Biodegradable Colloidal Particle Formulation for Plant Pathogen Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread application of colloidal micro- and nano-particles is limited by environmental, health, and safety risks associated with synthetic inorganic materials, and concerns over persistence after use, despite their potential benefits in various sectors due to their unique physicochemical properties.
Innovation Solution
A composite colloidal particle formulation is developed using biodegradable plant-derived biopolymers like lignin and bioadhesive polyelectrolytes, such as chitosan, formed through a semi-continuous process involving an ethanol-based solvent and anti-solvent mixture in a T-piece to create stable, scalable, and efficient particle solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If synthetic inorganic micro- and nano-particles are used, then unique physicochemical properties and functionality are achieved, but environmental, health, and safety risks increase and persistence concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameters from synthetic inorganic materials to biodegradable organic materials (polysaccharides, proteins, lipids) while maintaining colloidal particle properties. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by preserving functionality through controlled composition and size while eliminating environmental persistence and health risks associated with synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite colloidal particles by combining multiple biodegradable materials (polysaccharides, proteins, lipids) into unified structures. This composite approach allows the system to achieve the versatility of different material types while maintaining biodegradability and environmental safety, as all components are naturally decomposable.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If biodegradable plant-derived biopolymers are used, then environmental persistence is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple biopolymer components (polysaccharides, proteins, lipids) into a single colloidal particle formulation process. By combining these materials in a unified self-assembly approach rather than separate processing steps, the manufacturing complexity is reduced while achieving the desired biodegradability and environmental persistence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes self-assembly mechanisms where biopolymer components spontaneously organize into colloidal structures under controlled conditions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex external manufacturing interventions, reducing process complexity while ensuring consistent biodegradable particle formation.
3Area of stationary object
If colloidal particles are used, then large surface area to mass ratio is achieved, but post-utilization persistence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs colloidal particles using exclusively biodegradable materials that serve their functional purpose and then naturally decompose. This disposable approach with biodegradable materials allows the system to maintain high surface area to mass ratio for effectiveness while ensuring short environmental lifetime through natural degradation, resolving the persistence contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The formulation provides effective and sustainable protection against bacterial and fungal pathogens, demonstrating significant inhibition of Xanthomonas perforans, the causative agent of bacterial spot disease in plants, with long-term stability and reduced active ingredient usage.
Implementation Method 1
adding an anti-solvent to the biopolymer solution, thereby phase separating the biopolymer into a solid form
Implementation Method 2
dispersing the engineered biodegradable particle core in a bioadhesive polyelectrolyte solution
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method for creating a composite colloidal particle formulation with advanced functionality that possesses highly efficient and effective properties. The composite colloidal particle formulation comprises an engineered biodegradable particle core dispersed in a bioadhesive polyelectrolyte solution. Also disclosed are methods of use of the same, including but not limited to applying said formulation to plants for disease treatment.