Chitosan-Tannic Acid Composition for Sustained Oomycete Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current products to control oomycete diseases in silviculture, agriculture, and aquaponics are either ineffective or have harmful side effects on humans and the environment, and there is a lack of effective treatments for diseases like saprolegniosis, holm oak dieback, and aphanomycosis.
Innovation Solution
A product synthesized through a new process involving chitosan and tannic acid at controlled temperatures (50-70°C) that slowly releases active ingredients in aqueous solutions, providing prolonged inhibition of oomycetes without toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional oomycete control products are used, then disease control effectiveness is improved, but harmful side effects on humans and environment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using chitosan and tannic acid in specific concentrations (chitosan 1-5%, tannic acid 0.1-5%) and controlling synthesis temperature (50-70°C), transforming conventional toxic oomycete control products into a non-toxic natural product that maintains effectiveness while eliminating harmful side effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines chitosan and tannic acid to create a composite product where chitosan serves as the base polymer and tannic acid as the active anti-oomycete component, achieving synergistic effects that provide both disease control and environmental safety
2Ease of manufacture
If existing anti-oomycete treatments are applied, then disease control is attempted, but treatment effectiveness worsens due to lack of sufficient control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating plants and aquatic organisms with the chitosan-tannic acid product before oomycete infection occurs, creating a protective barrier that prevents disease development rather than attempting to treat established infections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action through the slow release mechanism of tannic acid from the chitosan matrix, maintaining effective concentrations in the environment over extended periods (days to weeks) to provide continuous protection against oomycete transmission
3Speed
If fast-acting oomycete control products are used, then immediate protection is achieved, but duration of action worsens due to rapid degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions by incorporating the chitosan-tannic acid complex into gel or microcapsule forms, which control the release rate of active ingredients from a solid/semi-solid state into aqueous environments, providing both rapid initial protection and sustained long-term action
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameters by formulating the product as gels, films, or microcapsules with controlled porosity and degradation rates, allowing the product to maintain structural integrity for long durations while releasing active ingredients at rates that provide immediate and sustained protection
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 product exhibits a 40-100% greater effectiveness in inhibiting oomycete growth compared to other methods, with a slow and progressive release that maintains effective concentrations for at least 48 hours, ensuring safety for aquatic organisms and plants.
Implementation Method 1
The product is a liquid denser than water, which diffuses slowly in aqueous solution for up to at least 48 hours
Implementation Method 2
acts against the growth of pseudofungi
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a product with anti-oomycete properties to control diseases in silviculture, agriculture and aquaponics. The product comprises 1% by weight of tannic acid and 1% by weight of chitosan, which, when combined by mixing in a solution with 1% acetic acid and synthesised in a temperature range between 50 and 70°C, produce a liquid with a strong anti-oomycete effect with slow and progressive water-solubility, ensuring that the product continues to release product in aqueous solution for at least 48 hours. This product has been successfully tested in both laboratory and real environments for treating salmon affected by SAPROLEGNIA, Quercus trees and pepper plants affected by PHYTOPHTHORA, and crayfish affected by APHANOMYCES ASTACI. All this experimentation does not limit the scope of use of the product in other oomycete prevention, treatment and control applications.