Ozone Spray Composition for Long-Lasting Pathogen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling pathogens on sports and agricultural surfaces are often toxic, environmentally harmful, and lack effective, long-lasting solutions, particularly for pathogens like parasitic nematodes, while maintaining beneficial soil microbes.
Innovation Solution
A composition and method using ozone combined with pathogen-reducing compounds like flavonoids and nano-coatings, applied via spray systems, to treat surfaces like sports pitches and agricultural crops, enhancing pathogen control and soil recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If synthetic pesticides and chemicals are used to control pathogens, then pathogen control effectiveness is improved, but environmental damage and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ozone, a strong oxidant, as the primary active ingredient in the spray composition. Ozone generates reactive oxygen species that effectively kill pathogens through oxidation of cellular components, providing reliable pathogen control without the environmental persistence and toxicity of synthetic pesticides. The oxidation mechanism destroys pathogen cell walls, membranes, and internal structures while degrading into oxygen, leaving no harmful residues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines ozone with natural compounds (flavonoids, essential oils, plant extracts) and surfactants to create a composite spray formulation. This composite approach enhances pathogen control effectiveness through synergistic effects while maintaining environmental safety. The natural compounds provide additional antimicrobial activity and can extend the residual effect, while surfactants improve delivery and penetration without introducing persistent toxic chemicals.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If natural nematicides like garlic or neem cake are used, then environmental safety is improved, but pathogen control effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Ozone provides potent pathogen control through its strong oxidizing capability, achieving effectiveness levels comparable to or exceeding synthetic pesticides. The generated reactive oxygen species rapidly destroy pathogen structures, including nematodes, fungi, bacteria, and viruses, while maintaining environmental safety as ozone decomposes into oxygen without persistent toxic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges ozone with natural compounds such as flavonoids, essential oils, and plant extracts to create a synergistic formulation. This combination enhances the overall pathogen control effectiveness beyond what natural compounds alone can achieve, while preserving environmental safety. The natural compounds can penetrate pathogen structures and work synergistically with ozone's oxidation mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ozone is used alone, then environmental safety is improved, but duration of effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spray formulation includes compounds that prepare and enhance the surface for ozone action, improving penetration and retention. Surfactants modify surface tension to facilitate better ozone delivery to pathogen sites, while natural compounds like flavonoids can bind to surfaces and extend the contact time of ozone with pathogens, thereby extending the duration of effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of ozone with natural compounds creates a continuous protective effect. While ozone itself has short half-life, the natural compounds (essential oils, plant extracts, flavonoids) provide sustained antimicrobial activity and can regenerate or enhance oxidative stress on pathogens over time. This continuous action extends the protective duration beyond what ozone alone can provide.
4Reliability
If conventional pesticides are used, then pathogen control is effective, but beneficial microbes in soil are harmed
Solution Approach 1:
Ozone's oxidation mechanism selectively targets and destroys pathogen structures while being less harmful to beneficial soil microbes when properly dosed. The short half-life of ozone and its decomposition into oxygen limit its persistence and cumulative harm to soil ecosystems. Beneficial microbes can recover more quickly from ozone exposure compared to persistent synthetic pesticides.
Solution Approach 2:
Ozone acts as a short-lived disinfectant that decomposes into oxygen after performing its pathogen-killing function. This disposable nature prevents long-term accumulation and persistent harm to soil ecosystems. The formulation is designed to deliver sufficient ozone for pathogen control while allowing complete decomposition, thereby protecting beneficial microbes from prolonged exposure.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods of controlling one or more pathogens comprising spraying ozone and one or more pathogen reducing compound(s), such as flavonoids and/or nano-coatings, onto grassed, artificial or hybrid playing surfaces.