can be combined with a hydrogel drying medium sieved to 1 mm to produce a uniform structure. In this case, the coco coir enables optimized capillary action that would not be present in hydrogel alone for faster water absorption. The coco coir also allows for an extended shelf life of the plug itself, enabling crops or biological materials to survive in the material for longer periods.

[0112] In other embodiments, the hydrogel substrate blends may include blends of peat moss and hydrogel; soil and hydrogel; rock wool and hydrogel; wood and hydrogel; wood chips or mulch and hydrogel; wood fiber and hydrogel; processed wood fiber and hydrogel; tree fiber and hydrogel; hemp and hydrogel; bamboo and hydrogel; bark and hydrogel; sand and sand grains and hydrogel; perlite and hydrogel; pumice and hydrogel; clay and hydrogel; vermiculite and hydrogel; biochar and hydrogel; natural or processed raw materials and hydrogel; and / or synthetic materials and hydrogels, each in various proportions, compositions, states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.), particle sizes, etc.

[0113] In other embodiments, the hydrogel substrate blend may comprise various material states. For example, non-limitingly, the hydrogel substrate blend may comprise a mixture of solid particles and a wet hydrogel or liquid hydrogel. For example, non-limitingly, the hydrogel substrate blend may comprise 90% cococoia and 10% hydrogel, where cococoia are solid particles and the hydrogel is a liquid or wet gel. After blending the cococoia and hydrogel together to form a homogeneous mixture, the inventors intend to apply a sprayer to spray the hydrogel substrate blend as a liquid for use as a hydrogel substrate blend.

[0114] In some embodiments, the hydrogel substrate blend may include an aerosol comprising a mixture of solid particles suspended in a liquid or wet hydrogel, which can be applied in various combinations and rates.

[0115] In other embodiments, the hydrogel substrate blend may be dehydrated and then rehydrated when ready for use. For example, without limiting it in any sense, the hydrogel substrate blend may be dehydrated for storage, shipping, transportation, etc., and then rehydrated when ready for use as a biological growth substrate.

[0116] E. Hydrogel binding plug Bonding plugs provide a uniform and optimal environment for seed germination, rapid and efficient rooting, and tissue culture, and can be optimized for a given plant or biological material using different substrate media. Conventionally, bonding plugs include a substrate such as peat moss and a binder such as an adhesive or glue to hold the plugs together.

[0117] The inventors have developed a hydrogel-bonded plug in which the plug comprises one or more substrates bonded with hydrogel rather than synthetic glue or adhesive. For example, the hydrogel-bonded plug may contain 90% coir and 10% hydrogel based on dry weight, and such a hydrogel-bonded plug provides a fully biodegradable material for supporting biological growth. In other embodiments, the hydrogel-binding plugs may include, respectively, blends of peat moss and hydrogel; cocoa and hydrogel; soil and hydrogel; rock wool and hydrogel; wood and hydrogel; wood chips or mulch and hydrogel; wood fiber and hydrogel; processed wood fiber and hydrogel; tree fiber and hydrogel; hemp and hydrogel; bamboo and hydrogel; bark and hydrogel; sand and sand grains and hydrogel; perlite and hydrogel; pumice and hydrogel; clay and hydrogel; vermiculite and hydrogel; biochar and hydrogel; natural or processed raw materials and hydrogel; and / or synthetic materials and hydrogels, each in various proportions, compositions, states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.), particle size, etc.

[0118] By replacing synthetic adhesives and synthetic glues with hydrogels, the inventors have recognized that these hydrogels impart physical, chemical, and structural benefits to growing biological materials, whereas synthetic adhesives and synthetic glues do not.

[0119] Furthermore, this hydrogel-bound plug reduces the amount of media fragments separating and detaching from the plug, and minimizes filter clogging by the media and adhesive, thereby creating a cleaner working and growing environment for biological materials. For this reason, this hydrogel-bound plug enables cleaner operations compared to conventional binding plugs. This is particularly important for sterile operations, tissue culture, and aquatic organism cultivation, where cleanliness can significantly impact the growth of biological materials. While synthetic adhesives have been used as binders, they are neither compostable nor organic. Hydrogel-bound plugs can offer the same advantages, along with added value such as product refinement, while also enabling biodegradability, compostability, and organic certification.

