ORGANIC BASE FORMULATIONS AND METHOD FOR THEIR PREPARING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0000] Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY

SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0001] Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

[0002] Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1 . Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates in general to organic bases and associated formulations, and, more particularly, to novel, marine algae/seaweed (e.g., Rhodophyta, Phaeophyta (e.g., Sargassum), Chlorophyta, etcetera) derived organic bases that exhibit at least partial water solubility and are useful in a plurality of applications, including, but not limited to, oil extraction, cosmetics, food products, agar, pharmaceuticals, plastics, paper products, health supplements, agricultural products, fertilizers, lawn and garden products, aerospace-horticultural products, and nutrients for plants, fruits, and vegetables. The present invention further relates to novel methods for making organic bases.

2. Background Art

[0004] Organic bases, and nutrient formulations and fertilizers have been known in the art for years and are the subject of a plurality of patents and/or publications, including: United States Patent Number 11 ,124,461 entitled "Fertilizer," United States Patent Number 11 ,040,920 entitled "Fertilizer and Plant Growth Promoter to Increase Plant Yield and Method of Increasing Plant Yield," United States Patent Number 10,954,170 entitled "Method of Commercial Production of Aqueous Sargassum Seaweed Extract Concentrate and Biostimulant Products," United States Patent Number 10,118,869 entitled "Fertilizer," United States Patent Number 9,878,960 entitled "Slow and Fast Release Fertilizer Composition and Methods for Making Same," United States Patent Number 9,738,567 entitled "Soluble Fertilizer Formulation and Method for Use Thereof," United States Patent Number 9,382,166 entitled "Plant Nutrient Composition," United States Patent Number 9,346,717 entitled "Fertilizer Suspension and Method of Preparation," United States Patent Number 8,562,710 entitled "Fertilizer Composition," United States Patent Number 7,776,124 entitled "Fertilizer Compositions and Methods of Using," United States Patent Number 6,893,479 entitled "Integrated Method for Production of Carrageenan and Liquid Fertilizer from Fresh Seaweeds," United States Patent Number 6,194,193 entitled "Nutrient Plant Formulation with Microbial Strains," United States Patent Number 5,733,355 entitled "Bacterial Preparation for Agricultural Use," United States Patent Number 4,531 ,962 entitled "Production of Acid-Type Fertilizer Solutions," United States Patent Number 4,494,976 entitled "Fertilizers Containing Nitrogen and Micronutrients," United States Patent Number 4,180,392 entitled "Method for Producing Organic Fertilizers," United States Patent Number 4,026,695 entitled "Particulate Multicomponent Soil Additive," United States Patent Number 3,630,710 entitled "Production of Metabolic Demand Seaweed-Type Fertilizer," United States Patent Application Publication Number 2019/0008157 entitled "Microalgae Based Compositions and Methods for Application to Plants," United States Patent Application Publication Number 2005/0022569 entitled "Organic-Based Fertilizer," United States Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0065198 entitled "Agricultural Chemical Suspensions," International Patent Publication Number WO 00/36085 entitled "Liquid Nutrient Plant Formulation with Microbial Strains," Australian Patent Number AU 2016261722 entitled "A Biostimulant Formulation for Improving Plant Growth and Uses Thereof," Australian Patent Number AU 2016101635 entitled "A Biological Carbon- Based Organic Fertilizer and Its Preparation Method," and Chinese Patent Number 111646863 entitled "Stress-Resistant Organic Soil Conditioner with Biostimulation Effect and Preparation Method Thereof" - all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety including all references cited therein.

[0005] United States Patent Number 11 ,124,461 appears to disclose a dry and solid fertilizer in the form of discreet particles. The particles of the dry and solid fertilizer comprise a homogenous mixture of organic and inorganic materials. The inorganic material comprises at least one of the NPKS nutrients. The organic material comprises a carbon-labile substantially sterile product of organic waste.

[0006] United States Patent Number 11 ,040,920 appears to disclose a slow release carbohydrate/bicarbonate/nitrogen fertilizer which includes: a nitrogen component selected from the group consisting of a urea compound, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium sulfate and ammonium nitrate; a bicarbonate component selected from the group consisting of ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and sodium bicarbonate; and a soluble carbohydrate component selected from the group consisting of a starch and a sugar, wherein the fertilizer is applied to increase crop yield and increase protein levels in plant products by placing the aforesaid fertilizer beneath the surface of soil on which is growing cultivated plants.

[0007] United States Patent Number 10,954,170 appears to disclose a system and method for commercial production of aqueous Sargassum seaweed extract concentrate having an arsenic level of around 1.32-15 mg/l; a cadmium level of around 0.005-5 mg/l; a lead level of around 0.2-12 mg/l; a mercury level of around 0.00002-2 mg/l; and a pH of around 7.4-9. The resulting seaweed extract concentrate can be used in plant and soil amendments, rooting hormones, other organic plant and soil amendments, organic fertilizers, adjuvants for use with organic pesticides, organic fungicides, in combinations of organic pesticides, with fungicides, and as fertilizers for agricultural, commercial and domestic use. The resulting seaweed extract concentrate can also be used to regulate plant growth, or as a plant nutrient. The method is believed to be able to prepare an extract concentrate from any high protein biomass, including Sargassum, water hyacinth or other seaweed.

[0008] United States Patent Number 10,118,869 appears to disclose a fertilizer which is a mixture of organic matter from animal and plant sources, nematode controllers, carbohydrates, minerals, and mycorrhizal inoculum. It contains guano, kelp meal, neem cake, dry molasses, clay, magnesium sulfate and mycorrhizae. In one embodiment, the mixture is made of the following amounts by weight: 55% high-nitrogen bat guano; 12.5% high-phosphorous bat guano; 12.5% kelp meal; 10% neem cake; and 2.5% each of dry molasses, montmorillonite clay, magnesium sulfate, and mycorrhizae of the Glomus genus. Versions of the fertilizer directed to specific plant species may contain additional ingredients, such as indole-3-butyric acid.

