Solid Metal Ascorbate Complexes for Plant Nutrition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural formulations of titanium and vanadium complexes with undefined structures face challenges in stability, storage, and accurate dosage, leading to reduced efficacy and potential adverse reactions, particularly when in liquid form, which complicates their use in plant cultivation.

Innovation Solution

Development of solid formulations of metal and ascorbic acid complexes with defined structures, specifically titanium and vanadium ascorbate complexes, in the form of powders or granules, which can be easily dissolved for use, ensuring high purity, stability at various temperatures, and precise dosage control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If liquid formulations of metal complexes are used, then ease of operation is improved, but stability and storage reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid form. Solid formulations are prepared by drying liquid formulations or by direct solid-state mixing, transforming the product into a stable powder or granule form that maintains chemical integrity during storage while allowing easy dissolution in water for application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates composite formulations by combining metal complexes with inert carriers or excipients in solid form. This composite approach allows the active metal complexes to be stabilized within a solid matrix, preventing degradation while maintaining solubility and bioavailability when applied to plants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If solid formulations are used, then stability and ease of handling are improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary complex formation in liquid phase where precise stoichiometric ratios can be accurately controlled during synthesis. The resulting solid formulation is then a stable end product that preserves the precisely formulated composition, eliminating the need for precise dosing during field application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the product from liquid to solid state through controlled drying or crystallization processes. This phase change allows the precisely formulated liquid complex to be converted into a stable solid formulation that maintains the exact composition established during manufacturing, ensuring both precision and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If undefined structure complexes are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision and dosage accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddosage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary complex formation with defined stoichiometry in controlled laboratory conditions, establishing precise metal-to-ligand ratios. This pre-defined structure is then scaled up for manufacturing while maintaining the same precise composition, allowing accurate dosage calculation and application rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces empirical, trial-and-error formulation approaches with a systematic chemical synthesis approach based on known coordination chemistry. By using defined ligand structures and stoichiometric reactions, the patent enables precise calculation of active ingredient content, replacing mechanical guessing with chemical precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solid formulations provide enhanced stability and ease of handling, allowing for precise application and improved bioavailability of titanium and vanadium, leading to increased plant growth, resistance to pathogens, and improved nutrient uptake, while minimizing storage and transport issues.

Implementation Method 1

Metals such as titanium (IV) and vanadium (IV) in the form of complex compounds are well absorbed by plants... complexes containing metal-carbon bonds, i.e. titanium- and vanadoorganic compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplexation:

Implementation Method 2

solid formulations of metal and ascorbic acid complexes with defined structures... in the form of powders or granules, which can be easily dissolved for use

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentUS12022830B2Formulations of metal and ascorbic acid complexes, their obtaining and use
Publication Date: 2024.07.02 INTERMAG SP ZOO

AI summary

The object of the invention is a formulation of metal and ascorbic acid complexes of the general formula MO(OH)z(Asc)x.yH2O, in a solid form, where: M is a metal that is titanium or vanadium; Asc represents C6H7O6; x is an integer from 1 to 4; y is an integer from 0 to 5; z is 0 or 1; molar ratio of M to Asc is from 1:1 to 1:4, with one or more agriculturally acceptable substances selected from excipients, carriers, other active agents. The object of the invention is also a method for obtaining these formulations and the use thereof. The object of the invention is also the use of the complex as described above, for the preparation of formulations used in the cultivation of plants.