[0120] The following embodiments are illustrative and do not limit the disclosure.

[0121] Example 1: Cylindrical hydrogel substrate As described above, in one embodiment, a hydrogel substrate can be manufactured using primary components (gelling agents and crosslinking agents) and secondary components (additives) and combined to achieve the desired result. The gelling agent is hydrated in water to produce a homogeneous saturated solution, which forms the base of the substrate mixture. This requires a specific time for hydrating the material (gelling agent), as well as a specific temperature to achieve saturation and homogeneity. Stirring is typically applied to ensure complete saturation and homogeneity. The base solution is brought to a specific temperature for a specific period of time specific to the selected gelling agent. Once the base is prepared, various additives are then incorporated to achieve different attributes and properties based on the specific desired result or use of the substrate. A system for thoroughly mixing the solution ensures complete homogenization of the material. After homogenization of the material, a sparge tube may be used to introduce or increase the concentration of dissolved gases or to increase the porosity and volume-to-mass ratio of the final solution. Once the material is completely mixed, it can be deposited into a holding container for distribution. The completed solution can be distributed by pouring, coating, layering, spraying, or aerosolizing the solution into any suitable mold.

[0122] For example, as shown in Figure 2, plants can grow in a cylindrical hydrogel substrate containing any additives, and the plants grow in the hydrogel substrate in the absence of soil. For example, without limiting in any sense, the cylindrical hydrogel substrate may have additives to enhance water retention, making it suitable for growing any fruit or vegetable plant, such as a tomato plant.

[0123] Example 2: Hydrogel substrate sheet As described above, in one example, a hydrogel substrate can be manufactured using primary components (gelling agents and crosslinking agents) and secondary components (additives) and combined to achieve the desired result. The gelling agent is hydrated in water to produce a homogeneous saturated solution, which forms the base of the substrate mixture. This requires a specific time for hydrating the material (gelling agent), as well as a specific temperature to achieve saturation and homogeneity. Stirring is typically applied to ensure complete saturation and homogeneity. The base solution is brought to a specific temperature for a specific period of time specific to the selected gelling agent. Once the base is prepared, various additives can then be incorporated to achieve different attributes and properties, based on the specific desired result or use of the substrate. A system for thoroughly mixing the solution ensures complete homogenization of the material. After homogenization of the material, a sparge tube may be used to introduce or increase the concentration of dissolved gases, or to increase the porosity and volume-to-mass ratio of the final solution. Once the material is completely mixed, it can be deposited into a holding container for distribution. The completed solution can be distributed by pouring, coating, layering, spraying, or aerosolizing the solution into any suitable mold.

[0124] For example, as shown in Figure 3, plants can grow in a hydrogel substrate sheet containing any additives, and the plants grow in the hydrogel substrate in the absence of soil. For example, but not limited in any sense, the hydrogel substrate sheet may have moisturizing additives to enhance water retention, making it suitable for growing small fruits or any fruit or vegetable plants such as lettuce.

[0125] Example 3: Hydrogel Blend Biological materials such as plants or fungi can grow in or on hydrogel substrate blends containing hydrogel, and hydrogel can be blended with one or more of the following in various proportions, compositions, states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.), particle sizes, etc.: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials, thereby obtaining blended hydrogel substrates.

[0126] Hydrogel substrate blends may include, but are not limited to, a variety of mixed compositions, percentage compositions, particle sizes, and states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.) of hydrogels with one or more substrate materials, including soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials. For example, without limiting it in any sense, a hydrogel substrate blend may include 90% cococoia and 10% hydrogel, or 85% cococoia and 15% hydrogel, or 80% cococoia and 20% hydrogel, or 75% cococoia and 25% hydrogel, or 70% cococoia and 30% hydrogel, or 65% cococoia and 35% hydrogel, or 60% cococoia and 40% hydrogel, or 55% cococoia and 45% hydrogel, or 50% cococoia and 50% hydrogel.