[0009] United States Patent Number 9,878,960 appears to disclose a homogeneous fertilizer granule that comprises slow-release (e.g., struvite) and fast release sources of phosphorus (P). The homogeneous fertilizer granule may further contain other essential nutrients and micronutrients required by plants. A number of methods may be used to make such granules. One method includes introducing a struvite slurry or fines and a liquid supply of water soluble P into a granulator. Alternatively, dry raw materials can be mixed with water/steam and/or another binder prior to being fed into a granulator. In another embodiment, pre-mixed dry raw materials are mechanically compacted and crushed to yield homogeneous fertilizer particles.

[0010] United States Patent Number 9,738,567 appears to disclose a fertilizer that includes a growth enhancing component, in at least one example a co-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates is present in the amount of from about 80% to about 90% by weight, based on a total weight of the fertilizer; a plurality of elements present in the amount of from about 3% to about 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the fertilizer; and one or more secondary nutrients, micronutrients, and biologically active heteromolecular trace-metal complexes present in the amount of from about 3% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the fertilizer.

[0011] United States Patent Number 9,382,166 appears to disclose a plant nutrition composition that includes long organic fibers having nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available for plants, in combination with organic substratum providing pH balancing in the range of about 6.0 to about 7.0. The long fibers may be the end product of slow, heat-agitated anaerobic digestion of manure. Combined with the fibers are substratum such as pine bark composted for a duration in the range of between about 9 months and about 12 months.

[0012] United States Patent Number 9,346,717 appears to disclose a concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt.%) of the suspension.

[0013] United States Patent Number 8,562,710 appears to disclose a storage stable fertilizer composition in the form of pellets or granules comprising an organic fertilizer in admixture with a water absorbent polymer. This invention also relates to a process for producing a storage stable fertilizer composition, the process comprising: i) mixing an organic fertilizer and a water absorbent polymer to form a mixture; ii) pelletizing or granulating the mixture; and iii) drying the pellets or granules for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a storage stable fertilizer composition.

[0014] United States Patent Number 7,776,124 appears to disclose fertilizer compositions. The fertilizer compositions include one or more compounds having a high nitrogen content, which may be measured by a carbon to nitrogen atom ratio. Also provided are methods for increasing nitrogen content in soil, promoting crop production and fertilizing.

[0015] United States Patent Number 6,893,479 appears to disclose an integrated method that is developed to utilize to a maximum extent the fresh biomass of seaweeds such as Kappaphycus alvarezii that can be crushed to release sap and where the sap is useful as a potent liquid fertilizer after suitable treatment with additives and dilution while the residue that is a superior raw material for extraction of K-carrageenan, thereby enhancing the value of the seaweed. Other advantages of the invention include a reduced drying time and drying area to obtain the raw material for K-carrageenan production in dry and storable form, a reduced cost of transporting and storing this raw material because of its lesser bulk, easier handling due to its free-flowing granular nature, and its direct use for gel preparation in certain applications.

[0016] United States Patent Number 6,194,193 appears to disclose a liquid and dry formulation that is suitable for use in enhancing plant growth which includes a plurality of Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains at least one of which function to produce phytohormones in a non-toxic form. The formulation also includes a phytohormone component and a phytohormone precursor to potentiate roots for colonization by the inoculated strains, as well as a low-level blend of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal plant development.

[0017] United States Patent Number 5,733,355 appears to disclose bacterial preparation which comprises material belonging to genus Bacillus, producing lipopeptides which decrease surface tension of water, and possessing an ability to propagate in soil in the presence of vegetable cellulosic materials under anaerobic condition, and of bacteria belonging to genus Bacillus or genus Clostridium, producing cellulases and possessing an ability to propagate in soil in the presence of vegetable cellulosic materials, and preferably of bacteria belonging to genus Bacillus or genus Clostridium, fixing nitrogen and possessing an ability to propagate in soil in the presence of vegetable cellulosic materials under anaerobic conditions. Examples of lipopeptide- producing bacteria are: B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. circulans; examples of cellulases- producing bacteria are: B. subtilis, B. licheniformis, B. circulans, B. polymyxa, B. coagulans, B. macetans, Cl. cellulolyticum, Cl. aerotolerans, Cl. acetobutylicum, examples of nitrogen-fixing bacteria are: B. azotofixans, B. macerans, B. polymyxa, Cl. acetobutylicum, Cl. pasturianum.

[0018] United States Patent Number 4,531 ,962 appears to disclose solution type fertilizers that are produced by reacting phosphoric acid with urea-ammonium nitrate solution (35 percent CO[NH ₂ ]2, 45 percent NH4NO3, and 20 percent H ₂ O), and urea. In the second embodiment of our invention, the same solution is produced by reacting phosphoric acid with a urea-ammonium nitrate suspension that contains 36 percent nitrogen, 56 percent urea, and 29 percent ammonium nitrate. The ammonium nitrate portion of the nitrogen solution in said first embodiment reacts with the urea and phosphoric acid to produce urea nitrate (CO[NH] ₂ HNO3) and ammonium phosphate (probably NH ₄ H ₂ PO ₄ ). This solution contains rapidly available nitrate nitrogen as well as ammonium type nitrogen that is more slowly available than nitrate nitrogen. Similar results were obtained in said second embodiment when nitrogen solution and urea were reacted with sulfuric acid. The resulting solution contained CO(NH ₂ ) ₂ HNO3 (urea nitrate) and NH ₄ HSO3 (ammonium bisulfate). The products have a pH that is as low as 1 .0 and as high as 4.5. It has been determined that in some soils these low pH materials may have some agronomic advantages as compared to other forms of NP fertilizers with higher pH (4.0 to 8.0). Germination studies show that when wheat seed is mixed with a 27-9-0 grade that is produced by said first embodiment of the instant invention, germination of seed is not adversely affected. This is a principal advantage of the present invention since it has been demonstrated to be a highly desirable procedure to ensure and promote early plant growth. On the other hand, tests show that when urea alone and ammonium phosphate (DAP), with a pH of =7, alone, and combinations of these two materials are mixed with the seed, severe germination damage occurs.

