Biosurfactant Nematicide Compositions for Low-Impact Nematode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chemical pesticides and nematicides are harmful to the environment, contribute to ozone depletion, and lack effective alternatives for controlling nematodes, while biological controls face challenges in production, transportation, and efficacy.

Innovation Solution

Development of microbe-based nematicidal compositions using microbial biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids and sophorolipids, produced through cultivation processes, which are applied directly to nematodes or their environment to control and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional chemical pesticides and nematicides are used to control nematodes, then nematode control efficacy is improved, but environmental harm and ozone depletion worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control efficacyVSAvoidenvironmental harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effects of conventional chemicals into beneficial outcomes by using biodegradable biosurfactants produced by microorganisms. These biosurfactants naturally occur in the environment and can control nematodes without causing the environmental harm associated with synthetic chemicals, thus converting the need for chemical control into an opportunity for biological control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces microorganisms as intermediaries that produce biosurfactants to control nematodes. Instead of directly applying synthetic chemicals to the environment, the microorganisms serve as mediators that generate the active control agents (biosurfactants) in situ, reducing the direct environmental impact of chemical applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If methyl bromide is used to sterilize fields and control nematodes, then nematode control efficacy is improved, but ozone layer depletion worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenematode control efficacyVSAvoidozone layer depletion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the control agent from ozone-depleting methyl bromide to biosurfactants with different molecular structures and properties. These biosurfactants maintain nematocidal efficacy while having no ozone depletion potential, thus changing the chemical parameters to eliminate environmental harm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful ozone-depleting properties of methyl bromide into beneficial environmental outcomes by using biosurfactants that are environmentally benign. The biosurfactants provide the same field sterilization and nematode control functions without the harmful ozone layer impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If biological controls are used to control nematodes, then environmental safety is improved, but production and transportation challenges worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidproduction difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the biosurfactant-producing microorganisms to self-replicate and produce biosurfactants in situ within the treated environment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex external production and transportation infrastructure, as the control agents generate themselves where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses microorganisms that can perform multiple functions: they serve as the delivery vehicle, the production factory, and the active control agent simultaneously. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system by eliminating separate production and application steps, making the biological control more practical.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If conventional chemical fertilizers are used to boost crop yields, then productivity is improved, but soil ecosystem degradation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop yieldVSAvoidsoil ecosystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of synthetic fertilizer application with a biological system where microorganisms and biosurfactants work in conjunction with plant roots to promote growth. This substitution maintains productivity while preserving soil ecosystem stability through natural biological processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12465041B2Materials and methods for the control of nematodes

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 LOCUS SOLUTIONS IPCO LLC

AI summary

The invention provides materials and method for controlling pests, in particular, nematodes. The invention also provides compositions comprising biosurfactants as pesticides.