Stabilized Liquid Cyclopropene Compositions for Plant Growth Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The stability and efficacy of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) complexes used in plant growth regulators are compromised due to degradation when exposed to water, leading to reduced performance and formulation failure during storage and application, especially under varying temperature and humidity conditions in the complex supply chain.
Innovation Solution
Development of stabilized, liquid cyclopropene compositions using non-aqueous dispersion concentrates with a continuous non-aqueous liquid phase and dispersed polymer particles containing a cyclopropene complex, where the polymer particles are stabilized with colloidal solid materials and optionally include non-cross-linkable chemicals or non-porous minerals to control the release rate of the cyclopropene gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If 1-MCP complex containing concentrates are stored and shipped through the supply chain, then the PGR can be delivered to target plants, but the formulation degrades due to water exposure, temperature variations, and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the 1-MCP gas is encapsulated within molecular encapsulating agents (inner layer), which are then incorporated into polymer particles (middle layer), which are finally dispersed in a non-aqueous liquid carrier (outer layer). This multi-layer nesting protects the 1-MCP complex through the supply chain while enabling controlled release at the application site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions and solubility changes to control 1-MCP release. The non-aqueous liquid carrier remains stable during storage but changes state or solubility characteristics when exposed to water at the application site, triggering controlled release of the 1-MCP complex. Temperature-dependent viscosity changes in the non-aqueous carrier also facilitate controlled release under field conditions.
2Ease of operation
If 1-MCP complex concentrate is diluted with water in a spray tank, then the PGR can be applied to target plants, but the 1-MCP complex degrades quickly upon water exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The non-aqueous liquid carrier acts as an intermediary between the 1-MCP complex and water. It allows the concentrate to be easily diluted and sprayed (ease of operation) while protecting the 1-MCP complex from direct water contact during dilution. The carrier mediates the release process, enabling controlled transfer of 1-MCP from the encapsulating agent to the aqueous spray solution without rapid degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer particles form flexible protective shells around the 1-MCP complex, while the non-aqueous liquid carrier creates a protective film during spray tank dilution. These flexible barriers prevent direct water contact with the 1-MCP complex during handling and application, maintaining PGR efficacy while enabling spray application.
3Ease of operation
If molecular encapsulating agent complex is used to store and transport 1-MCP, then handling is improved, but the complex releases 1-MCP gas too quickly when exposed to water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the release mechanism into distinct stages: (1) The non-aqueous liquid carrier provides initial protection during storage and handling, (2) Polymer particles provide intermediate protection during dilution, and (3) The molecular encapsulating agent provides controlled release at the application site. This segmentation allows easy handling while preventing premature release and enabling controlled release duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite delivery system combining the molecular encapsulating agent (providing baseline stability and handling convenience) with polymer particles and non-aqueous liquid carrier (providing extended release control). This composite structure maintains the handling advantages of the encapsulated complex while adding multiple layers of release rate control to prevent premature gas release.
Data Source
AI summary
Stabilized liquid cyclopropane compositions are provided which compromise flowable, non-aqueous dispersion concentrates comprising a) a continuous substantially water-immiscible liquid phase and b) a dispersed solid phase comprising cured polymer particles prepared from a polymerizable thermoset resin which particles contain at least one cylcopropene complex, optionally a non-porous particulate mineral, and optionally a non-cross-linkable mobile chemical distributed therein, and wherein the outside surfaces of the particles comprise a colloidal solid material. The compositions of the invention can be used directly or with dilution to combat pests or as plant growth regulators.