[0019] United States Patent Number 4,494,976 appears to disclose metal oxides which are applied to the surface of urea particles and chemically bonded to the urea by a heat-induced reaction. The product of this reaction is a free-flowing, relatively non- hygroscopic nitrogenous chemical fertilizer. By selecting metal oxides corresponding to a particular soil deficiency, beneficial micronutrients can be supplied simultaneously with nitrogen. Other materials, such as elemental sulfur, can be incorporated into the metal oxides prior to coating or can be liquefied and applied as a separate additional coating to the metal oxide-urea particles. In another embodiment, fertilizer particles are coated with metal oxides, covered with molten urea, and heated to induce a reaction. The formed reaction product remains as a layer on the exterior of the particle.

[0020] United States Patent Number 4,180,392 appears to disclose organic fertilizers having a superior fertilizer response (or efficiency), and a higher nitrogen content but a lower water-insoluble type nitrogen content are prepared from spent liquors of sulfite pulp plants according to the method of the present invention. Said method comprises setting the solid matter concentration of said spent liquors in the reaction liquid consisting mainly of said spent liquors to 20-45% by weight and reacting therewith ammonia in an amount of 15-30 mol per 1 Kg of said solid matter, and oxygen or oxygen-containing gas at a reaction temperature of 90°-120°C. under a pressure of 4 Kg/cm ² or higher and lower than 10 Kg/cm ² .

[0021] United States Patent Number 4,026,695 appears to disclose a particulate multi-component soil additive, a method of applying that additive to soils to improve the agronomic quality of the same, and methods of producing such multi-component soil additives. The compositions comprise particle-form combinations of calcium sulfate and a nitrifier selected from urea, ammonium nitrate, and combinations of these, in which the nitrifier particles are coated with a layer of the reaction product of hydrated calcium sulfate and urea, ammonium nitrate, or both. This layer, in turn, contains an additional soil additive such as elemental sulfur or the major and minor plant nutrients such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and the like. The particles are produced by reacting the particle-form nitrifier, preferably urea or ammonium nitrate prills, with hydrated calcium sulfate intimately mixed with one or more additional soil additives. Reaction is promoted by heating to a temperature sufficient to initiate the endothermic reaction without melting or thermally decomposing the nitrifier.

[0022] United States Patent Number 3,630,710 appears to disclose a metabolic demand nitrogenous fertilizer or fertilizer base which releases nutrients into the soil in a controlled manner and in response to soil deficiencies is prepared by a process comprising the partial oxidation of organic materials at carefully controlled conditions of time, temperature and supplies of an oxidizing gas in a fluidized zone. Starting materials for the process include coal, bituminous or anthracitic, peat-moss, high chlorophyll content organic materials such as seaweeds, grasses, plant tops such as potato plant tops, sugar beet tops, and the like, seaweeds being a particularly effective type of material treated. Nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous, and sulfate values may be added to the partially oxidized organic materials by reaction with the corresponding element supplying materials.

[0023] United States Patent Application Publication Number 2019/0008157 appears to disclose microalgae based compositions and methods of improving emergence and yield of plants by administering an effective amount of a microalgae based liquid composition in combination with other active ingredients including extracts from macroalgae, extracts from microalgae, minerals, humate derivatives, primary nutrients, micronutrients, chelating agents, and anti-biotics. A method of applying a microalgae-based composition to soil to increase the cation exchange capacity of the soil is also disclosed.

[0024] United States Patent Application Publication Number 2005/0022569 appears to disclose methods for producing homogenous organic base fertilizer for plant nutrition and soil fertility. Also provided by the subject invention are value added fertilizer products for plant nutrition and soil fertility and concentrated liquid formulations/nutrient supplements that provide the value added nutrients to fertilizer products. Methods according to the invention involve the application of concentrated liquid(s) and/or dry formulation(s) comprising a mixture of one or more plant nutrient(s), one or more additional organic compound(s), one or more penetrant(s), and one or more optional supplement(s) into one or more organic base material(s). These organic base materials include, and are not limited to, biosolids, activated sludge, municipal compost, animal manures (e.g., horse, cow, chicken, pig, and sheep), and composted organic byproducts.

[0025] United States Patent Application Publication Number 2002/0065198 appears to disclose stable concentrated suspensions readily dispersible in water comprising one or more agricultural solids, a single non-ionic surfactant and a water- soluble glycol liquid. The agricultural solids include fertilizers, adjuvants, herbicides, pesticides and combinations thereof approved for use with foods. The non-ionic surfactant is an alkyl-phenoxy-poly(ethylenoxide)alkanol, an ethoxylated aliphatic On to C15 alcohol, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer or an ethoxylated fatty acid. Preferably, the surfactant has an average molecular weight from about 300 Daltons to about 1 ,000 Daltons. The water-soluble glycol liquid is ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or mixtures thereof. The agricultural solid particles are at least about 99 wt.% passable through a Tyler No. 48 sieve. The suspensions of the invention exhibit physical stability during normal storage conditions, good pourability, and are readily dispersed in water.

[0026] International Patent Publication Number WO 00/36085 appears to disclose a liquid and dry formulation suitable for use in enhancing plant growth which includes a plurality of Bacillus and Paenibacillus strains at least one of which function to produce phytohormones in a non-toxic form. The formulation also includes a phytohormone component and a phytohormone precursor to potentiate roots for colonization by the inoculated strains, as well as a low-level blend of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal plant development.

