Self-Emulsifiable Protein Concentrate Without Thickening Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil dispersion (OD) formulations in agriculture suffer from phase separation, aggregation, and instability due to the use of thickening agents, which are difficult to handle and require high sheer forces for incorporation, especially when formulating bioactive proteins.
Innovation Solution
A self-emulsifiable concentrate comprising an oil vehicle, dispersants, and emulsifiers, with a protein-containing composition in a solid state, using minimal or no thickening agents, to enhance stability and prevent phase separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If thickening agents are used to prevent phase separation in oil dispersion formulations, then formulation stability is improved, but handling difficulty and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes thickening agents from the formulation entirely, extracting the problematic component that causes handling difficulties while maintaining stability through alternative means (protein-containing composition in solid state dispersed in oil vehicle)
Solution Approach 2:
The protein-containing composition serves dual functions: as the active ingredient and as the thickening agent. The solid state protein composition naturally provides the necessary viscosity and stability without requiring separate thickening agents, enabling the formulation to be self-sufficient
2Stability of the object's composition
If thickening agents are used to prevent phase separation, then formulation stability is improved, but the need for high sheer forces and careful monitoring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates thickening agents from the system, removing the source of process complexity including the need for high sheer forces and continuous monitoring during formulation preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The protein-containing composition automatically provides the necessary rheological properties and stability without requiring external thickening agents, simplifying the formulation process to basic mixing steps
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional thickening agents are used in oil dispersion formulations, then phase separation is prevented, but the formulation becomes less suitable for bioactive proteins
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the state of the protein-containing composition to solid, which fundamentally alters how it interacts with the oil vehicle and enables compatibility with bioactive proteins while preventing phase separation
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation uses a composite system where solid protein-containing composition is dispersed in oil vehicle, creating a unique formulation type that combines the stability benefits of solid dispersions with the compatibility needed for bioactive proteins
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 formulation significantly increases the stability of bioactive proteins, allowing for convenient storage and application, reducing the need for high sheer forces and thickening agents, and maintaining formulation integrity over time.
Implementation Method 1
the protein-containing composition can act as a thickening agent
Implementation Method 2
one or more dispersants, and one or more emulsifiers; and is characterized in that the self-emulsifiable concentrate further comprises a protein-containing composition, wherein the protein-containing composition is in an essentially solid state, wherein the protein-containing composition is dispersed in the oil vehicle
Implementation Method 3
self-emulsifiable concentrate, also known as an 'oil dispersion formulation', 'oil dispersion' or 'OD' in short
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-emulsifiable concentrate comprising a protein-containing composition. The self-emulsifiable concentrates of this invention are suitable for application in agriculture for example as crop protection products. More specifically there are provided self-emulsifiable concentrates comprising a protein-containing composition wherein the protein-containing composition is derived from a microbial fermentation comprising dry matter containing a bioactive protein. The self-emulsifiable concentrates of the invention may contain a bioactive protein such as for example a VHH. The invention further relates to an agrochemical composition and a process for preparing said agrochemical composition using the self-emulsifiable concentrate of the invention. Finally, the invention relates to a method for protecting or treating a plant or a part of the plant from an infection or other biological interaction with a plant pathogen and where said method may be a post-harvest treatment method.