Ulvan Elicitors for Nitrogen Absorption and Protein Synthesis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fertilizers, particularly those using nitrates, pose ecological concerns and inefficient nitrogen absorption by plants, limiting nitrogen assimilation and protein synthesis, which can lead to reduced crop yields and increased toxicity risks.
Innovation Solution
The use of ulvans extracted from green algae or ulvan-derived oligosaccharides as elicitors to stimulate nitrogen metabolism and protein synthesis by activating specific genes involved in nitrogen and carbon pathways, enhancing nitrogen absorption and protein production in plants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional nitrate fertilizers are used to provide nitrogen to plants, then nitrogen supply is ensured, but ecological problems arise and nitrogen absorption efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ulvan oligosaccharides as an intermediary substance that mediates between nitrate fertilizer and plant absorption mechanisms. The oligosaccharides interact with membrane transporters to enhance nitrogen uptake efficiency, allowing conventional nitrate fertilizers to work more effectively while reducing ecological harm through improved absorption efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fertilizer system by adding ulvan oligosaccharides that modify membrane permeability and transporter activity. This parameter change enables more efficient nitrogen absorption from the same nitrate supply, reducing the need for excessive fertilizer application and associated ecological problems
2Productivity
If nitrogen absorption mechanisms are stimulated to improve nitrogen assimilation, then protein synthesis increases, but the complexity of the fertilizing composition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the active ulvan oligosaccharide component from complex algal biomass, creating a simplified additive that can be easily incorporated into conventional fertilizers. This extraction approach maintains the beneficial effects on nitrogen assimilation while minimizing composition complexity by using a single purified active ingredient
Solution Approach 2:
The ulvan oligosaccharides serve multiple functions simultaneously: they stimulate membrane transporter activity, enhance nitrogen absorption, and promote protein synthesis. This multi-functionality allows a single additive to address multiple limitations in the nitrogen utilization process without requiring complex composition formulations
3Productivity
If ammonium is produced as an intermediate in nitrogen metabolism, then nitrogen assimilation proceeds, but ammonium ion toxicity may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ulvan oligosaccharides that appear to create a feedback mechanism in nitrogen metabolism, where enhanced transporter activity and enzyme function promote more efficient conversion of ammonium to organic nitrogen compounds. This feedback control prevents ammonium accumulation to toxic levels while maintaining productive nitrogen assimilation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of ulvans, in particular extracted from green algae of the genus Ulva or Enteromorpha, or of ulvan-derived oligosaccharides, as elicitors of mechanisms for nitrogen absorption and protein synthesis.It also relates to a fertilizing product containing ulvans and to the use thereof in a plant treatment method.