[0027] Australian Patent Number 2016261722 appears to disclose a biostimulant formulation for promoting plant growth, comprising: juice obtained from at least one seaweed species; and hydrolysate obtained from at least one seaweed species pulp, wherein the hydrolysate is obtained from the pulp after juice has been extracted. A method of preparing the biostimulant formulation. A method of contacting the biostimulant formulation with plant to promote the plant growth.

[0028] Australian Patent Number 2016101635 appears to disclose a carbonbased bio-organic fertilizer and its preparation method, the carbon-based bio-organic fertilizer by in parts by weight, including biochar 30 to 60 parts, sterile chicken 10-30 parts, bone meal 5-10 parts, bentonite 6-11 parts, refined wood vinegar liquid 2-5 parts, trace element additive 2-4 parts as well as 0.5-1 parts of the beneficial agents. With use of organic fertilizers based of the biochar of the present invention, it improved the capacity of retaining water and nutrients of the existing soil, and effectively increased soil fertility, purified the environment of the crop growth.

[0029] Chinese Patent Number 111646863 appears to disclose soil improvement products and, more particularly, a stress-resistant organic soil conditioner with a biostimulation effect, which is prepared from 10-60 parts of calcium silicate powder, 30- 50 parts of biomass fertilizer, 10-20 parts of humic acid, 15-25 parts of chitosan, 10-20 parts of bentonite, 5-10 parts of alginic acid solution, 6-16 parts of amino acid solution, 6-12 parts of animal viscera fermentation liquor, 4-6 parts of water locking agent, 0.2-0.7 parts of magnesium sulfate, 0.02-0.06 parts of biological flora, and 0.3-0.7 parts of brassin. The invention also relates to a method of making a stress-resistant organic soil conditioner with a biostimulation effect, which is obtained by mixing the raw materials and then granulating the mixture using a high tower. The soil conditioner of the invention contains a large amount of active effective silicon nutrition, combines a plurality of marine organism source growth promoting factors such as alginic acid and the like, nourishes root systems, promotes the growth of the root systems, improves the activity of the root systems, and enhances the stress resistance of crops such as drought resistance, disease and insect resistance, continuous cropping resistance and the like.

[0030] While the organic bases, nutrient formulations and fertilizers disclosed supra have been known in the art for years, issues associated with formulation performance, while maintaining environmentally preferred characteristics remain largely problematic and/or unsolved. As such, there is a genuine demand for novel, marine algae/seaweed derived organic bases that exhibit at least partial water solubility and are useful in a plurality of applications.

[0031] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in light of the present specification, claims, chemical structures, chemical formulae, and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0033] The present invention is directed to an organic base comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: a solid powder; wherein the solid powder is derived from marine algae/seaweed; wherein the solid powder is freeze dried; and wherein the solid powder is at least partially water soluble.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solid powder is generally homogenous and comprises an average particle size of less than 20 microns.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solid powder is derived from a Rhodophyta, a Phaeophyta (e.g., Sargassum, kelp, etcetera), and/or a Chlorophyta.

[0036] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solid powder preferably exhibits a solubility in water of at least 2 grams per gallon at 25 degrees Centigrade, and more preferably exhibits a solubility in water of at least 4 grams per gallon at 25 degrees Centigrade, and yet more preferably exhibits a solubility in water of at least 6 grams per gallon at 25 degrees Centigrade.

[0037] The present invention is also directed to an organic base formulation comprising, consisting essentially of, and/or consisting of: (1 ) a base; (a) wherein the base is derived from marine algae/seaweed; (b) wherein the base is freeze dried; and (c) wherein the base is at least partially water soluble; and (2) a plant hormone.

[0038] In a preferred implementation of the present invention, the plant hormone is extracted from bark sap of a willow tree.

[0039] In another preferred implementation of the present invention, the plant hormone comprises a phenolic phytohormone.

[0040] In yet another preferred implementation of the present invention, the plant hormone comprises a weak acid and a conjugate base.

[0041] In one preferred implementation of the present invention, the plant hormone is a weak polyprotic acid.

[0042] In another preferred aspect of the present invention, the plant hormone is a weak diprotic acid.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the plant hormone is a compound represented by the structure of formula (I): wherein Ri-Re are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, and an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, and/or cyano group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R1-R2 is OH.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the organic base further comprises a solvent (e.g., water).

[0045] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, organic base further comprises a source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or potassium. [0046] The present invention is further directed to a method for preparing an organic base, comprising the steps of, consisting essentially of the steps of, and/or consisting of the steps of: (1 ) harvesting and/or obtaining marine algae/seaweed; (2) washing the harvested marine algae with water to remove sediment therefrom; (3) desalinizing the marine algae via boiling the same for a period of time to also reduce heavy metal contamination; (4) optionally drying the desalinized marine algae, preferably to a moisture concentration of less than 25% at ambient temperature via a dehumidifier; (5) optionally milling the dried and desalinized marine algae so that the average particle size of the resulting powder is preferably less than 250 microns; (6) freeze drying the powder preferably for at least 24 hours; and (7) optionally further milling the freeze-dried powder so that the average particle size of the resulting powder is preferably less than 20 microns.

[0047] The present invention is also directed to an organic base prepared according to the methods disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Certain embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the accompanying figures. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale and that details not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that render other details difficult to perceive may be omitted.

[0049] It will be further understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0050] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0051] Figure 1 of the drawings is a ¹ H-NMR spectrogram of a first plant hormone (salicylic acid);

[0052] Figure 2 of the drawings is a ¹³ C-NMR spectrogram of the first plant hormone of Figure 1 ;

[0053] Figure 3 of the drawings is a ¹ H-NMR spectrogram of a conjugate base (salicylate) of the first plant hormone of Figure 1 ; and

[0054] Figure 4 of the drawings is a ¹³ C-NMR spectrogram of the conjugate base of Figure 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the structural formulas and described herein in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. It will be understood that the structural formulas disclosed herein are intended to comprise all stereochemical configurations regardless of graphical representations.

