Pickering Emulsion Coating for Stable Entomopathogenic Nematodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercialization and large-scale use of entomopathogenic nematodes as biopesticides are limited by their short shelf-life in formulations and reduced efficacy due to poor storage stability.

Innovation Solution

Encapsulation of entomopathogenic organisms using UV-shielding nanoparticles in core-shell particles, forming Pickering emulsions that stabilize the nematodes and enhance their viability under ambient conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If entomopathogenic nematodes are used as biopesticides, then environmental safety and minimal effects on nontarget organisms are improved, but shelf-life and storage stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental safetyVSAvoidshelf-life

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by coating entomopathogenic nematodes with a thin film formulation that provides protective encapsulation. The coating acts as a flexible shell that shields the nematodes from environmental stressors during storage and application, thereby extending shelf-life while maintaining their biopesticidal properties and environmental safety profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining entomopathogenic nematodes with protective coating materials in a formulated product. This composite structure integrates the biological activity of the nematodes with the protective properties of the coating, resolving the contradiction between maintaining environmental safety and improving storage stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If entomopathogenic nematodes are formulated for commercial use, then pest control capability is improved, but storage stability and efficacy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest control capabilityVSAvoidstorage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thin film coating serves as a protective shell that maintains nematode viability and reliability during storage. This encapsulation protects the pest control agents from degradation, ensuring that the formulated product maintains both its pest control capability and storage stability throughout its shelf-life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The formulation applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating protective agents and coating materials that preemptively shield the nematodes from storage-related damage. This prior protection ensures that the nematodes remain viable and effective when deployed for pest control, resolving the reliability issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If UV protection is added to the formulation, then viability under outdoor conditions is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviability under outdoor conditionsVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thin film formulation applies the universality principle by incorporating UV protection, moisture control, and physical protection functions into a single integrated coating system. This multi-functional approach improves viability under outdoor conditions without proportionally increasing formulation complexity, as multiple protective functions are achieved through one cohesive formulation strategy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 encapsulation maintains the viability and pesticidal activity of entomopathogenic nematodes for extended periods, providing enhanced pest control efficacy under outdoor conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the plurality of nanoparticles comprises a UV-shielding nanoparticles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV-shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

Encapsulation of entomopathogenic organisms using UV-shielding nanoparticles in core-shell particles, forming Pickering emulsions that stabilize the nematodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEncapsulation: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

forming Pickering emulsions that stabilize the nematodes and enhance their viability under ambient conditions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPickering emulsion: Emulsion

Data Source

PatentUS20260000085A1Pickering emulsion for coating entomopathogenic nematodes

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION INC

AI summary

Provided herein is a composition comprising a Pickering emulsion comprising a plurality of core-shell particles encapsulating an entomopathogenic organism. Furthermore, a method for controlling a pest on or within a plant or at the area under cultivation is provided.