Non-Aqueous Plant Growth Regulator Solutions for Formulation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agrochemical formulations, particularly those containing plant growth regulators, suffer from stability issues due to water-mediated degradation during storage and application, leading to reduced efficacy and increased formulation failure, especially when exposed to varying temperatures and shear conditions.
Innovation Solution
Development of non-aqueous solutions using polar and semi-polar organic solvents, such as polyethylene glycol, to dissolve plant growth regulators like kinetin, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and optionally gibberellin (GA3), enhancing stability and maintaining biochemical activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aqueous formulations are used to deliver plant growth regulators, then application ease and cost are improved, but stability during storage and application is worsened due to water-mediated degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the solvent system from aqueous to non-aqueous (using polar and semi-polar organic solvents like polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethyl lactate). This parameter change eliminates water-mediated hydrolysis and degradation of plant growth regulators while maintaining formulation stability during storage and application, and preserves ease of delivery through standard agricultural equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polar and semi-polar organic solvents as intermediary substances to dissolve and deliver plant growth regulators. These solvents act as mediators that provide both the stability of non-aqueous systems and the delivery capabilities needed for agricultural application, replacing water as the solvent while enabling effective transport and application of the active ingredients
2Quantity of substance
If traditional solvents like methanol are used to dissolve plant growth regulators, then solubility is improved, but environmental safety and handling requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the solvent system by selecting polar and semi-polar organic solvents (polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethyl lactate) that have favorable environmental profiles. These solvents maintain adequate solubility for plant growth regulators while being biodegradable and less toxic than traditional solvents like methanol, thereby improving environmental safety without sacrificing dissolution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs biodegradable solvents that break down naturally in the environment, effectively replacing persistent and toxic solvents like methanol. These alternative solvents provide the necessary solubility functionality but are designed to be environmentally benign and rapidly degraded, eliminating long-term environmental hazards associated with traditional solvent systems
3Stability of the object's composition
If non-aqueous solutions are used to maintain stability, then biochemical activity is preserved, but solubility of plant growth regulators may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of the non-aqueous solvent system by selecting polar and semi-polar organic solvents with appropriate dielectric constants and solvation properties. These solvents are specifically chosen to match the polarity and hydrogen-bonding characteristics of plant growth regulators, ensuring high solubility while maintaining the biochemical stability that non-aqueous environments provide. The patent tests and selects from multiple solvent options to achieve optimal balance between solubility 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 non-aqueous solutions improve plant growth and productivity by maintaining hormonal activity, resulting in stockier plants with enhanced branching, root development, and increased photosynthetic capacity, while avoiding the use of environmentally hazardous solvents like methanol.
Implementation Method 1
non-aqueous solutions using polar and semi-polar organic solvents, such as polyethylene glycol, to dissolve plant growth regulators like kinetin, indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and optionally gibberellin (GA3)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to non-aqueous solutions of plant growth regulator(s) and polar and/or semi-polar organic solvent(s), methods for making said non-aqueous solution, and methods for improving the growth and crop productivity of plants using said non-aqueous solution.