Non-aqueous Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Formulation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aqueous-based microbial pesticide formulations are unstable, require harsh preservatives, and are not compatible with non-aqueous agricultural products, limiting their effectiveness and application in controlling nematode infections in crops.
Innovation Solution
Non-aqueous, non-oil liquid compositions comprising live Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain BA-1 and a liquid carrier mixture of polyethylene glycol and glycerol, which provides superior stability and viability, allowing for easy dilution and mixing with other pesticides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aqueous-based formulations are used for microbial pesticides, then the formulations can be readily diluted and applied, but they require harsh preservatives and are unstable due to the volatile nature of water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the formulation base from aqueous (water-based) to non-aqueous (oil-based or organic solvent-based). This parameter change eliminates the volatility and instability issues inherent in water-based formulations while maintaining the ability to dilute and apply the microbial pesticide. The non-aqueous base provides a stable environment for the microorganism spores without requiring harsh preservatives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite formulation system that combines non-aqueous base materials (oils or organic solvents) with microbial spores and appropriate adjuvants. This composite structure provides both the stability of non-volatile materials and the biological activity of the microorganism, resolving the contradiction between ease of application and formulation stability.
2Ease of operation
If aqueous-based formulations are used for microbial pesticides, then they can be applied easily, but they are not compatible with other non-aqueous agricultural products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal formulation base (non-aqueous) that can be mixed with both other non-aqueous agricultural products and aqueous products through appropriate emulsifiers or compatibilizers. This multi-functional base provides both ease of application and broad compatibility across different agricultural product types, eliminating the restriction to only aqueous-compatible formulations.
3Reliability
If live microbial organisms are used as active ingredient, then effective nematode control is achieved, but the formulations must retard growth while maintaining viability over long storage periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the formulation environment (pH, moisture content, oxygen availability, temperature stability) by using non-aqueous bases. These parameter changes create conditions that slow metabolic activity and reduce microbial growth during storage, thereby maintaining spore viability over extended periods while preserving nematode control effectiveness upon application.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to non-aqueous, non-oil liquid compositions comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and a liquid carrier. The present invention is further directed methods of controlling nematodes comprising applying an effective amount of a non-aqueous, non-oil liquid composition comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and a liquid carrier to an area in need of nematode control.