Micro-colloidal Silicic Acid Composition for Enhanced Bioavailability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern agriculture and human supplementation face challenges due to the low bioavailability of silicon, particularly in the form of silicic acid, which is essential for plant growth, disease resistance, and human health, as existing silicon compounds like silicates and silica gel are not effectively absorbed, leading to instability and poor bioactivity.
Innovation Solution
A stable aqueous solution or powder containing micro-colloidal silicic acid and boric acid, with particle sizes around 1-8 nm, is developed, using a water-absorbing additive to maintain bioavailability and prevent polymerization, allowing for synergistic absorption and bioactivity with other nutrients like zinc, copper, and humic acids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If silicates and silica gel are used as silicon sources, then silicon can be supplied to plants, but bioavailability is poor because they are not effectively absorbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical form of silicon from insoluble silicates and silica gel to soluble orthosilicic acid and micro-colloidal silicic acid. This parameter change in chemical form transforms the silicon source into a bioavailable form that plants can absorb effectively, resolving the contradiction between silicon supply and bioavailability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces orthosilicic acid and micro-colloidal silicic acid as intermediary compounds that bridge the gap between insoluble silicon sources and plant absorption mechanisms. These intermediaries dissolve in water and serve as the actual absorbed form, enabling effective silicon uptake while maintaining stability
2Reliability
If orthosilicic acid is used, then bioavailability is high, but stability is poor due to polymerization into colloids and gels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the silicon molecules into two stable forms: monomeric orthosilicic acid (Si(OH)4) and micro-colloidal particles (1-8 nm). This segmentation prevents excessive polymerization while maintaining bioavailability, as both forms are stable enough for storage and transport but small enough for plant absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite silicon system combining orthosilicic acid with micro-colloidal particles and water-soluble additives. This composite formulation maintains stability by preventing gelation while preserving bioavailability through the presence of multiple stable silicon forms that work synergistically
3Reliability
If micro-colloidal silicic acid is used, then bioavailability is improved, but polymerization into larger colloids and gels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces water-soluble additives (such as sugars, amino acids, or synthetic compounds) as intermediary substances that interfere with the polymerization process. These additives act as stabilizing agents that prevent micro-colloidal particles from aggregating into larger colloids and gels, thereby maintaining colloid stability while preserving bioavailability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the silicic acid solution by adjusting pH, ionic strength, and the addition of stabilizing compounds. These parameter changes create conditions that favor the stability of micro-colloidal particles (1-8 nm) while preventing their transformation into larger aggregates, thus maintaining both bioavailability and stability
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 solution provides a stable, bioavailable form of silicon and boron that enhances plant resistance, growth, and human health, reducing the need for excessive fertilizers and pesticides, while also improving skin, bone, and immune system health by maintaining micro-colloidal stability and bioactivity for extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
micro-colloidal silicic acid with a particle size around 4 nm, such as especially in the range of 1-8 nm
Implementation Method 2
only a low percentage of silicates and silica gel in water is slowly hydrolysed into orthosilicic and disilicic acid
Implementation Method 3
using a water-absorbing additive to maintain bioavailability and prevent polymerization
Implementation Method 4
The combination of boron and silicon show synergistic or antagonistic effects on plant growth and disease resistance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a composition comprising an acidified aqueous solution of (1) micro colloidal silicic acid, (2) boric acid, and (3) a water absorbing additive, having a pH value of equal to or less than 1, wherein the micro colloidal silicic acid has particle sizes in the range of 1-8 nm, especially in the range of 1.5-6 nm. The invention also provides a particulate product obtainable by the method according to claim 18, wherein the particles comprise (1) silicic acid, (2) boric acid, and (3) the water absorbing additive, and wherein at least 90% of the particles in the particulate product have particle sizes in the range of 0.3-5 µm.