Polyelectrolyte Complex Biocide Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for protecting plants against pathogenic microorganisms require high quantities of chemical biocides, which can harm the environment and human health, and lack efficient targeting and distribution, leading to potential losses in efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a biocide and an irreversible insoluble polyelectrolyte complex of a polyanion, such as lignosulfonate, and a polycation, such as chitosan, that enhances the adherence and protective effect of the biocide on plants, allowing for reduced biocide usage while maintaining effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large quantities of chemical biocides are applied to protect plants against pathogenic microorganisms, then the protective effect is improved, but the environmental impact and harm to human health worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a polyelectrolyte complex as an intermediary substance that binds to the biocide and facilitates its targeted delivery to the plant. This complex acts as a carrier that improves the biocide's adherence to the plant surface and enhances its protective effect, allowing for reduced biocide quantities while maintaining or improving efficacy. The complex mediates between the biocide and the plant, enabling more efficient delivery and reducing environmental burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the biocide formulation by combining it with a polyelectrolyte complex. This complexification alters the biocide's properties, specifically its adherence characteristics and distribution behavior on the plant surface. The modified formulation achieves better retention and more uniform distribution, allowing for reduced application rates while maintaining protective efficacy.
2Quantity of substance
If precise targeting and uniform distribution of biocides are achieved, then the quantity of biocide required is reduced, but the formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite formulation by combining the biocide with a polyelectrolyte complex. This composite material integrates multiple functions: the complex provides adherence promotion, uniform distribution, and targeted delivery capabilities, while the biocide provides the protective effect. The composite approach achieves precise targeting and uniform distribution without requiring complex application equipment or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The polyelectrolyte complex serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an adherence promoter, a distribution enhancer, and a delivery vehicle. This multi-functionality allows the formulation to achieve precise targeting and uniform distribution while keeping the overall system relatively simple. The complex handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate components or procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If natural biocides are used to reduce environmental impact, then the sustainability is improved, but the protective efficacy may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The polyelectrolyte complex serves as an intermediary that enhances the performance of natural biocides. By binding to the natural biocide and improving its adherence to the plant surface and distribution uniformity, the complex compensates for the potentially lower inherent efficacy of natural substances. This allows natural biocides to achieve comparable protective effects to synthetic alternatives while maintaining their environmental benefits.
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 polyelectrolyte complex significantly improves the protective effect of biocides against pathogens, enabling lower biocide application rates without compromising efficacy, thereby reducing environmental impact and improving sustainability in plant protection.
Implementation Method 1
said polyelectrolyte complex may provide improved, longer lasting, adherence of the biocide to the plant or plant part
Implementation Method 2
The aromatic moieties in the complex may have affinity for the biocides which often also contain aromatic rings. In combination with the sticky character of the polyelectrolyte complex, the biocide will be optimally deposited and adhered to a plant or plant part
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composition comprising a polyelectrolyte complex of a polyanion and a polycation, and comprising at least one biocide. A preferred composition comprises lignosulfonate and chitosan, preferably in relative a amount of from 1:2 to 60:1 (w/w). The invention further relates to methods for generating a composition according to the invention, and to uses of a mixture according to the invention for protecting an agricultural plant or plant part against a pathogen.