Biostimulant Formulation pH Adjustment Chelation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biostimulant compositions face issues with sedimentation and poor storage stability due to the limited solubility of L-Phenylalanine and seaweed extracts, which affect their efficacy in mitigating abiotic stress and enhancing crop productivity.
Innovation Solution
A formulation comprising Ascophyllum nodosum extract, L-Phenylalanine, a surfactant, and a chelating agent, adjusted to a pH above 9, enhances solubility and stability, preventing sedimentation and maintaining biostimulant efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If L-Phenylalanine is used at high concentrations (up to 50 g/L or higher), then biostimulant efficacy is improved, but crystal growth occurs and solubility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chelating agent as an intermediary substance that binds to L-Phenylalanine and prevents crystal formation. The chelating agent acts as a mediator between the high concentration of L-Phenylalanine and the solution stability, allowing high concentrations to be maintained without crystal growth by forming stable complexes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solution by adjusting pH to above 9 and adding chelating agents. These parameter changes modify the solubility characteristics of L-Phenylalanine, allowing it to remain in solution at high concentrations without crystallizing. The pH adjustment and chelation fundamentally alter the physical-chemical state of L-Phenylalanine in the formulation.
2Quantity of substance
If seaweed extract is used at high concentrations, then biostimulant efficacy is improved, but sedimentation occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chelating agent as an intermediary that stabilizes seaweed extract in the formulation. The chelating agent binds to metal ions in the seaweed extract, preventing aggregation and sedimentation. This intermediary substance allows high concentrations of seaweed extract to be maintained while preserving storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment by adjusting pH to above 9 and adding chelating agents. These parameter changes modify the stability characteristics of seaweed extract, preventing sedimentation over time. The alkaline pH and chelation fundamentally alter the physical-chemical state of the seaweed extract, maintaining it in a stable, non-sedimenting form.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pH is adjusted to above 9, then solubility of L-Phenylalanine is improved, but formulation stability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a chelating agent as an intermediary that stabilizes the formulation at high pH. The chelating agent binds to metal ions that would otherwise catalyze degradation reactions at alkaline pH, thereby stabilizing the formulation. This intermediary substance allows the pH to be adjusted above 9 for improved solubility while preventing formulation degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by adjusting pH to above 9 and adding chelating agents. These parameter changes are designed to work synergistically: the high pH improves solubility while the chelating agent counteracts potential stability issues. The combined parameter changes achieve both improved solubility and maintained formulation stability.
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 achieves high solubility and stability, allowing for effective abiotic stress mitigation and enhanced crop productivity, with synergistic effects observed in field trials.
Implementation Method 1
at least one chelating agent
Implementation Method 2
at least one surfactant, more preferably a dispersant
Implementation Method 3
L-Phenylalanine is only partly soluble in water and susceptible to crystal growth at a concentration of up to 50 g/L or higher in a solution... The pH of the formulation is preferably 8.0 or more, more preferably 9.0 or more, even more preferably 9.5 or more
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a plant biostimulant composition comprising: (i) a seaweed, (ii) at least one biostimulant, (iii) at least one surfactant, and (iv) at least one co-formulant wherein said composition has a pH above about 9. Optionally, the composition further comprises at least one agriculturally acceptable carrier and/or additives, such as chelating agents and/or rheological aids. The present invention further relates to methods and uses for drench application of the plant biostimulant composition for mitigating abiotic stress or to manage crop productivity.