Bacteriophage Crop Protection Composition That Preserves Activity on Leaves

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surfactants used with bacteriophages for plant disease control can decrease bacteriolytic activity and persistence, making them ineffective for sustained plant disease control.

Innovation Solution

A composition comprising a bacteriophage with bacteriolytic activity and an organic silicone-based surfactant, such as trisiloxaneethoxylate, is used to maintain bacteriolytic activity and enhance persistence on plant surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional surfactants are used as sticking agents with bacteriophages, then the residual amount on plant surfaces is enhanced, but the bacteriolytic activity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual amount on plant surfaceVSAvoidbacteriolytic activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the surfactant from conventional organic surfactants to inorganic-based surfactants (such as silane-based or metal oxide-based surfactants). This parameter change allows the surfactant to provide sticking functionality while maintaining compatibility with bacteriophages, thereby preserving bacteriolytic activity. The inorganic nature of the surfactant prevents the harmful interactions that occur with organic surfactants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If conventional surfactants are used to enhance persistence, then the sticking agent effectiveness is improved, but the bacteriophage efficacy is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepersistence on plantVSAvoidbacteriophage efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an inorganic-based surfactant as an intermediary substance that mediates between the bacteriophage and the plant surface. This intermediary provides the necessary sticking and persistence functions while being chemically compatible with the bacteriophage, thus maintaining efficacy. The inorganic surfactant acts as a bridge that does not interfere with the biological activity of the bacteriophage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If sticking agents are added to increase residual amount, then the persistence characteristics are enhanced, but the bacteriolytic activity is inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidual amountVSAvoidbacteriolytic activity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the sticking agent from organic to inorganic basis. This parameter change enables the sticking agent to increase residual amount without the negative side effect of inhibiting bacteriolytic activity. The inorganic composition allows for high persistence while maintaining biological compatibility.

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 composition maintains high bacteriolytic activity and persistence, providing effective and sustainable plant disease control without drug poisoning or environmental harm.

Implementation Method 1

an organic silicone-based surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Implementation Method 2

enhance the residual amount on the leaf face

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWetting: Wetting

Data Source

PatentEP4691244A1Plant disease control composition, plant disease control method, and use of organic silicone-based surfactant
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 KANEKA CORP
  • EP4691244A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP4691244A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4691244A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

An aim of the present invention is to provide a composition for plant disease control containing a bacteriophage, wherein the composition for plant disease control is inhibited from decreasing in the bacteriolytic activity or maintains the bacteriolytic activity, and has excellent persistence characteristics. One aspect of the present invention is a composition for plant disease control, comprising: a bacteriophage with bacteriolytic activity against bacteria; and an organic silicone-based surfactant.