Humic Acid Pest Control Composition for UV-Stable Bacteria

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pest control formulations using humic acid and Bacillus thuringiensis suffer from reduced bacteria viability upon exposure to light, compromising their effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A pest control composition comprising humic acid with a phenolic group concentration of 0.19 to 1.30 millimoles per gram, combined with Bacillus thuringiensis and water, enhances bacteria viability under light exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pest control formulations containing humic acid and Bacillus thuringiensis are used, then pest control function is provided, but bacteria viability is reduced upon exposure to light

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacteria viabilityVSAvoidlight exposure effect
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the formulation by incorporating specific compounds (such as amino acids, peptides, or other protective agents) at optimized concentrations. These parameter adjustments create a protective environment that maintains bacteria viability under light exposure while preserving pest control efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary substances that act as protectants between the harmful light exposure and the Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria. These intermediary compounds absorb or mitigate the damaging effects of light, thereby protecting the bacteria without interfering with their insecticidal function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If UV stability is improved through formulation adjustments, then bacteria viability under light exposure is maintained, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUV stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functional compounds that simultaneously provide UV protection, maintain bacteria viability, and contribute to pest control efficacy. This multi-functionality reduces formulation complexity by eliminating the need for separate protective additives, as each component serves multiple purposes within the formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 composition provides improved UV stability and greater pest control efficacy by maintaining higher bacteria viability after sunlight exposure compared to conventional formulations.

Implementation Method 1

The pest control compositions disclosed herein can provide an improved, i.e., greater, remaining bacteria viability following exposure to light, e.g., sunlight

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUV protection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250295118A1Pest control compositions
Publication Date: 2025.09.25 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A pest control composition includes humic acid, wherein the humic acid has a concentration of phenolic groups of 0.19 to 1.30 millimoles per gram of the humic acid, bacillus thuringiensis and water.