[0127] In other embodiments, the hydrogel substrate blend may contain a variety of particle sizes. For example, without limiting it in any sense, the hydrogel substrate blend may contain 90% peat moss and 10% hydrogel, with particles of uniform or varying sizes. For example, non-limitingly, the hydrogel substrate blend may contain 90% peat moss and 10% hydrogel, with particles having a size of 1 mm. For example, without limiting it in any sense, a hydrogel substrate blend containing 90% peat moss sieved to a fraction size of 1 mm can be combined with a hydrogel drying medium sieved to 1 mm to produce a uniform structure.

[0128] For example, using the methods and compositions of the present invention, plants such as lettuce, herbs, rapeseed, coriander, or any other fruit or vegetable plant may be grown in or on a hydrogel substrate blend containing cocoa and hydrogel. For example, lettuce seeds may be germinated in or on a hydrogel substrate blend containing 90% cocoa and 10% hydrogel, based on dry weight.

[0129] Example 4: Hydrogel-bonded plug As described above, using this methodology and composition, biological materials such as plants or fungi can be grown in or on hydrogel-bound plugs, and the hydrogel can be bound with one or more of the following in various proportions, compositions, states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.), particle sizes, etc., to obtain a blended hydrogel substrate.

[0130] Unlike conventional bonded plugs that include a base material such as peat moss and a binder such as an adhesive or glue to hold the plug together, the inventors have developed a hydrogel bonded plug that includes one or more base materials bonded to a hydrogel, rather than synthetic glue or adhesive.

[0131] For example, a hydrogel-bound plug may contain 90% coir and 10% hydrogel based on dry weight, and such a hydrogel-bound plug provides a fully biodegradable material to support biological growth.

[0132] In other embodiments, the hydrogel-binding plugs may include, respectively, blends of peat moss and hydrogel; cocoa and hydrogel; soil and hydrogel; rock wool and hydrogel; wood and hydrogel; wood chips or mulch and hydrogel; wood fiber and hydrogel; processed wood fiber and hydrogel; tree fiber and hydrogel; hemp and hydrogel; bamboo and hydrogel; bark and hydrogel; sand and sand grains and hydrogel; perlite and hydrogel; pumice and hydrogel; clay and hydrogel; vermiculite and hydrogel; biochar and hydrogel; natural or processed raw materials and hydrogel; and / or synthetic materials and hydrogels, each in various proportions, compositions, states of matter (solid, liquid, aerosol, etc.), particle size, etc.

[0133] For example, using the methods and compositions of the present invention, plants such as lettuce, herbs, rapeseed, coriander, or any other fruit or vegetable plant may be grown in or on a hydrogel-bound plug containing cocoa and hydrogel. For example, lettuce seeds may be germinated in or on a hydrogel-bound plug containing 90% cocoa and 10% hydrogel, based on dry weight. Figures 4 and 5 show exemplary hydrogel-bound plugs containing hydrogel and cocoa.

Claims

1. A method for growing plants, (a) Constructing a hydrogel substrate containing one or more additive components, wherein the hydrogel substrate imparts one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) Growing plants in the hydrogel substrate in the absence of soil, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more additive components are selected from opacity additives, texture-modifying additives, cation capacity-modifying additives, antifouling additives, moisturizing additives, and coloring additives.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more additive components support plant growth by imparting one or more properties selected from improvement of nutrient composition, color, light absorption, opacity, elasticity, brittleness, non-uniformity of texture, porosity, sterility, antimicrobial properties, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen content, water retention, water retention capacity, water recirculation, cohesive strength, adhesion strength to non-hydrogel surfaces, freeze-thaw hysteresis, stimulation based on temperature, light, and pH, gas permeability, shape memory / hysteresis, solvent exchange behavior, thermal conductivity, antifouling properties, surface roughness, solid content suspension, compostability, biodegradability, oxidation-reduction potential, cation exchange capacity, and time-dependent release of nutrients.

