Brown Algae Biostimulant Composition for Soil Microbe-Driven Plant Growth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural products fail to effectively stimulate plant growth while preserving soil microbial diversity and reducing environmental impact, particularly due to the destruction of beneficial microorganisms by phytosanitary products, and existing seaweed extracts do not adequately promote soil bacteria growth.

Innovation Solution

A brown algae extract with specific compositions of mannitol, laminarans, and fucoidans, obtained through an acid extraction process, is used to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bacillus megaterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas fulva, which are then applied to the soil or seeds to enhance plant growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current phytosanitary products are used to control pests and diseases, then plant protection is improved, but beneficial soil microorganisms are destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant protectionVSAvoiddestruction of beneficial microorganisms

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses brown algae extract as an intermediary substance that stimulates beneficial microorganisms to produce their own protective mechanisms. The extract contains compounds like fucoidans, laminarans, and mannitol that act as signaling molecules and nutrients, triggering microbial activation without requiring direct application of harsh phytosanitary chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention enables beneficial microorganisms to protect plants themselves through stimulation by the algae extract. The activated microbes perform nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and pathogen suppression autonomously, reducing dependency on external chemical interventions and allowing the ecosystem to self-regulate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If generic biostimulants are applied to diverse soil types, then broad coverage is achieved, but effectiveness varies due to lack of microbial adaptation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil type coverageVSAvoidconsistency of plant growth stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The brown algae extract serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a nutrient source, signaling molecule, and microbial stimulant across different soil types. The extract's complex composition including polysaccharides, polyphenols, and amino acids provides universal benefits to diverse microbial communities without requiring soil-specific formulations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the soil environment by introducing specific compounds from brown algae (fucoidans, laminarans, mannitol). These parameter changes create favorable conditions for beneficial microorganisms regardless of the original soil composition, enabling consistent microbial activation across diverse soil types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If extraction processes are simplified to reduce manufacturing complexity, then production efficiency is improved, but active ingredient concentration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction process complexityVSAvoidconcentration of active ingredients

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite extraction approach combining multiple extraction methods (water extraction, acid extraction, and alcohol precipitation) to obtain a composite extract rich in various active compounds. This multi-step composite process ensures high concentration of beneficial substances while maintaining feasibility for industrial production through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 brown algae extract synergistically enhances bacterial growth, leading to improved plant growth and soil fertility, even in diverse soil types, without the negative effects of traditional phytosanitary products.

Implementation Method 1

Suspension of the ground material in an acidic solution for a period of more than 2 hours

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcid extraction: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

Recovery of the liquid fraction, preferably by centrifugation or filtration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

stimulating the growth of certain bacteria having a beneficial effect on plants

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiostimulation:

Implementation Method 4

The bacteria Bacillus megaterium, for instance, allows better solubility of phosphorus, and nitrogen fixation in soils is facilitated by Rhizobium leguminosarum or Azotobacter vinelandii

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobial growth promotion:

Data Source

PatentUS12628833B2Composition and method for improving plant growth

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 ALGAIA

AI summary

The invention relates to a biostimulant composition containing an extract of brown algae and its use for improving plant growth by stimulating the growth of favorable microorganisms present in soils.