PLANT GROWTH MEDIA AND METHODS FOR USING THE SAME

Abstract

A plant growth medium, including: (a) a first segment; (b) a second segment; and (c) wherein the first segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for an initial stage of plant development, and wherein the second segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a subsequent stage of plant development. The plant growth medium may optionally include additional segments for optimized plant growth and/or development.

Claims

1. A plant growth medium, comprising: a first segment; a second segment, wherein the second segment is positioned around and below the first segment; and wherein the first segment comprises kelp and salicylic acid obtained from organic plant nutrient optimized for an initial stage of plant development, and wherein the second segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a subsequent stage of plant development.

2. The plant growth medium according to claim 1, further comprising a third segment, wherein the third segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a subsequent stage of plant development after development in the second segment.

3. The plant growth medium according to claim 2, further comprising a fourth segment, wherein the fourth segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a subsequent stage of plant development after development in the third segment.

4. The plant growth medium according to claim 1, wherein the first segment and the second segment comprise a polar solvent.

5. The plant growth medium according to claim 4, wherein the polar solvent comprises water.

6. The plant growth medium according to claim 5, wherein the first segment and the second segment comprise a gelling agent.

7. The plant growth medium according to claim 6, wherein the first and second segments comprise a gelling agent independently selected from the group consisting of agar, gelatin, xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, an acrylate copolymer, a crosslinked polyacrylic acid, a hydrophobically-modified polyacrylate crosspolymer, polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, and combinations thereof.

8. The plant growth medium according to claim 7, wherein the first segment and the second segment are self-standing.

9. (canceled)

10. The plant growth medium according to claim 1, wherein the one or more nutrient(s) in the second segment are independently selected from the group consisting of water soluble nitrogen, water soluble phosphorus, water soluble potassium, and combinations thereof.

11. (canceled)

12. A plant growth medium, comprising: a first segment; a second segment; a third segment; wherein the third segment is positioned around and below the second segment and the second segment is positioned around and below the first segment; wherein the first, second, and third segments comprise a self-standing, aqueous gelled medium; and wherein the first segment comprises kelp and salicylic acid obtained from organic plant nutrient optimized for an initial stage of plant development, wherein the second segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a first subsequent stage of plant development, and wherein the third segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a second subsequent stage of plant development.

13. (canceled)

14. The plant growth medium according to claim 12, wherein the one or more nutrient(s) in the second segment are independently selected from the group consisting of water soluble nitrogen, water soluble phosphorus, water soluble potassium, and combinations thereof.

15. The plant growth medium according to claim 12, wherein the one or more nutrient(s) in the third segment are independently selected from the group consisting of water soluble nitrogen, water soluble phosphorus, water soluble potassium, and combinations thereof.

16. A plant growth medium, comprising: a first segment; a second segment; a third segment; a fourth segment; wherein the fourth segment is positioned around and below the third segment, the third segment is positioned around and below the second segment, and the second segment is positioned around and below the first segment; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth segments comprise a self-standing, aqueous gelled medium; and wherein the first segment comprises kelp and salicylic acid obtained from organic plant nutrient optimized for an initial stage of plant development, wherein the second segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a first subsequent stage of plant development, wherein the third segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a second subsequent stage of plant development, and wherein the fourth segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a third subsequent stage of plant development.

17. A method for using a plant growth medium, comprising the steps of: providing a plant growth medium according to claim 16; inserting one or more plant seeds in the first segment of the plant growth medium; and exposing the plant growth medium having the inserted seed(s) to sun light and/or artificial light for a period of time.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] 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.

[0031] It will be further understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0032] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0033] FIG. 1 of the drawings is a transparent perspective view of a two-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 2 of the drawings is top view of a two-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 3 of the drawings is bottom view of a two-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 4 of the drawings is a transparent perspective view of a three-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 5 of the drawings is top view of a three-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

[0038] FIG. 6 of the drawings is bottom view of a three-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 7 of the drawings is a transparent perspective view of a four-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 8 of the drawings is top view of a four-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention; and

[0041] FIG. 9 of the drawings is bottom view of a four-chamber plant growth medium fabricated in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings 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.

[0043] It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings by like reference characters. In addition, it will be understood that the drawings are merely schematic representations of one or more embodiments of the invention, and some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for purposes of pictorial clarity.

[0044] The plant growth media of the present invention are preferably customized, nutrient segmented and self-contained plant growth media that only require the sun for optimized plant growth and/or crop production from seed-to-harvest.

[0045] Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 1-3 in particular, in a first embodiment, plant growth medium 10 generally comprises first segment 12 (e.g., chamber, section, compartment), and second segment 14. Preferably, first segment 12 comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for an initial stage of plant development, and second segment 14 comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a subsequent stage of plant development.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, first segment 12 and second segment 14 comprise a solvent, such as water, distilled water, reverse osmosis water, tap water, well water, demineralized water, softened water, mineral water—just to name a few. It will be understood that other solvents or co-solvents that are compatible with plant and/or crop growth are likewise contemplated for use.

[0047] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, first segment 12 and/or second segment 14 comprise a gelling agent. Suitable examples include, but are not limited to, agar, gelatin, xanthan gum, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, an acrylate copolymer, a crosslinked polyacrylic acid, a hydrophobically-modified polyacrylate crosspolymer, and/or polyacrylate crosspolymer-6.