4. The aforementioned plants include tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, garlic, soybeans, corn, grass, coriander, rice, oats, wheat, barley, sorghum, orchids, irises, lilies, onions, palms, pines, tobacco, eucalyptus, poplars, sweetgum (Liquidambar), acacia, teak, mahogany, cotton, tobacco, mustard greens, oranges, apples, pears, cherries, peaches, plums, melons, grapes, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, loganberries, bananas, citrus, and sesame. The method according to claim 1, selected from broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, spinach, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, cassava, sweet potato, chili pepper, poinsettia, geranium, almond, peanut, pistachio, hazelnut, walnut, kidney bean, alfalfa, carrot, strawberry, lettuce, oak, maple, walnut, rose, mint, squash, daisy, geranium, avocado, artichoke, olive, coconut, jojoba, rapeseed, and cactus.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel substrate contains a moisturizing additive, and the hydrogel substrate provides an increase in moisture retention.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a cylindrical hydrogel substrate.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a hydrogel substrate sheet.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrogel substrate is constructed into irregular porous plugs, spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or microfiber-like structures, and irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof.

9. A method for growing plants, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate containing one or more additive components, wherein the hydrogel substrate imparts one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) planting plant seeds in the hydrogel substrate or vegetatively propagating plants (or parts thereof) in the absence of soil, Methods that include...

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a cylindrical hydrogel substrate.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the hydrogel substrate is constructed into a hydrogel substrate sheet.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein the hydrogel substrate is constructed into irregular porous plugs, spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or microfiber-like structures, and irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein the one or more additive components are selected from opacity additives, texture-modifying additives, cation capacity-modifying additives, antifouling additives, moisturizing additives, and coloring additives.

14. A method for growing plants, (a) Constructing a hydrogel substrate containing one or more additive components, wherein the hydrogel substrate imparts one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) Forming the hydrogel substrate into a cylindrical shape to obtain a hydrogel substrate cylinder, (c) Growing plants in the hydrogel substrate cylindrical body, Methods that include...

15. A method for growing plants, (a) Constructing a hydrogel substrate containing one or more additive components, wherein the hydrogel substrate imparts one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) Forming the hydrogel substrate into a sheet to obtain a hydrogel substrate sheet, (c) Growing plants in the hydrogel substrate sheet, Methods that include...

16. A composition comprising a hydrogel-based cylindrical body, wherein the composition does not contain soil.

17. The composition according to claim 16, further comprising plants.

18. A composition comprising a hydrogel substrate sheet, wherein the composition does not contain soil.

19. The composition according to claim 18, further comprising one or more plants.

20. A method for growing plants, (a) To obtain a hydrogel-based cylindrical body, wherein the hydrogel-based cylindrical body imparts one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) Growing plants in the hydrogel substrate sheet, Methods that include...

21. A method for growing plants, (a) A step of obtaining a hydrogel substrate sheet, wherein the hydrogel substrate sheet is provided with one or more properties for supporting plant growth, (b) Growing one or more plants in the hydrogel substrate sheet, Methods that include...

22. A method for growing biological materials, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate, wherein the hydrogel substrate sheet is formed, molded, and formed into irregular porous plugs, spheres of uniform or mixed sizes, cubes of uniform or mixed sizes, string-like or fine fibrous materials, irregular polyhedral chunks, and / or mixtures thereof, (b) Growing a biological material on the hydrogel substrate, Methods that include...

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the biological material is a plant, an ornamental flower, a fruit, a vegetable, a fungus, a mushroom, a bacterium, or a bacterial culture.

24. The method according to any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein the hydrogel substrate does not contain methylcellulose.

25. The composition according to any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the hydrogel base material does not contain methylcellulose.

26. A hydrogel base blend containing hydrogels blended with one or more materials suitable for plant growth.

27. The hydrogel substrate blend according to claim 26, wherein the raw materials are selected from one or more of the following: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural raw materials or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

28. The hydrogel substrate blend according to claim 26 or claim 27, wherein the blend comprises about 90% cocoa and about 10% hydrogel on a dry weight basis.

