Advantages
- The proposed TaPEO gel is a polymer hydrogel composed of plant-derived and biodegradable raw materials and is safe and environmentally compatible.
- It is expected to have a wide range of applications in the fields of horticulture and agriculture/forestry, such as improving water retention in soil and water.
Technology Overview & Background
Hydrogel is a soft material containing a large amount of water inside, obtained by cross-linking hydrophilic polymer chains. Recently, tannic acid has attracted attention as a cross-linking agent for hydrogels. Tannic acid is environmentally compatible because it is derived from plants, is low-cost, and has a variety of interaction abilities in addition to having a wide range of biological activities.
The researcher has successfully prepared TaPEO gel by mixing tannic acid with ultra-high molecular weight (>500 kDa) polyethylene glycol (PEG). While investigating its application, he newly discovered that TaPEO gel has the effect of promoting or assisting plant growth. He is currently conducting detailed research to elucidate the mechanism and looking for a partner company to develop the application of TaPEO gel as an agricultural material.
Data
- TaPEO gel was prepared by mixing solutions of tannic acid and ultra-high molecular weight PEG with a molecular weight of 500 kDa or higher dissolved in water.
* The preparation method is described in detail in a later paper. - Investigations for the conversion to agricultural materials:
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- Hydroponic Cultivation:
The obtained TaPEO gel was cut into approximately 1 cm square pieces, added to water containing cut flowers (gerbera), and left for 5 days at room temperature. As a result, it was confirmed that the gerbera with TaPEO gel added had better and longer-lasting flowers compared to the control (see upper photos). - Soil Cultivation:
TaPEO gel was cut into approximately 1 cm square pieces, buried in the soil of a potted plant (parsley), and left in the laboratory (at a constant temperature of approximately 25°C). The results showed that parsley grown in the soil with TaPEO gel was longer-lived than the control (see bottom photos).
- Hydroponic Cultivation:
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Publication(s)
Goto Y, et al., “Zero-waste preparation of supramolecular hydrogels and films comprising tannic acid and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene oxide.” Results in Materials (2023) 19, 100425.
(doi) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2023.100425
Patent(s)
Applied in Japan.
Principal Investigator & Academic Institution
Taishi Higashi, PhD (Assoc. Professor, Kumamoto University, Japan)
Suggestion for Next Steps
We are searching for companies that are interested in collaborating with PI to commercialize the functions and effects of TaPEO gel revealed in this research. We envision that TaPEO gel can be used, for example, in the fields of agriculture, forestry, and greening applications in arid and semi-arid lands, as well as in applications to improve the water retention properties of soil and the drought tolerance of seedlings.
TaPEO gel would be delighted to evaluate your company’s ideas with you.
Expectations
TECH MANAGE is now looking for companies to collaborate with the researcher(s) and develop this technology further under the licensing of the related patent(s) described above.
You can also consider joint research using the invention, providing know-how under a confidentiality agreement (CDA), or setting up evaluation or licensing options for a certain period of time.
Project.JT-04625