pH-Dependent Polymer Seed Coating for Controlled Agrochemical Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural practices face challenges in achieving controlled release of fertilizers and pesticides, which affects plant growth and pest management, and can lead to environmental contamination due to improper timing of chemical application.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a composition containing an active ingredient and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer to seeds or soil, allowing for controlled release of agrochemicals by adjusting the soil pH, utilizing polymers like polyacrylamide and Eudragit® FS 30D to encapsulate and release agrochemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers at specific times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fertilizers and pesticides are applied to provide healthy start for newly planted crops, then plant growth and pest protection are improved, but environmental contamination increases due to improper timing of chemical application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using pH-dependent film-forming polymers that change their solubility and release properties based on pH conditions. The polymer remains insoluble at low pH (retaining agrochemicals) and becomes soluble at higher pH (releasing agrochemicals), enabling controlled timing of chemical application to reduce environmental contamination while maintaining effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-coating seeds with the pH-dependent polymer containing agrochemicals before planting. This preliminary coating ensures that the chemicals are retained during planting and only released when pH conditions change, preventing premature environmental contamination while ensuring timely plant protection
2Reliability
If agricultural chemicals are released immediately after application, then plant growth promotion and pest control are effective, but chemical loss increases during greenhouse to field transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes through pH-dependent solubility of the polymer coating. The polymer remains intact at the pH conditions during greenhouse transfer, preventing chemical loss, and only releases the agrochemicals when pH conditions change in the field, ensuring effective pest control while minimizing chemical loss during transit
3Quantity of substance
If fertilizers and pesticides are applied without controlled release, then plant nutrition and pest management are provided, but timing precision deteriorates affecting plant growth and development
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves timing precision through parameter changes in pH conditions. The polymer coating responds to pH changes by transitioning from insoluble to soluble state, triggering controlled release of agrochemicals at the precise moment when plants need them, eliminating timing uncertainty associated with conventional application methods
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
This approach allows for precise timing of agrochemical release, reducing waste and environmental impact, and provides a lag phase for transplant crops, ensuring effective plant growth and pest control while minimizing chemical loss during greenhouse to field transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a pH-dependent film-forming polymer... exposing the composition to an appropriate pH to release the active ingredient
Data Source
AI summary
The invention features a method of improving the growth of a plant, involving applying to a seed or locus thereof a composition comprising an active ingredient and a pH-dependent film-forming polymer, followed by exposing the composition to an appropriate pH to release said active ingredient. The invention further features a seed including a composition having a) an active ingredient; and b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer. Additionally, the invention features a seed treatment composition that includes a) an agrochemical; b) a pH-dependent film-forming polymer; and c) a seed coating agent.