29. The hydrogel substrate blend according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the blend comprises, on a dry weight basis, about 90% peat moss and about 10% hydrogel.

30. The hydrogel substrate blend according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein the blend is an aerosolized product.

31. The hydrogel substrate blend according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the blend is an aerosolized product comprising blended cocoa and a wet hydrogel.

32. The hydrogel base material blend according to any one of claims 26 to 31, wherein the hydrogel base material does not contain methylcellulose.

33. A method for growing biological materials, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate blend, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend comprises a hydrogel and one or more materials suitable for biological growth, (b) Growing the biological material in the hydrogel substrate blend under conditions suitable for the growth of the biological material, Methods that include...

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein one or more of the materials are selected from soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend comprises a hydrogel substrate and cococoia.

36. The method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend comprises about 90% cocoa and about 10% hydrogel on a dry weight basis.

37. The method according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend comprises a hydrogel substrate and peat moss.

38. A hydrogel bonded plug, wherein the plug does not contain synthetic glue or synthetic adhesive.

39. The hydrogel-bonded plug according to claim 38, wherein the plug comprises a hydrogel substrate and one or more of the following: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

40. The hydrogel-bonding plug according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the hydrogel substrate does not contain methylcellulose.

41. A hydrogel-bonded plug according to any one of claims 38 to 40, further comprising a biological material.

42. A hydrogel-bound plug according to any one of claims 38 to 41, further comprising a biological material selected from plants, ornamental flowers, fruits, vegetables, fungi, mushrooms, bacteria, and bacterial cultures.

43. A compostable hydrogel-bonded plug, wherein the hydrogel-bonded plug does not contain synthetic glue or synthetic adhesive.

44. A method for growing biological materials, (a) To obtain a hydrogel bonded plug, wherein the hydrogel bonded plug does not contain synthetic glue or synthetic adhesive, (b) Growing the biological material in the hydrogel-bound plug under conditions suitable for the growth of the biological material, Methods that include...

45. The method according to claim 44, wherein the hydrogel binding plug comprises a hydrogel substrate and one or more of the following: soil, cocoa, peat moss, rock wool, wood, wood chips or mulch, wood fibers, processed wood fibers, tree fibers, hemp, bamboo, bark, sand and sand grains, perlite, pumice, clay, vermiculite, biochar, natural or processed raw materials, and / or synthetic materials.

46. The method according to claim 44 or claim 45, wherein the hydrogel-binding plug comprises, on a dry weight, about 90% cocoa and about 10% hydrogel.

47. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the biological material is selected from plants, ornamental flowers, fruits, vegetables, fungi, mushrooms, bacteria, and bacterial cultures.

48. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 47, wherein the biological material is a plant.

49. The method according to any one of claims 44 to 48, wherein the plant is selected from lettuce, coriander, rapeseed, herbs, and vegetables.

50. The hydrogel substrate according to any one of claims 44 to 49, wherein the hydrogel substrate is dehydrated.

51. The hydrogel base blend according to any one of claims 26 to 32, wherein the hydrogel base blend is dehydrated.

52. The hydrogel-bonded plug according to any one of claims 38 to 43, wherein the hydrogel-bonded plug is dehydrated.

53. A method for growing biological materials, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate, wherein the hydrogel substrate is dehydrated, (b) Rehydrating the hydrogel substrate, (c) Growing a biological material in or on the hydrogel substrate, Methods that include...

54. A method for growing biological materials, (a) To obtain a hydrogel substrate blend, wherein the hydrogel substrate blend is dehydrated, (b) Rehydrating the hydrogel base blend, (c) Growing a biological material in or on the hydrogel substrate blend, Methods that include...

55. A method for growing biological materials, (a) To obtain a hydrogel bonded plug, wherein the hydrogel bonded plug is dehydrated, (b) Rehydrating the hydrogel-bound plug, (c) Growing a biological material in or on the hydrogel-bonded plug, Methods that include...

Images