Nano-Chelated Complexes With Polycarboxylic Cores for Plant Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizers are inefficient in nutrient absorption, lead to soil degradation, and pose health risks due to excessive chemical use, while current chelated fertilizers like EDTA-based products have low plant uptake and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
Development of nano-chelated complexes with a chelate complex core made of polycarboxylic acid and cationic compounds, optimized for particle size ≤100 nm, to enhance nutrient absorption and stability across varying pH levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EDTA-based chelated fertilizers are used to improve nutrient availability, then nutrient absorption efficiency is improved, but plant uptake is reduced due to high molecular weight and negative charges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the molecular parameters of the chelating agent by using polycarboxylic acids with controlled molecular weight (50-500 Da) and adjustable charge density. This optimization allows the chelated complexes to maintain stability while improving plant uptake efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction between nutrient availability and plant absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite chelated complexes by combining polycarboxylic acid chelating agents with multiple cationic compounds (macro and micro nutrients) in a unified nano-scale structure. This composite approach enables simultaneous delivery of multiple nutrients while maintaining optimal molecular characteristics for plant absorption.
2Productivity
If excessive chemical fertilizer usage is applied to meet nutrient demands, then plant growth is supported, but soil degradation and carcinogenic substances are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses natural polycarboxylic acids as chelating agents that mimic the beneficial effects of traditional chemical fertilizers while avoiding their harmful byproducts. The chelated complexes provide the necessary nutrients through a different mechanism that does not generate carcinogenic substances, effectively copying the fertility function without the harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of chemical fertilizer excess into a benefit by using chelated complexes that provide precise nutrient delivery. The controlled release and high bioavailability of nutrients in the chelated form allow for reduced application rates while maintaining or improving plant growth, thereby eliminating soil degradation and carcinogen formation.
3Quantity of substance
If high concentration of minerals chelated with EDTA is applied to increase nutrient availability, then mineral concentration in soil is improved, but plant absorption is reduced due to high molecular weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the chelating agent to fall within the optimal range of 50-500 Da, which is significantly lower than EDTA's molecular weight. This parameter change enables the chelated complexes to maintain high mineral concentration while improving plant absorption efficiency through better cellular penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the nutrient delivery system into nano-scale chelated complexes with optimized molecular structure. This segmentation at the molecular level allows for improved diffusion and absorption by plant roots while maintaining high concentrations of essential minerals, resolving the contradiction between quantity and absorption efficiency.
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 nano-chelated complexes improve nutrient uptake, reduce soil toxicity, and promote optimal plant growth with reduced fertilizer use, offering enhanced yield and environmental benefits.
Implementation Method 1
a chelate complex core made of a at least one polycarboxylic acid and incorporating therein at least one first cationic compound... said chelate complex core further comprising at least one second cationic compound... forming nano-chelated complexes compounds
Implementation Method 2
the particle size thereof is ≤100 nm... increased contact surface of leaves and/or root structure of a plant, accelerated cell membrane crossing
Data Source
AI summary
Nano-particles of chelated complex compounds useful as chelate fertilizers, each said compound comprising: a chelate complex core made of at least one polycarboxylic acid incorporating therein at least one first cationic compound originating from at least one first source material selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn) based compounds, or mixtures thereof, said chelate complex core further comprising at least a second cationic compound originating from at least one second source material selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), silicon (Si),), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), iodine (I), strontium (Sr), chromium (Cr) and organic carbon (OC) based compounds, or mixtures thereof, forming nano-chelated complex compounds. A process for preparing said nano-chelated complex compounds.