Rainfast Protein Adhesion via Siloxane Mediators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proteins used as phytoprotective agents are prone to being washed off plant surfaces by rain or irrigation due to their high water solubility, leading to reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Development of compositions and methods to enhance the rainfastness of proteins on plant surfaces, utilizing agriculturally acceptable carriers that maintain protein stability and adherence during rain or irrigation events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proteins are applied to plant surfaces for phytoprotective activity, then specific and effective phytoprotective action is achieved, but the proteins are washed off by rain or irrigation due to high water solubility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjuvants as intermediary substances that mediate between the water-soluble protein and the plant surface. These adjuvants form a protective matrix or binding layer that anchors the protein to the plant surface while maintaining its biological activity, thereby preventing wash-off during rain or irrigation events
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite formulations by combining proteins with adjuvants and other compatible substances. This composite approach allows the formulation to simultaneously provide phytoprotective activity, adhesion to plant surfaces, and resistance to washing, resolving the contradiction between protein solubility and rainfastness
2Object-generated harmful factors
If proteins are used as phytoprotective agents, then environmentally friendly and biodegradable protection is achieved, but rain or irrigation events remove substantially all protein from the treated plant surface
Solution Approach 1:
Adjuvants serve as mediators that extend the duration of protein presence on plant surfaces without compromising environmental safety. The adjuvants create a protective system that retains the biodegradable protein while preventing its premature removal by water, thereby maintaining both environmental friendliness and persistent protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies adjuvants in advance with the protein formulation to pre-establish adhesion mechanisms and protective layers on the plant surface. This preliminary action ensures that when rain or irrigation occurs, the protein is already secured and protected, extending its persistence without requiring reapplication
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for improving the rainfastness of proteins, such as enzymes and cell-signaling peptides, on plants and other surfaces that may be susceptible to infestation and/or infection by bacteria, fungi, etc. Particularly useful are rain fasteners selected from the group consisting of organo-modified siloxanes, such as polyether trisiloxanes.