Biological material embedded in hydrogels, a process for the embedding thereof, and its use as artificial seed

US6164012A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC · DE

Inventors

• Christa Lechelt-Kunze · Recklinghausen, DE
• Joachim Simon · Grevenbroich, DE
• Werner Zitzmann · Emden, DE
• Jochen Kalbe · Leichlingen, DE
• Hanns P. Muller · Leverkusen, DE
• Rainhard Koch · Neunburg vorm Wald, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 1999
• Grant date: Dec 26, 2000
• Expiry date: Apr 27, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C05G5/40
• WIPO field: Basic materials chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a completely biodegradable hydrogel comprising polyester polyurethane polyurea containing urea groups as well as polysaccharides and/or their derivatives, the hydrogel containing plant material capable of dividing. The invention also relates to a process for the embedding of the biological material and the fabrication and shaping of the hydrogels from aqueous solutions. The hydrogels according to the invention may be used as coating material for embedding biological material capable of dividing, especially plant material, preferably plant cells, protoplasts, plant tissues and plant organs, as well as zygotic or somatic plant embryos, under sterile conditions for the purpose of protecting the material during storage, transport and handling. The hydrogels according to the invention may also contain further additives, for example, plant protection agents or nutrients. The embedded biological plant material according to the invention may be used as artificial seed.