Glycol-Rich Spore Formulations to Prevent Agglomeration and Odor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Aqueous formulations of bacterium spores tend to decompose, agglomerate, and develop undesirable odors, making them difficult to handle and spray effectively.

Innovation Solution

The process involves dispersing bacterium spores in an aqueous continuous phase with a glycol content exceeding the water content, using a weight ratio of glycol to water between 4:1 to 1.2:1, and optionally adding surfactants and thickeners to create stable formulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If aqueous formulations of bacterium spores are prepared, then the formulations are easy to prepare and apply, but they tend to decompose, agglomerate, and develop undesirable odors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of preparationVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the formulation by incorporating specific glycols (ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol) and surfactants at controlled concentrations. This modifies the physical-chemical environment to prevent spore decomposition and agglomeration while maintaining ease of preparation and application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite formulation system combining bacterium spores with glycols and surfactants. This composite structure provides both the biological activity of the spores and the stabilizing properties of the glycol-surfactant matrix, preventing decomposition and agglomeration while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If aqueous formulations of bacterium spores are prepared, then the formulations can be easily applied, but they develop undesirable odors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidundesirable odor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the formulation's chemical composition by adding specific glycols and surfactants that alter the odor profile while maintaining ease of application. The glycols act as odor-masking agents and the surfactants help stabilize the spore suspension, preventing conditions that lead to odor development.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If bacterium spores are dispersed in aqueous phase, then the formulations are simple to prepare, but they tend to agglomerate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of preparationVSAvoiddispersion stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces glycols and surfactants as intermediary substances between the bacterium spores and the aqueous phase. These intermediaries reduce surface tension and prevent direct spore-spore contact that leads to agglomeration, while maintaining the simplicity of the preparation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the dispersion medium by incorporating glycols and surfactants. This modifies the interfacial properties and electrostatic environment to prevent spore agglomeration while keeping the formulation easy to prepare.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 resulting formulations are stable, non-agglomerating, and easy to handle, with minimal odor development, allowing for homogeneous distribution and effective application.

Implementation Method 1

b) An aqueous continuous phase comprising at least one glycol, wherein said bacterium spores are dispersed in the continuous phase

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

An aqueous continuous phase comprising at least one glycol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 3

c) optionally at least one surface active compound S

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant action: Surfactant

Implementation Method 4

c) optionally at least one surface active compound S

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Implementation Method 5

d) Optionally adding at least one thickener

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThickening: Rheopecty

Data Source

PatentUS20260090548A1Aqueous agrochemical formulations comprising bacterial spores
Publication Date: 2026.04.02 BASF CORPORATON

AI summary

Process for making liquid dispersion formulations comprisinga) at least one type of bacterium spores,b) an aqueous continuous phase comprising at least one glycol, wherein said glycol is comprised in the formulation in a weight amount that exceeds the weight amount of water,c) optionally at least one surface active compound S, andd) optionally further auxiliaries,A. providing a solid powder of Bacterium spores,B1. dispersing said spores in a continuous phase comprising at least one glycol, wherein the weight ratio of said at least one glycol to water is below or equal to 1:1,B2. adding further glycol to the dispersion obtained in step B1. to obtain a ratio of said at least one glycol to water from 4:1 to 1.2:1,C. adding at least one surfactant S,D. optionally adding at least one thickener,E. optionally adding further auxiliaries,wherein steps C, D and E can be carried out at any time during the process.