Polyethylene Glycol Composition for Fruit Epidermis Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fruits, especially those with thin epidermis, are prone to lesions and russetting during growth, leading to aesthetic and economic issues, and existing treatments like sulfur compounds and gibberellins are ineffective and pose environmental and health concerns.

Innovation Solution

An aqueous composition containing 0.001-1.0 vol.% polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used to prevent and limit epidermal lesions, optionally combined with gibberellins and other additives, providing a non-toxic and environmentally friendly solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If sulfur compounds are applied to reduce russetting, then cosmetic effect on epidermis is improved, but effectiveness is limited and environmental/health concerns arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic effect on epidermisVSAvoideffectiveness in reducing russetting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter from sulfur compounds to polyethylene glycol, fundamentally altering the substance type while maintaining the cosmetic function. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both cosmetic effect and environmental safety without the limitations of sulfur compounds

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses polyethylene glycol, a biodegradable and environmentally benign substance, replacing persistent sulfur compounds. This approach provides effective russetting reduction while eliminating long-term environmental contamination and health concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Strength

If gibberellins are applied to increase epidermis elasticity, then cell expansion is improved, but effectiveness in preventing lesions is limited and pesticide regulations apply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveepidermis elasticityVSAvoideffectiveness in preventing lesions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polyethylene glycol as an intermediary substance that enhances epidermis elasticity and lesion prevention without triggering pesticide regulations. It acts as a safe alternative to gibberellins, providing similar mechanical benefits to the epidermis while avoiding the regulatory and effectiveness limitations of hormone-based treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If repeated applications of sulfur compounds are made, then cosmetic power on epidermis is enhanced, but frequency of application increases and environmental impact worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic power on epidermisVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs polyethylene glycol, a biodegradable substance that breaks down harmlessly in the environment, replacing sulfur compounds that persist and contaminate ecosystems. This substitution maintains cosmetic effectiveness while eliminating the cumulative environmental harm associated with repeated sulfur applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3952649B1Use of a composition to prevent or limit the occurence of lesions on fruit epidermis

Publication Date: 2023.05.10 ORIUS SRL

AI summary

The present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising polyethylene glycol to prevent and/or limit the occurrence of lesions on the epidermis of fruits, thereby reducing the phenomena of russetting and cracking and improving storage life.