Biodegradable Copolyester Coating for Controlled Ethephon Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plant-targeting active ingredient formulations, such as those containing ethephon, face issues like environmental contamination, inefficient release of active molecules, and frequent application requirements, which lead to stress on trees and reduced latex yields.
Innovation Solution
A controlled-release formulation combining a biobased, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymer, poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS), with ethephon, allowing for targeted application and sustained release of the stimulant over time, reducing environmental impact and frequency of application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aqueous solutions of ethephon are applied frequently to stimulate latex production, then latex yield increases, but the frequency of application causes stress to trees and increases environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a hydrophobic coating formulation to the bark surface before latex collection begins. This preliminary application creates a reservoir of ethephon that releases gradually over time, eliminating the need for frequent reapplications and reducing both environmental contamination and tree stress while maintaining continuous stimulation for improved latex yield.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic coating formulation provides continuous release of ethephon active ingredient over an extended period (several weeks to months). This continuous action replaces the discontinuous frequent applications of aqueous solutions, maintaining steady stimulation of latex production without the harmful effects of repeated handling and application.
2Ease of operation
If aqueous solutions are used for applying ethephon, then application is simple, but the solutions are susceptible to leaching and run-off causing environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation by using a hydrophobic coating system instead of aqueous solutions. This transformation makes the formulation resistant to water-based leaching and run-off, as the hydrophobic nature prevents dissolution and migration in rainwater or irrigation, thereby eliminating environmental contamination while maintaining ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophobic coating formulation is designed to be applied once and remain effective for an extended period without requiring replenishment. This single-application, long-lasting approach replaces the need for repeated short-lived aqueous applications, reducing both operational complexity and environmental impact from leaching and run-off.
3Duration of action of moving object
If polymer-coated fertilizers are used for controlled release, then release can be controlled, but 15 to 30% of the coated fertilizer is not released due to concentration gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydrophobic coating formulation with specific physical-chemical parameters that enable complete release of ethephon. By controlling the formulation's solubility, penetration, and degradation characteristics, the system achieves full release of the active ingredient without the concentration gradient problems that cause 15-30% retention in conventional polymer-coated fertilizers.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation uses a composite hydrophobic coating system that combines multiple components with complementary properties. This composite structure facilitates complete release of ethephon by addressing the concentration gradient issue through synergistic interactions between formulation components, ensuring 100% release efficiency while maintaining controlled release duration.
4Duration of action of moving object
If degradable polymers are used for controlled release, then release problems are reduced, but toxicity of degradation products and degradation speed control remain issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects a hydrophobic coating formulation with specific degradation parameters that ensure breakdown into non-toxic components. The formulation is designed to degrade at a controlled speed through natural processes (microbial degradation, photodegradation, or hydrolysis) into benign substances, eliminating toxicity concerns while maintaining the desired controlled release duration for ethephon.
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 enables continuous and regular stimulation of hevea trees, significantly reducing the frequency of tapping and stimulation, while enhancing latex yields and improving the overall productivity of plantations compared to traditional aqueous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
controlled-release formulation comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable copolyester... and a phytosanitary active ingredient and/or a biostimulant
Implementation Method 2
biocompatible and biodegradable copolyester that can be obtained by polycondensation of a diacid and of a polyol
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled-release formulation comprises a biocompatible and biodegradable copolyester that can be obtained by polycondensation of a diacid and of a polyol, and a phytosanitary active ingredient and/or a biostimulant. A method for treating plants comprises applying a formulation according to the invention to at least part of the plants or to the soil.