[0056] In accordance with the present invention, organic bases and organic base formulations are disclosed herein that, among other things, utilize a freeze-dried, solid powder that are derived from marine algae/seaweed and are at least partially water soluble and/or water miscible. The bases and formulations of the present invention are useful in a plurality of applications, including, but not limited to, oil extraction, cosmetics, food products, agar, pharmaceuticals, plastics, paper products, health supplements, agricultural products, fertilizers, lawn and garden products, aerospace-horticultural products, and nutrients for plants, fruits, and vegetables. The marine algae are preferably nutrient rich having 4, 5, and/or 6 plant growth regulators. Preferably, the marine algae comprise Rhodophyta, a Phaeophyta e.g., Sargassum, kelp, etcetera) Chlorophyta, etcetera.

[0057] Non-limiting examples of Sargassum include Sargassum abbottiae, Sargassum acinacifolium, Sargassum acinaciforme, Sargassum acinaria, Sargassum acinarium, Sargassum agardhianum, Sargassum agaviforme, Sargassum albemarlense, Sargassum albertisii, Sargassum alternato-pinnatum, Sargassum amabile, Sargassum amaliae, Sargassum ammophilum, Sargassum angii, Sargassum angustifolioides, Sargassum angustifolium, Sargassum aquifolium, Sargassum araii, Sargassum armatum, Sargassum arnaudianum, Sargassum asperifolium, Sargassum assimile, Sargassum autumnale, Sargassum baccularia, Sargassum balingasayense, Sargassum banyuejiaoense, Sargassum bataanense, Sargassum beihaiense, Sargassum belangeri, Sargassum bermudense, Sargassum bicorne, Sargassum biserrulioides, Sargassum boreale, Sargassum botruosum, Sargassum botuliforme, Sargassum boveanum, Sargassum brachycarpum, Sargassum Brachyphyllum, Sargassum brandegeei, Sargassum bulbiferum, Sargassum buxifolium, Sargassum calophyllum, Sargassum capillare, Sargassum capilliforme, Sargassum capitatum, Sargassum carpophyllum, Sargassum cavernulosum, Sargassum cervicorne, Sargassum chamissonis, Sargassum cinctum, Sargassum cinereum, Sargassum cinotum, Sargassum claviferum, Sargassum clonocarpum, Sargassum concinnum, Sargassum confusum, Sargassum congkinhii, Sargassum corderoi, Sargassum coreanum, Sargassum cornigerum, Sargassum cornutifructum, Sargassum costatum, Sargassum cotoense, Sargassum crispifolium, Sargassum cuneifolium, Sargassum currimaoense, Sargassum cylindrocarpum, Sargassum cylindrocystum, Sargassum cymosum, Sargassum cystocarpum, Sargassum cystophyllum, Sargassum dasyphyllum, Sargassum dazhouense, Sargassum decaisnei, Sargassum densicystum, Sargassum densifolium, Sargassum denticarpum, Sargassum dentifolium, Sargassum desfontainesii, Sargassum desvauxii, Sargassum distichum, Sargassum divaricatum, Sargassum diversifolium, Sargassum dotyi, Sargassum dumosum, Sargassum ecuadoreanum, Sargassum elegans, Sargassum emarginatum, Sargassum ensifolium, Sargassum erinaceum, Sargassum erosum, Sargassum erumpens, Sargassum esperi, Sargassum expansum, Sargassum fallax, Sargassum feldmannii, Sargassum fergusonii, Sargassum filifolium, Sargassum filiforme, Sargassum filipendula, Sargassum fissifolium, Sargassum flavicans, Sargassum flavifolium, Sargassum fluitans, Sargassum fragile, Sargassum fresenianum, Sargassum frutescens, Sargassum fruticulosum, Sargassum fujianense, Sargassum fuliginosoides, Sargassum fulvellum, Sargassum furcatum, Sargassum fuscifolium, Sargassum fusiforme, Sargassum galapagense, Sargassum gemmiphorum, Sargassum giganteifolium, Sargassum giganteum, Sargassum glandulifolium, Sargassum glaucescens, Sargassum globulariifolium, Sargassum godeffroyi, Sargassum gracillimum, Sargassum graminifolium, Sargassum granuliferum, Sargassum guangdongii, Sargassum hainanense, Sargassum hemiphylloides, Sargassum hemiphyllum, Sargassum henslowianum, Sargassum herbaceum, Sargassum herklotsii, Sargassum herporhizum, Sargassum hildebrandtii, Sargassum hombronianum, Sargassum horneri, Sargassum hornschuchii, Sargassum horridulum, Sargassum horridum, Sargassum howellii, Sargassum huangluense, Sargassum hystrix, Sargassum heterophyllum, Sargassum ilicifolioides, Sargassum ilicifolium, Sargassum incanum, Sargassum incisifolium, Sargassum integerrimum, Sargassum integrifolioides, Sargassum intermedium, Sargassum involucratum, Sargassum johnsonii, Sargassum johnstonii, Sargassum kashiwajimanum, Sargassum kasyotense, Sargassum kuetzingii, Sargassum kushimotense, Sargassum lacerifolium, Sargassum laevigatum, Sargassum lanceolatum, Sargassum lapazeanum, Sargassum latifolium, Sargassum laxifolium, Sargassum leizhouense, Sargassum lendigerum, Sargassum leptopodum, Sargassum leptopodum, Sargassum liebmannii, Sargassum ligulatum, Sargassum linearifolium, Sargassum longicarpum, Sargassum longicaulis, Sargassum longifolius, Sargassum longifructum, Sargassum longivesiculosum, Sargassum lophocarpum, Sargassum macdougalii, Sargassum macrocarpum, Sargassum macrophyllum, Sargassum marcaccii, Sargassum marginatum, Sargassum mathiesonii, Sargassum mcclurei, Sargassum megalocystum, Sargassum