Heterocycle Amino Acid Iron Complexes for UV-Stable Hydroponics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing iron complexes used in hydroponic cultivation are unstable under ultraviolet irradiation, leading to precipitation and iron deficiency in plants, especially in alkaline soils, reducing cultivation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A heterocycle-containing amino acid compound that forms stable complexes with metal elements, particularly iron, which are resistant to decomposition under ultraviolet irradiation, suitable for use in hydroponic and soil cultivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional iron complexes (Fe-EDTA, Fe-DTPA) are used in hydroponic nutrient solution, then iron solubility is enhanced, but the complexes decompose or precipitate under ultraviolet irradiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the ligand by introducing heterocyclic rings (pyridine, imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, or pyrimidine rings) into the amino acid structure. This structural modification alters the complex's photochemical properties, making it resistant to UV decomposition while maintaining iron solubility and plant availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by combining heterocyclic rings with amino acid moieties to form heterocycle-containing amino acid compounds. This composite molecular structure integrates the stability of heterocyclic systems with the metal-chelating capability of amino acids, resulting in UV-resistant iron complexes.
2Quantity of substance
If iron complexes are used in alkaline soil, then iron availability to plants is improved, but iron deficiency still occurs due to precipitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the ligand structure by incorporating heterocyclic rings with nitrogen atoms that can coordinate with iron in a stable manner. This structural change enables the complex to maintain stability and prevent precipitation even in alkaline conditions (pH 7-9), ensuring continuous iron availability to plants.
3Reliability
If ultraviolet irradiation is applied to sterilize hydroponic nutrient solution, then sterilization effect is achieved, but iron complexes decompose and circulation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of UV irradiation on iron complexes into a beneficial scenario. By designing UV-resistant heterocycle-containing amino acid iron complexes, the nutrient solution can undergo UV sterilization without decomposition, maintaining both sterilization effectiveness and circulation efficiency for continuous hydroponic cultivation.
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 stable complexes maintain nutrient solution composition and enhance iron uptake by plants, ensuring efficient cultivation in alkaline soils and hydroponic systems despite ultraviolet sterilization.
Implementation Method 1
a heterocycle-containing amino acid compound... which has an ability to uptake a metal such as iron and easily forms a complex
Implementation Method 2
The complex of the present invention is stable due to suppressed decomposition when a solution of the complex is irradiated with ultraviolet rays
Data Source
AI summary
A heterocycle-containing amino acid compound of formula (1) or a salt thereof:may be substituted such that n is 1, 2, or 3, and R1 is a hydrogen atom, —OH, —NH2, —NH—CO—CH3, —NH—CO—CH2OH, or —NR2—(CH2)m—COOH, with m as 1 or 2, and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group. A complex may include such a heterocycle-containing amino acid compound or a salt thereof and a metal element.