Compositions and methods for the encapsulation and scalable delivery of agrochemicals
Inventors
SHAKEEL, AMEER HAMZA • ZOMORODI, SEPEHR • FRANK, Joseph Thomas • DAVIS, ZACHERY GEORGE • POURTAHERI, PAYAM
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11970518-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure is generally directed to an anucleated cell-based platforms for encapsulation and delivery of agricultural compounds. Disclosed herein are compositions for the stable and targeted delivery of agricultural compounds within achromosomal and/or anucleated cells. The present disclosure also provides methods of improving encapsulation and retention of agricultural compounds in achromosomal and/or anucleated cells.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an anucleated minicell composition in which an agrochemical is encapsulated within a minicell. The platform is minicell-based for agrochemical delivery to a locus, including a plant or pest, and supports scalable encapsulation and delivery of the agrochemical.
The described platform uses minicells obtained from minicell sources such as parental bacterial cells with genomic deletions and mutated minC, minD, and/or minE genes, and parental cells that lack one or more proteases. The approach includes producing and separating minicells by physical, biochemical, and genetic methods, and using the resulting minicell composition to carry agrochemicals.
Surface engineering of minicells uses fusion proteins or autotransporter display systems and carbohydrate-binding modules, including cellulose, xylan, chitin, or lignin binding domains, to enhance plant adhesion and reduce drift, runoff, and leaching. Minicell compositions are described with agriculturally acceptable carriers and multiple formulation types, including seed coating, drench, in-furrow, and foliar spray, with controlled release behavior and tuning of loading and release kinetics.
Claims Coverage
The disclosed claim set includes one independent claim directed to a minicell composition in which a minicell encapsulates an agrochemical. Inventive coverage is refined in dependent claims by specifying the minicell source, the composition form, release behavior, and delivery to a locus.
Minicell encapsulating an agrochemical
A minicell composition comprising a minicell having encapsulated within said minicell an agrochemical.
Minicell derived from parental bacterial cell with genomic deletions and mutated min genes
The minicell composition is derived from a parental bacterial cell containing one or more genomic deletions and a mutated minC, minD, and/or minE gene.
Minicell derived from protease-deficient parental bacterial cell
The minicell composition is derived from a parental bacterial cell that lacks one or more proteases.
Minicell composition in specified formulation forms
The minicell composition is provided in one of several formulation forms including liquid, dry, powder, granule, seed coating, drench, in-furrow, or foliar spray.
Controlled release rate for encapsulated agrochemical
The minicell composition provides a controlled release rate for an agrochemical.
Delivering agrochemical to a specified locus by applying the composition
A method of delivering an agrochemical to a specified locus by applying the minicell composition to that locus.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a minicell composition encapsulating an agrochemical, with dependent inventive features specifying the minicell source, formulation forms, controlled release, and delivery to a locus.
Stated Advantages
Improved retention or adhesion on plant surfaces.
Reduced runoff, drift, and leaching.
Slow release into the environment.
Improved crystalline cellulose retention.
Glutaraldehyde retention or survival behavior of minicells after treatment.
Improved solubility, loading, stability, and release kinetics.
Controlled or steady release versus initial burst release.
Documented Applications
Agrochemical delivery to crops or plants by using the minicell composition for surface retention and controlled release.
Targeted delivery of an agrochemical to a locus, including a plant or pest.
Seed coating, drench, in-furrow, and foliar spray application formats.
Encapsulation and delivery of foramsulfuron, spirotetramat, pyraclostrobin, and clothianidin.
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