micracanthum, Sargassum microceratium, Sargassum microcystum, Sargassum microphyllum, Sargassum minimum, Sargassum miyabei, Sargassum muticum Sargassum namoense, Sargassum nanshaense, Sargassum naozhounse, Sargassum natans, Sargassum neglectum, Sargassum neurophorum, Sargassum nigrescens, Sargassum nigrifolioides, Sargassum nigrifolium, Sargassum nipponicum, Sargassum notarisii, Sargassum novae-hollandiae, Sargassum nozhouense, Sargassum obtusifolium, Sargassum ohnoi, Sargassum okamurae, Sargassum oligocystum, Sargassum orotavicum, Sargassum pachycarpum, Sargassum pacificum, Sargassum pallidum, Sargassum palmeri, Sargassum paniculatum, Sargassum paradoxum, Sargassum parvifolioides, Sargassum parvifolium, Sargassum parvivesiculosum, Sargassum parvulum, Sargassum patens, Sargassum persicum, Sargassum pfeifferae, Sargassum phamhoangii, Sargassum philippinense, Sargassum phyllocystum, Sargassum picconii, Sargassum piluliferum, Sargassum pinnatifidum, Sargassum pinnatiphyllum, Sargassum plagiophyllum, Sargassum platycarpum, Sargassum podacanthoides, Sargassum podacanthum, Sargassum polyacanthum, Sargassum polyceratium, Sargassum polycystum, Sargassum polyphyllum, Sargassum polyporum, Sargassum portierianum, Sargassum primitivum, Sargassum prismaticum, Sargassum pseudocystocarpum, Sargassum pseudolanceolatum, Sargassum pterocystum, Sargassum pteropleuron, Sargassum pulchellum, Sargassum pumilum, Sargassum pusilium, Sargassum pyriforme, Sargassum qingdaoense, Sargassum qinzhounse, Sargassum qionghaiense, Sargassum quinhonense, Sargassum ramentaceum, Sargassum ramifolium, Sargassum raoulii, Sargassum rhizophorum, Sargassum ringgoldianum, Sargassum robillardii, Sargassum robustum, Sargassum rostratum, Sargassum ryukyuense, Sargassum sagamianum, Sargassum salicifolioides, Sargassum salicifolium, Sargassum salicifolium, Sargassum saltii, Sargassum samarense, Sargassum sanyaense, Sargassum saundersii, Sargassum scabridum, Sargassum scherzerianum, Sargassum schnetteri, Sargassum scopula, Sargassum segii, Sargassum serratifolium, Sargassum serratum, Sargassum shandongense, Sargassum shangchuanii, Sargassum siliculosoides, Sargassum siliquastrum, Sargassum siliquosum, Sargassum sylvae, Sargassum silvai, Sargassum sinclairii, Sargassum Sinicola, Sargassum sonorense, Sargassum spathulophyllum, Sargassum spinifex, Sargassum spinuligerum, Sargassum squarrosum, Sargassum steinitzii, Sargassum subdroserifolium, Sargassum subfalcatum, Sargassum subrepandum, Sargassum subspathulatum, Sargassum subtilissimum, Sargassum sullivanii, Sargassum swartzii, Sargassum symphyorhizoideum, Sargassum taeniatum, Sargassum taiwanicum, Sargassum telephifolium, Sargassum templetonii, Sargassum tenerrimum, Sargassum tenuifolioides, Sargassum tenuifolium, Sargassum tenuissimum, Sargassum teretifolium, Sargassum thivyae, Sargassum thunbergia, Sargassum tilesii, Sargassum torvum, Sargassum tosaense, Sargassum trichocarpum, Sargassum tristichum, Sargassum turbinarioides, Sargassum ulixei, Sargassum umezakii, Sargassum vachellianum, Sargassum vaysierianum, Sargassum velasquezii, Sargassum verrucosum, Sargassum vestitum, Sargassum vigorosum, Sargassum virescens, Sargassum virgatum, Sargassum vizcainense, Sargassum vulgare, Sargassum wakayamaense, Sargassum wangii, Sargassum weizhounse, Sargassum wenchangense, Sargassum wsizhouense, Sargassum xishaense, Sargassum yamadae, Sargassum yamamotoi, Sargassum yemenense, Sargassum yendoi, Sargassum yezoense, Sargassum yinggehaiense, Sargassum yongxingense, Sargassum yoshidae, Sargassum zacae, and/or Sargassum zhangii.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the organic base is a solid powder that is generally homogenous and comprises an average particle size of less than 200 microns, and more preferably less than 20 microns.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the solid powder exhibits a solubility in water of at approximately (+/- 10%) least 2 grams per gallon at 25 degrees Centigrade, and more preferably a solubility in water of at least approximately (+/- 10%) 4 grams per gallon at 25 degrees Centigrade, and most preferably a solubility in water of at least approximately (+/- 10%) 6 grams per gallon at 25 degrees Centigrade.

[0060] The present invention is also directed to an organic base formulation that comprises: (1) an optional solvent; (2) a base; (a) wherein the base is derived from marine algae/seaweed; (b) wherein the base is freeze dried; and (c) wherein the base is at least partially water soluble; (3) a plant hormone/nutrient; (4) an optional surfactant/wetting agent; and (5) an optional colorant.

[0061] In accordance with the present invention, the base preferably comprises seaweed, algae, and/or sargassum. Preferably, the sargassum is desalinized such that the arsenic concentration is less than an approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 200 ppm, and more preferably less than approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 10 ppm. In this embodiment the sargassum is preferably acid extracted and desalinized.

