Effective Seed Sterilization - Combines microwaves and microwave plasma
Ref.-No. 7337
Keywords: Plasma sterilization of semen, plasma treatment of seeds, microwave plasma
Healthy, high-quality seed is essential for productive agriculture. To avoid loss of production and quality, pathogens such as fungus, bacteria, and viruses must be reliably removed from seed. Conventional methods such as chemical and thermal sterilization are reaching their limits due to environmental constraints and deleterious effects on germination capacity.
In the face of these challenges, a new method for gentle but highly effective seed sterilization has been developed in which seed is passed through a combination of microwaves and microwave plasma. One possible configuration of the apparatus involves microwave plasma generated by a resonator powered by a magnetron. The microwave source is connected by means of an optional matching element to a coupling element which couples the resonator electrically and/or magnetically. Different process parameters can be set for different seed, allowing flexible apparatus use.
Competitive Advantages
- Continuous operation
- Suitable for industrial use
- Low process temperature
Commercial Opportunities
This method is suitable for sterilizing seed and allows high throughputs. The apparatus and the method are suitable for industrial use and characterized by a high degree of plasma ionization, a relatively low process temperature, and process pressure that is near atmospheric pressure.
Current Status
The invention has been registered with the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, and other subsequent international applications can be made in the priority year. We are offering interested companies the opportunity to license and refine this technology in collaboration with the Aachen University of Applied Sciences.
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Basic principles observed
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An invention from the Aachen University of Applied Sciences.
