Nano-fertilizers in agriculture: a patent overview

Introduction The application of nano-fertilizers (NFs) represents a nascent area of research within the field of agriculture. These are materials in the size range of 1-100 nm that facilitate the provision of nutrients to plants, enhancing crop growth and productivity. Nanofertilizers (NFs) are composed of nutrients and may serve as carriers for nutrients, releasing them in low amounts and in a slow and sustainable manner. The utilization of NFs can mitigate environmental contamination, as up to 50-80% of applied traditional fertilizers are lost. The essential nutrients required for optimal crop growth are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive overview of the patent activity pertaining to nanofertilizers. Materials and methods In the course of this investigation, data were retrieved from a number of patent databases, including Patentscope, Espacenet, Orbit Intelligence, The Lens and Amplified. A search was conducted using precise keywords in the Title/Abstract/Claims search fields. In addition, the full text was in conjunction with keywords and classification symbols. Results The majority of inventions in this field were filed in China, with the United States and India representing the next most prolific sources. The number of filings has been on the rise since 2017, indicating a growing trend. The main IPC classification symbols pertain to mixture of one or more fertilizers with additives that lack a specifically fertilizing activity (C05G 3/00), inorganic fertilizers containing trace elements (C05D 9/02), and biocides or plant growth regulators containing heavy metals or compounds thereof (A01N 59/16). With regard to the elements present in nanofertilizers, the most frequently claimed in patent applications are potassium, calcium, and nitrogen. Conclusions The findings of this study corroborate the importance of academic and industrial research on nanofertilizers. China has been identified as the foremost nation in this technical domain.