[0062] For purposes of the present disclosure, the optional solvent of the formulation may comprise one or more of any one of a number of common, commercially available solvents, including polar solvents and/or non-polar solvents. Specific examples of preferred solvents include, for example, water, deionized, distilled, and/or reverse osmosis water, hexane, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, benzene, ethers, 3-methylsulfolane, glutaronitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, acetonitrile, polyethers including tetraglyme, alcohols including ethoxyethanol, nitriles including 3-hydroxypropionitrile, 2-methylglutaronitrile, ketones including 2- acetylbutyrolactone, cyclopentanone, cyclic esters including beta-propiolactone, gammabutyrolactone, gamma-valerolactone, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate and homogenous mixtures of the same. While specific solvents have been disclosed, for illustrative purposes only, as being suitable solvents, numerous other solvents that would be known to those having ordinary skill in the art having the present disclosure before them are likewise contemplated for use. Indeed, it will be understood that nonliquid or polymer type media are suitable for use in accordance with the present invention. Preferably, the solvent is present in a concentration ranging from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 10 percent by weight to approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 98 percent by weight, and more preferably from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 75 percent by weight to approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 98 percent by weight.

[0063] In accordance with the present invention, the plant hormone/nutrient is preferably extracted from bark sap of a willow tree. Details regarding extraction and processing of one plant hormone is provided in United States Patent Number 9,067,840 entitled "Organic Plant Nutrient," which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety including all references cited therein. The plant hormone may be organic and/or synthetic and preferably comprises a phenolic phytohormone and/or a weak acid and a conjugate base. In this embodiment, the plant hormone is preferably a weak polyprotic acid, and more preferably, a weak diprotic acid.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the plant hormone comprises a compound represented by the structure of formula (I): wherein Ri-Re are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, and an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, and/or cyano group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R1-R2 is OH.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, the plant hormone comprises a compound represented by the structure of formula (II): wherein Ri-Ra are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, and an alkyl, aryl, alkoxy, alkanoyl, aroyl, alkenyl, and/or cyano group containing 1 to 25 carbon atom(s) with the proviso that at least one of R1-R2 is OH.

[0066] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the plant hormone comprises a compound represented by the structure of formula (III):

[0067] In one implementation of the present invention, the plant hormone comprises compounds represented by the structures of formula (III) and (IV): wherein X is a counter cation, such as, but not limited to, Li ⁺ , Na ⁺ , K ⁺ , Rb ⁺ , and Cs ⁺ .

[0068] Preferably, the plant hormone is present in a concentration ranging from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 0.001 percent by weight to approximately (i.e. , +/- 10 percent) 25.00 percent by weight, and more preferably from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 0.001 percent by weight to approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 25.00 percent by weight.

[0069] For purposes of the present disclosure, the organic base formulation preferably comprises one or more optional surfactants, such as, but not limited to, a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a zwitterionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.

[0070] Non-limiting examples of preferred anionic surfactants include taurates; isethionates; alkyl and alkyl ether sulfates; succinamates; alkyl sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates; olefin sulfonates; alkoxy alkane sulfonates; sodium and potassium salts of fatty acids derived from natural plant or animal sources or synthetically prepared; sodium, potassium, ammonium, and alkylated ammonium salts of alkylated and acylated amino acids and peptides; alkylated sulfoacetates; alkylated sulfosuccinates; acylglyceride sulfonates, alkoxyether sulfonates; phosphoric acid esters; phospholipids; and combinations thereof. Specific anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, ammonium cocoyl isethionate, sodium cocoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium stearoyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium cocoyl sarcosinate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, disodium laureth sulfosuccinate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, TEA-cocoyl glutamate, TEA cocoyl alaninate, sodium cocoyl taurate, potassium cetyl phosphate.

[0071] Non-limiting examples of preferred cationic surfactants include alkylated quaternary ammonium salts R ₄ NX; alkylated amino-amides (RCONH-(CH2) _n )NR3X; alkylimidazolines; alkoxylated amines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of anionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetyl ammonium chloride, cetyl ammonium bromide, lauryl ammonium chloride, lauryl ammonium bromide, stearyl ammonium chloride, stearyl ammonium bromide, cetyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium bromide, stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearyl dimethyl cetyl ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium chloride, dilauryl ammonium bromide, distearyl ammonium chloride, distearyl ammonium bromide, dicetyl methyl ammonium chloride, dicetyl methyl ammonium bromide, dilauryl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium chloride, distearyl methyl ammonium bromide, ditallow dimethyl ammonium chloride, ditallow dimethyl ammonium sulfate, dehydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium chloride, dehydrogenated tallow) dimethyl ammonium acetate, ditallow dipropyl ammonium phosphate, ditallow dimethyl ammonium nitrate, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium chloride, di(coconutalkyl)dimethyl ammonium bromide, tallow ammonium chloride, coconut ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl PG-imonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldimonium ethosulfate, stearimidopropyldimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl cetearyl ammonium tosylate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate, ditallowyl oxyethyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, behenamidopropyl PG dimonium chloride, dilauryl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearly dimethyl ammonium chloride, dimyristyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, dipalmityl dimethyl ammonium chloride, distearyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidoproyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate, stearamidopropyl ethyldiammonium ethosulfate, stearamidopropyl dimethyl (myristyl acetate) ammonium chloride, stearimidopropyl diemthyl cetaryl ammonium tosylate, stearamido propyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, stearamidopropyl dimethyl ammonium lactate.

