Sol-Gel Encapsulation of Microorganisms in Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Lamellar Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for encapsulating active substances and microorganisms in clays require a two-step process and do not effectively encapsulate microorganisms, lacking a single-step method that maintains their activity.
Innovation Solution
A method for encapsulating active substances and microorganisms in an organic-inorganic hybrid material of 2:1 lamellar structure during synthesis, using sol-gel synthesis in the presence of the compound, resulting in a single-step process that maintains the activity of the encapsulated substances and microorganisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If encapsulation is performed after clay synthesis, then encapsulation can be achieved, but a two-step method is required increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the clay synthesis process and the encapsulation process into a single integrated step. The organometallic precursors, microorganisms, and active substances are mixed together before hydrolysis and condensation, allowing simultaneous formation of the clay structure and incorporation of the encapsulated materials, thereby eliminating the need for separate encapsulation steps
2Reliability
If conventional encapsulation methods are used, then encapsulation can be achieved, but microorganism activity is not maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the synthesis parameters by conducting the sol-gel process under mild conditions (ambient or controlled temperature, neutral to slightly alkaline pH) that are compatible with microorganism survival. The gradual hydrolysis and condensation of organometallic precursors creates a gentle encapsulation environment that preserves microorganism viability while achieving effective encapsulation
3Device complexity
If single-step encapsulation during synthesis is attempted, then process complexity is reduced, but encapsulation effectiveness and activity maintenance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses organometallic precursors as intermediary compounds that serve dual functions: they provide the building blocks for clay synthesis while simultaneously acting as carriers for microorganisms and active substances. The organic ligands in these precursors facilitate gentle incorporation of biological materials during the hydrolysis and condensation process, ensuring both encapsulation effectiveness and activity maintenance
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 method achieves effective encapsulation of active substances and microorganisms in a single step, maintaining their activity and allowing for their use in plant growth and treatment applications, with high encapsulation rates and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a) sol-gel synthesis of the organic-inorganic hybrid material of 2:1 lamellar structure in the presence of the compound
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for encapsulating a compound selected from the group consisting of at least one active substance, at least one microorganism and mixtures thereof in an organic-inorganic hybrid material of 2:1 lamellar structure, said material having the following general formula I:Nax[(Mg3)(Alx(RSi)4−x)O8+x(OH)2] (I)the method comprising:a) sol-gel synthesis of the organic-inorganic hybrid material of 2:1 lamellar structure in the presence of the compound;b) recovery of the compound encapsulated in the material of general formula I.It further relates to the compound encapsulated in an organic-inorganic hybrid material of 2:1 lamellar structure of general formula I, a composition comprising same and its use for fertilizing, feeding, stimulating growth and/or prophylaxis of plants and/or improvement of the physical, chemical and/or biological properties of the soil or of the culture substrate of plants.