Dry Kelp Growth Hormone Formulation for Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current liquid kelp formulations have a short shelf life due to degradation of growth hormones when combined with water and additives, leading to reduced effectiveness over time.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an enzyme inactivating component such as sarcosine and a preservative like methyl paraben into the kelp formulation to slow down hormone degradation, along with surfactants and fertilizing agents, and applying these in a dry form with fertilizers to extend shelf life and enhance plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid kelp formulation is used, then growth stimulation effect is achieved, but shelf life is reduced due to hormone degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes water from the kelp formulation, creating a dry powder form that eliminates the medium causing hormone degradation. By taking out water, the formulation prevents bacterial growth and enzymatic breakdown while maintaining growth stimulation properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to dry powder form. This parameter change fundamentally alters the stability characteristics, transforming a perishable liquid formulation into a stable, long-shelf-life dry product that maintains active growth hormones.
2Ease of operation
If water is added to kelp extract, then formulation becomes liquid and applicable, but bacteria and impurities break down growth hormones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-drying the kelp extract into a stable powder form before storage and application. This preliminary processing prevents bacterial contamination and hormone degradation from occurring during storage, while the powder can be easily reconstituted or applied directly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of water (which causes degradation) into a beneficial form by removing it entirely. The dry powder form eliminates the problem of bacterial growth and hormone breakdown while maintaining applicability through direct powder application or simple reconstitution.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If dry fertilizer formulation is used, then shelf life is extended, but growth hormone delivery may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the dry kelp powder formulation with fertilizer materials, creating a combined product that delivers both nutrients and growth hormones. This merging ensures stable storage while maintaining effective delivery, as the growth hormones are incorporated into the fertilizer matrix rather than being separate liquid additives.
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 significantly extends the shelf life of kelp-based growth stimulants, maintaining their effectiveness and allowing for efficient application in dry form, either directly to plants or mixed with fertilizers for sustained nutrient release.
Implementation Method 1
an enzyme inactivating component selected from the group consisting of sarcosine, manganese chloride, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, grape seed oil, pine bark extract, grape leaf, black currant, passion flower, and chlorella vulgaris to reduce the degradation of growth hormones
Implementation Method 2
A preservative is also included, the preservative amount effective to retard growth of bacteria, fungi, and/or mold in the liquid kelp formulation
Implementation Method 3
The formulation can also include an effective amount of a surfactant for wetting purposes, preferably a nonionic surfactant such as an alcohol ethoxylate
Data Source
AI summary
A growth hormone formulation includes an enzyme inactivating component and a preservative. The formulation can be incorporated into a dry fertilizer for application using the fertilizer itself or a component of the fertilizer such as one or more of the fillers commonly used in fertilizers.