Artificial seed coat for botanic seed analogs
AssigneePlant Genetics, Inc.
InventorsM. Keith Redenbaugh, Zoila Reyes
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Abstract
Methods and materials are provided for coating hydrogel capsules which contain encapsulated meristematic tissue substantially free of intact seed coat with a membrane which controls the migration of solvents and their included solutes between the capsule and its environment, thereby creating an analog to natural botanic seed having an artificial seed coat which provides the benefits of natural seed coat. The membranes may be formed of a single compound or various compounds which provide control over the migration of distinct elements.
Claims14
A membrane coated hydrogel capsule encapsulating meristematic tissue and separating said tissue from its environment, which comprises:
- a hydrogel capsule which contains encapsulated meristematic tissue substantially free of intact seed coat;
- and
- at least one membrane coating surrounding the capsule which reduces the flow of solvents and their included solutes between the capsule and its environment, thereby creating an analog to natural botanic seed having an artificial seed coat which provides the benefits of natural seed coat.
A method for encapsulating meristematic tissue and separating the tissue from its environment comprising:
- encapsulating meristematic tissue substantially free of intact seed coat in a hydrogel capsule;
- and
- surrounding the capsule with at least one membrane which controls the migration of solvents and their included solutes between the capsules and its environment, thereby creating an analog to natural botanic seed having an artificial seed coat which provides the benefits of natural seed coat.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.