[0072] Non-limiting examples of preferred non-ionic surfactants include alcohols, alkanolamides, amine oxides, esters (including glycerides, ethoxylated glycerides, polyglyceryl esters, sorbitan esters, carbohydrate esters, ethoxylated carboxylic acids, phosphoric acid triesters), ethers (including ethoxylated alcohols, alkyl glucosides, ethoxylated polypropylene oxide ethers, alkylated polyethylene oxides, alkylated polypropylene oxides, alkylated PEG/PPO copolymers), silicone copolyols. Specific examples of non-ionic surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20, nonoxynol-9, C12-15 pareth-9, POE(4) lauryl ether, cocamide DEA, glycol distearate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, sorbitan stearate, PEG-8 laurate, polyglyceryl-10 trilaurate, lauryl glucoside, octylphenoxy- polyethoxyethanol, PEG-4 laurate, polyglyceryl diisostearate, polysorbate-60, PEG-200 isostearyl palmitate, sorbitan monooleate, polysorbate-80.

[0073] Non-limiting examples of preferred zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants include betaines; sultaines; hydroxysultaines, amido betaines, amidosulfo betaines; and combinations thereof. Specific examples of amphoteric surfactants contemplated for use include, but are by no means limited to, cocoamidopropyl sultaine, cocoamidopropyl hydroxyl sultaine, cocoamidopropylbetaine, coco dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cetyl dimethyl betaine, lauryl (2-bishydroxy) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis-(2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oelyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis-(2-hydroxypropyl)alpha carboxymethyl betaine, coco dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis(2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, cocamidopropyl betaine.

[0074] Preferably, surfactant(s) are present in a concentration ranging from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 0.5 percent by weight to approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 25 percent by weight, and more preferably from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 0.5 percent by weight to approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 15 percent by weight.

[0075] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the organic base solutions/formulations may comprise one or more optional adjunct agents including, but not limited to, water-soluble calcium salts, sources of nitrogen, phosphorus (e.g., bat guano), and/or potassium, sulfur, vitamins (e.g., vitamins C, D, Bi, B ₃ , B ₆ , B ₉ , B12, etcetera), minerals, metals (e.g., iron, magnesium, etcetera), transition metals, silica, macro-nutrients, micro-nutrients, herbal additives, anti-oxidants, buffers, stabilizing agents (e.g., citric acid and/or its conjugate base), chelating agents, and/or colorants - just to name a few. It will be understood that the plant hormone may be associated with any combination of the foregoing adjunct agents.

[0076] Preferably, adjunct agent(s) are independently and/or collectively present in a concentration ranging from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 0.005 percent by weight to approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 25 percent by weight, and more preferably from approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 0.1 percent by weight to approximately (i.e., +/- 10 percent) 5 percent by weight.

[0077] In accordance with the present invention, the organic base formulations may be liquids (e.g., concentrate, non-diluted, diluted, ready-to-use) gels, and/or solids (e.g., crystalized, dry, partially dehydrated, fully dehydrated, freeze dried).

[0078] The present invention is also directed to a method for making or preparing an organic base, comprising the steps of: (1) harvesting and/or obtaining marine algae; (2) washing the harvested marine algae with water to remove sediment therefrom; (3) desalinizing the marine algae via boiling the same for a period of time (e.g., 30, 60, 90, 150, 500, 1 ,000 minutes) to also reduce heavy metal contamination (e.g., preferably total heavy metal concentration less than 50 ppm, more preferably less than 5 ppm, and most preferably less than 1 ppm) (This step may also be carried out via electrolysis instead of and/or in addition to boiling, either concurrently, simultaneously, and/or sequentially); (4) optionally drying the desalinized marine algae, preferably to a moisture concentration of less than 25% at ambient temperature (e.g., 50-120°F) via a dehumidifier; (5) optionally milling/grinding (e.g., low sheer, high sheer) the dried and desalinized marine algae so that the average particle size of the resulting powder is preferably less than 250 microns (and preferably less than 50 microns, and most preferably less than 5 microns); (6) freeze drying the powder preferably for at least 24 hours (e.g., 24, 36, 50, 100, 500) (This step may also be carried out via acid treatment instead of and/or in addition to freeze drying, either concurrently, simultaneously, and/or sequentially); and (7) optionally further milling the freeze-dried powder so that the average particle size of the resulting powder is preferably less than 20 microns (and preferably less than 15 microns, and most preferably less than 5 microns). Additional and/or alternative steps are also contemplated in accordance with the present invention, including: steam/pressure treating the product to increase water solubility; heat gun application; and liquid nitrogen spraying and/or dipping. Step 3 of the present invention, can alternatively be carried out by soaking the marine algae in fresh water for 1 -10 hours, followed by boiling and draining.

[0079] It will be understood that other weights, weight ratios, and ranges are obtainable from the Examples provided hereinbelow. Provided below are non-limiting examples of organic base formulations in accordance with the present invention.

Example 1

Example 2 Example 3

Example 4 Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

[0080] Procedure: [0081] 1. PHASE A in main vessel, add Phase A ingredients one at a time and mix until completely dissolved and uniform. A Silverson L5M-A homogenizer at 5,000 RPM expedites formation of the stable, homogenous dispersion/emulsion. It will be understood that water/solvent may be removed to form a dry product and/or replaced with a conventional filler. [0082] It will be further understood that any reference to compounds disclosed herein includes salts and/or solvates of the same.

[0083] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention is not limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0084] While certain embodiments have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that changes and modifications can be made therein in accordance with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the technology in its broader aspects as defined in the following claims.

[0085] The embodiments, illustratively described herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations, not specifically disclosed herein. Thus, for example, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," etcetera shall be read expansively and without limitation. Additionally, the terms and expressions employed herein have been used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claimed technology. Additionally, the phrase "consisting essentially of" will be understood to include those elements specifically recited and those additional elements that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed technology. The phrase "consisting of" excludes any element not specified.

[0086] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and compositions within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds compositions or biological systems, which can of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0087] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0088] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etcetera. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etcetera. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as "up to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which can be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Finally, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0089] All publications, patent applications, issued patents, and other documents referred to in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, issued patent, or other document was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety. Definitions that are contained in text incorporated by reference are excluded to the extent that they contradict definitions in this disclosure.

[0090] Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.