Fatty Acid Microemulsion Plant Nutrient Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for delivering nutrients and growth regulators to plants are inefficient, leading to wastage and pollution, as many substances are not absorbed or retained, and existing delivery systems, such as chelates, have limitations in penetrating plant tissue and are environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A plant supporting formulation in the form of a micro-emulsion with vesicles or microsponges made from fatty acid components, such as oleic acid, is used as a delivery vehicle, enhancing the absorption and translocation of phytologically beneficial substances within the plant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If conventional delivery methods (chelates, adjuvants) are used to deliver phytologically beneficial substances, then some delivery function is achieved, but absorption and retention by plants remain poor leading to wastage and pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses natural chelating agents (fulvic acid, humic acid) as intermediary substances that facilitate the delivery and absorption of phytologically beneficial substances into plant tissue. These natural chelates act as mediators between the applied substances and the plant, improving uptake efficiency while reducing environmental loss compared to conventional synthetic chelates or adjuvants.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the delivery system by using natural organic chelating agents with specific molecular weight ranges and functional groups that enhance plant absorption. This parameter change from synthetic to natural chelates improves both retention efficiency and reduces wastage through better plant uptake.
2Reliability
If synthetic chelating agents (e.g., EDTA) are used to deliver micronutrients, then delivery efficiency is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of synthetic chelates by replacing them with natural chelating agents derived from organic matter. These natural chelates provide the same delivery function for micronutrients but without the environmental persistence and toxicity issues of synthetic agents like EDTA, thus converting a harmful approach into a beneficial one.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs natural chelating agents that are biodegradable and environmentally benign, replacing persistent synthetic chelates. These natural agents perform their delivery function and then decompose harmlessly, avoiding long-term environmental accumulation and pollution associated with synthetic alternatives.
3Quantity of substance
If existing delivery systems are used, then some substance delivery occurs, but penetration depth into plant tissue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the delivery system into multiple functional components: natural chelating agents for initial binding, surfactants for surface penetration, and the phytologically beneficial substances themselves. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function, enabling deeper and more effective penetration into plant tissue compared to undifferentiated delivery systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite delivery system combining natural chelating agents, surfactants, and phytologically beneficial substances. This composite formulation enhances penetration depth by integrating multiple mechanisms (chelation, surface activity, and biological compatibility) that work synergistically to deliver substances deeper into plant tissue.
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 improves plant growth, yield, and disease resistance by effectively delivering nutrients and substances deeper into the plant, reducing wastage and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
A plant supporting formulation in the form of a micro-emulsion with vesicles or microsponges made from fatty acid components
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the absorption and translocation of phytologically beneficial substances within the plant
Data Source
AI summary
A plant supporting formulation which is also suitable for use as a delivery vehicle, or a component of a delivery vehicle, for the delivery of one or more phytologically beneficial substances to a plant, and for enhancing the translocation of such delivered substance(s) in or on the plant, the formulation comprising a micro-emulsion constituted by a dispersion of vesicles or microsponges of a fatty acid based component in an aqueous carrier, the fatty acid based component comprising at least one long chain fatty acid based substance selected from the group consisting of free fatty acids and derivatives of free fatty acids. The dispersion is preferably characterized in that at least 50% of the vesicles or microsponges are of a diametrical size of between 50 nm and 5 micrometer. The dispersion is further also characterized in that the micro-emulsion has a zeta potential of between −25 mV and −60 mV.