Nanoparticle Insecticide Coatings for Propagule Uptake
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Anthranilic diamide insecticides face challenges in achieving sufficient absorption into geotropic propagules and developing roots due to low water solubility, leading to ineffective concentrations in protecting against phytophagous insect pests, especially in expanding foliage.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising 0.25 to 25% anthranilic diamide insecticides combined with 2.5 to 25% poly(lactic acid) polymer and 20 to 50% poly(lactide-co-glycolide) or acrylate/methacrylate-based polymers, along with methyl poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers, formulated into nanoparticles to enhance absorption and distribution within plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anthranilic diamide insecticides are applied to propagules, then insect protection is achieved, but low water solubility impedes mobilization and absorption into propagules and developing roots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines anthranilic diamide insecticides with water-soluble polymers (polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, or polyacrylamide) to create a composite coating formulation. This composite approach allows the hydrophobic insecticide to be delivered via a hydrophilic carrier, enabling mobilization through moisture while maintaining insecticidal activity. The polymer matrix facilitates water uptake and subsequent insecticide release into propagules and developing roots.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble polymer acts as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between water (mobility carrier) and the hydrophobic anthranilic diamide insecticide. The polymer coating absorbs moisture first, then gradually releases the insecticide to the propagule, enabling indirect transport of the water-insoluble compound into plant tissues without requiring the insecticide itself to be water-soluble.
2Reliability
If greater amounts of anthranilic diamides are absorbed to protect expanding foliage, then foliage protection is improved, but the rapidly expanding volume of plant tissue dilutes anthranilic diamide concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the insecticide formulation to the propagule before planting, establishing a reservoir of anthranilic diamide at the root zone. As the plant grows and foliage expands, the system continuously releases insecticide through moisture uptake and translocation, ensuring adequate concentrations are maintained in expanding tissues without requiring repeated applications or overwhelming initial doses.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer-coated propagule creates a continuous release mechanism where moisture is absorbed and insecticide is gradually mobilized and translocated throughout the growing plant. This continuous supply chain ensures that expanding foliage receives adequate insecticide concentrations despite dilution from rapid growth, maintaining protection effectiveness throughout the growing season.
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 formulation promotes increased uptake of anthranilic diamides into propagules and foliage, providing insecticidally effective concentrations and protecting against phytophagous insect pests, even in distant parts of the growing plant.
Implementation Method 1
compositions comprising anthranilic diamide insecticides and polymers in the combined form of nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
poly(lactic acid) polymer component having a water dispersability of at least about 5% by weight at 20 °C
Implementation Method 3
methyl poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer has a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of at least about 7
Implementation Method 4
because of the ability of anthranilic diamides to translocate within plants
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an insecticidal composition comprising by weight based on the total weight of the composition: (a) from about 0.25 to about 25% of one or more anthranilic diamide insecticides; (b) from about 2.5 to about 25% of a poly(lactic acid) polymer component having a water dispersabilitiy of at least about 5% by weight at 20 C and an average molecular weight ranging from about 700 to about 4,000 daltons; wherein the ratio of component (b) to component (a) is about 1:1 to about 1:10 by weight; and (c) from about 20 to about 50% of a composition comprising either (i) a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymer and a methyl poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer, or (ii) an acrylate/methacrylate-based polymer or copolymer and a methyl poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer; wherein the methyl poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer has a water solubility of at least about 5% by weight at 20 °C, a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of at least about 7, and an average molecular weight ranging from 12,000 to 65,000, and further wherein the ratio of the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) or the acrylate/methacrylate-based polymer or copolymer, to the methyl poly(ethylene glycol) is about 1:1 to about 4:1 by weight and the ratio of component (c) to component (b) is about 2:1 to about 9:1 by weight. Also disclosed is a geotropic propagule coated with the insecticidal composition. Further disclosed is a liquid composition comprising the insecticidal composition, and a method for protecting a geotropic propagule and plant derived therefrom from a phytophagous insect pest.