Aqueous Spore Formulation with Protective Colloids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous liquid formulations of spores and chemicals face challenges in stability and viscosity, leading to premature germination and application issues, with existing dry formulations being more stable but less versatile and efficient in agricultural applications.
Innovation Solution
A stable, low to medium viscosity aqueous spore formulation comprising spores, a water miscible solvent or hydrophobic agent, and optional additives like surfactants and stabilizers, allowing for easier mixing and application, with a spore concentration of 3% to 80% and a viscosity range of 150 to 3500 cps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spores are formulated in aqueous liquid media, then ease of application and agricultural versatility are improved, but spore stability and viability are worsened due to premature germination
Solution Approach 1:
A protective colloidal system comprising a hydrophobic agent and a hydrophilic agent is introduced as an intermediary between the spores and the aqueous media. The hydrophobic agent adsorbs onto the spore surface while the hydrophilic agent faces the water, creating a protective interface that prevents water from triggering premature germination while allowing the spores to remain suspended in the aqueous formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation changes the physical-chemical parameters of the aqueous media by incorporating specific colloidal agents that modify the interfacial properties between water and spores. This creates a stable emulsion-like system where the spores remain viable despite being in contact with water, effectively changing the stability parameters of the formulation.
2Quantity of substance
If spore concentration is increased in aqueous formulations, then treatment efficacy is improved, but formulation viscosity increases causing mixing and application problems
Solution Approach 1:
The protective colloidal system acts as a intermediary that prevents spore-spore aggregation and spore-water interaction that would otherwise cause viscosity increases. The hydrophilic portion of the colloidal system provides steric stabilization, keeping spores evenly dispersed even at high concentrations, thereby maintaining low viscosity and ease of mixing.
3Quantity of substance
If spores are combined with chemical control agents in liquid form, then pest control efficacy is improved, but formulation stability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protective colloidal system serves as a intermediary layer between the spores and chemical control agents. The hydrophobic agent interacts with the spore surface while the hydrophilic agent interfaces with the chemical components in the aqueous media, preventing direct harmful interactions between spores and chemicals that would compromise formulation stability.
4Reliability
If dry formulations are used, then spore stability is improved, but ease of application and agricultural versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the formulation from dry to aqueous by incorporating protective colloids. This allows the formulation to exist as a stable liquid suspension that can be easily applied through various agricultural methods (foliar spray, soil drench, seed treatment) while the protective colloidal system maintains spore stability comparable to dry formulations.
Data Source
AI summary
Stable aqueous spore-containing chemical formulations having a low to medium viscosity profile are provided. The formulations comprise at least one spore in a mixture of water and at least one water miscible solvent, optionally at least one surfactant, optionally at least one stabilizer such as a metal salt, optionally at least one biocide, optionally at least one buffer, and optionally at least one chemical insecticide or fungicide or a mixture thereof. The formulations are particularly suitable as a seed coating and foliar spray. Methods of preparation as well as methods of treating a plant are also provided.