PQQ Solubility via Diammonium Phosphate Buffer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) has low solubility in liquids, leading to rapid settling and loss of effectiveness, making it difficult to produce commercial products with a long shelf life and apply effectively in mass commercial farming.
Innovation Solution
Developing unique formulations that increase PQQ solubility by combining it with diammonium phosphate and phosphoric acid, creating a buffer system that maintains PQQ in solution for extended periods, allowing for stable and effective application to plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If PQQ is suspended in liquid, then it can be applied to plants, but it settles out quickly and loses effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (such as a surfactant or solubilizing agent) that mediates between PQQ and water. This intermediary forms a stable emulsion or suspension that prevents PQQ from settling out, allowing the product to maintain both applicability and shelf life simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical or chemical parameters of the PQQ formulation, such as pH, temperature, or concentration, to optimize its stability in liquid form. By adjusting these parameters, the formulation remains stable and effective over extended periods while still being applicable to plants
2Duration of action of stationary object
If PQQ is made more soluble in liquid, then shelf life is extended, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a formulation system that serves multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as a solubilizing agent, stabilizer, and carrier all in one composition. This multi-functional approach extends shelf life without proportionally increasing formulation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system combining PQQ with other substances that work synergistically. This composite formulation achieves enhanced solubility and stability through the combined properties of multiple materials rather than requiring complex processing or multiple separate products
3Productivity
If PQQ concentration is increased for better plant effects, then yield improvement increases, but solubility problems worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary substance that enables higher PQQ concentrations to remain soluble or stable in liquid form. This intermediary acts as a bridge that allows increased productivity benefits without the usual solubility limitations that would occur at higher concentrations
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 formulations keep PQQ dissolved for at least 30 days to several years, enabling effective plant treatment and increasing plant health and yield, with demonstrated yield increases of 4.11% for corn, 2.62% for soybeans, and 1.87% for winter wheat.
Implementation Method 1
the acid protonates nitrogen to increase the solubility of PQQ
Implementation Method 2
the acid and salt form a buffer
Data Source
AI summary
Unique compositions including pyrroloquinoline quinone have been developed in order to make pyrroloquinoline quinone more soluble in a liquid solution. The compositions may be applied to plants in order to increase overall plant health and yield. The compositions may include pyrroloquinoline quinone, a salt, an acid, and water. In one form, the composition includes pyrroloquinoline quinone, diammonium phosphate, phosphoric acid, and water. The composition may be created using various concentration levels of pyrroloquinoline quinone. These formulations may be applied to a seed, the soil, a furrow in the soil, and/or directly to the foliar of a plant to improve overall plant health.