Pesticide Solid Nanodispersion Preparation via Phase Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pesticide formulations, such as microemulsions and nanosuspensions, face issues like instability, high surfactant usage, environmental pollution, and limited bioavailability due to poor water solubility of active ingredients, which affect their effectiveness and safety for agricultural use.

Innovation Solution

A method for preparing a pesticide solid nanodispersion by uniformly dispersing poorly water-soluble pesticides as nanoparticles in surfactants and water-soluble carriers, reducing surfactant usage and improving stability, bioavailability, and environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If microemulsion formulation is used to improve pesticide solubility and dispersibility, then bioavailability is enhanced, but stability deteriorates due to crystallization and precipitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepesticide solubilityVSAvoidformulation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transition by converting the liquid microemulsion into a solid microemulsion form. The solid microemulsion maintains the nanoscale dispersion structure while transitioning to a stable solid state that prevents crystallization and precipitation issues affecting liquid formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite solid microemulsion system combining pesticide active ingredients with surfactants and adjuvants in a solid matrix. This composite structure integrates multiple functional components that work synergistically to maintain both solubility enhancement and long-term stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If solid microemulsion is used to improve storage stability, then formulation stability is enhanced, but surfactant usage increases leading to environmental pollution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidsurfactant pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes surfactant concentration parameters to achieve effective stabilization at lower levels. By adjusting the type and amount of surfactant and adjuvant within specific ranges, the formulation achieves adequate stability with reduced environmental impact compared to conventional microemulsions requiring 3-4 times higher surfactant content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional EC formulation is used to maintain simplicity, then manufacturing ease is improved, but environmental pollution increases due to organic solvent usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation simplicityVSAvoidorganic solvent pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from liquid EC (emulsifiable concentrate) formulation to solid microemulsion form. This phase transition eliminates the need for large amounts of organic solvents required in conventional EC formulations, replacing them with a solid matrix system that uses water and biodegradable surfactants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces persistent organic solvents with biodegradable surfactants and adjuvants that break down more quickly in the environment. While the active ingredient remains the same, the carrier substances are substituted with environmentally friendlier alternatives that have shorter persistence times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Quantity of substance

If nanoparticle dispersion is used to enhance bioavailability, then effective utilization is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebioavailabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the formulation complexity by transitioning to a solid microemulsion system that inherently stabilizes nanoparticles. The solid matrix provides structural support and prevents aggregation, eliminating the need for complex stabilization mechanisms required in liquid nanoparticle dispersions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 method results in a stable, environmentally friendly pesticide formulation with enhanced bioavailability and reduced residue contamination, improving crop protection and reducing pesticide usage.

Implementation Method 1

The mixture of the active ingredient and the carrier material has a eutectic point lower than the melting point of the active ingredient

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEutectic mixture formation:

Implementation Method 2

dispersing the mixture under the action of a homogenizer to give a nanodispersion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical homogenization: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3269243B9Preparation method for pesticide NANO solid dispersion
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN AGRICULTURE CAAS
  • EP3269243B9 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a pesticide solid nanodispersion and its preparation method. The said pesticide solid nanodispersion is composed of 0.001-90 parts by weight of pesticide, 0.001-50 parts by weight of surfactants and 5-99.9 parts by weight of water-soluble carriers. The said pesticide is one or more pesticide(s) selected from poorly water-soluble insecticides, fungicides, herbicides or plant growth regulators; the particle size of the said solid nanodispersion is less than 1µm. Compared with the prior art, the pesticide of the present invention has smaller particle size, more uniform dispersibility and better coating effect of surfactants. The content of surfactants may be less than 1%, even less than 0.1%, and can maintain good dispersibility and stability as well. The method of the present invention can eliminate the usage of the organic solvent and significantly save production cost. It not only can decrease the usage of pesticides by the way of improving the effective utilization, but also can significantly reduce residues of the pesticide, harmful solvents and additives in the agricultural products and environmental pollution, to ensure security of grain, food and ecology.