[0048] Preferably, the gelled segments result in the entire plant growth medium being self-standing.

[0049] In a preferred implementation of the present invention, the one or more nutrient(s) in first segment 12 are independently selected from the group consisting of Tappin' Roots natural all stages plant fertilizer (See U.S. Pat. No. 9,067,840 Entitled Organic Plant Nutrient which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety including all references cited therein), an organic plant nutrient salicylic acid and kelp, any type of hormone, a light nutrient, a plant-based regulator approved for plant growth, water soluble nitrogen, water soluble phosphorous, water soluble potassium, and combinations thereof, and the one or more nutrient(s) in second segment 14 are independently selected from the group consisting of Tappin' Roots natural all stages plant fertilizer, water soluble nitrogen (e.g., natural urea, synthetic organic urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, and mono-di-ammonium phosphate, selocitic acid, phidohormones, etcetera), water soluble phosphorous (e.g., bat guana, bone meal, rock phosphate, etcetera), water soluble potassium (e.g., greensand, kelp meal, hardwood ashes, etcetera), and combinations thereof. Tappin' Roots natural all stages plant fertilizer is commercially available from Tappin' Roots, LLC (Graton, California). Natural and synthetic nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are available from any one of a number of conventional vendors.

[0050] Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 4-6 in particular, in a second embodiment, plant growth medium 10 generally comprises first segment 12 (e.g., chamber, section, compartment), second segment 14, and third segment 16. Preferably, the first, second, and third segments comprise a self-standing, aqueous gelled medium. In addition, first segment 12 preferably comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for an initial stage of plant development, second segment 14 preferably comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a first subsequent stage of plant development, and third segment 16 preferably comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a second subsequent stage of plant development.

[0051] In one embodiment, the one or more nutrient(s) in first segment 12 comprise Tappin' Roots natural all stages plant fertilizer, the one or more nutrient(s) in second segment 14 are independently selected from the group consisting of water soluble nitrogen, water soluble phosphorous, water soluble potassium, and combinations thereof, and the one or more nutrient(s) in third segment 16 are independently selected from the group consisting of water soluble nitrogen, water soluble phosphorous, water soluble potassium, and combinations thereof.

[0052] Referring now to the drawings, and to FIGS. 7-9 in particular, in a third embodiment, plant growth medium 10 generally comprises first segment 12 (e.g., chamber, section, compartment), second segment 14, third segment 16, and fourth segment 18. Preferably, the first, second, third, and fourth segments comprise a self-standing, aqueous gelled medium. Moreover, first segment 12 preferably comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for an initial stage of plant development, second segment 14 preferably comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a first subsequent stage of plant development, third segment 16 preferably comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a second subsequent stage of plant development, and fourth segment 18 comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a third subsequent stage of plant development.

[0053] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, plant growth medium 10 may comprise the general geometry of a cube, a cuboid, a tetrahedron, a pyramid, a square pyramid, a hexagonal pyramid, a prism, a triangular prism, a pentagonal prism, a hexagonal prism, an octahedron, a dodecahedron, an icosahedron, a cylinder, a cone, a sphere, an ellipsoid, and/or any polygonal shape.

[0054] In will be understood that plant growth medium 10 is suitable for growing any organism including plants, algae and/or fungi.

[0055] It will be further understood that plant growth medium 10 may comprise any one of a number of segments (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 50, 100, etcetera).

[0056] Additionally, one or more components of plant growth medium 10 may also be optionally oxygenated with pure oxygen or diluted oxygen, aerated, dehydrated (and subsequently rehydrated to save space during storage and/or transportation), and/or freeze dried using any one of a number of conventional techniques. Moreover, any given layer of the medium can be replaced with a dry and/or compressed solid with a nutrient value (e.g., a layer made of soil, benign powder with a nutrient value). This embodiment provides for a lighter medium, and the water component of the gelatin preferably remains in the cube. Furthermore, pesticides and/or insect repellants can be added to the outer layer to protect the growth media from harmful insects. Alternatively, the outer layer can comprise a protective coating, such as a polymer or vinyl-type shell. The plant growth media products of the present invention may be fabricated as disclosed herein and/or using different methods including pressure or injection molding and the use of a 3-D printer.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the space between segments may filled with one or more filler materials, including, but not limited to, cellulose, shredded cellulose, popped perlite, expanded perlite, a siliceous volcanic glass, expanded aluminum silicate, vermiculite, and/or lignocellulosic fiber.

[0058] In operation, a user prepares the desired number of chambers or segments using a conventional mold with separators or partitions. The separators may be made of metal, plastic, glass and/or any substrate that is substantially water impermeable. The segments are loaded or charged with desired components (e.g., water, gel, nutrients, etcetera) and allowed to gel. Once gelled, the partitions are removed leaving a self-standing gelled plant growth medium.

[0059] Provided below are non-limiting examples of plant growth media.

Example I (Cube 1-4 Chambers)

[0060] 1. The Core (First Segment) [0061] a. 15 g gelatin powder and ½ cup water were mixed. [0062] b. 0.5 cup Tappin Roots Hormone was added. [0063] c. Mix gelatin and Tappin Roots in basin or reservoir for 3 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0064] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0065] 2. Nitrogen Chamber (Second Segment) [0066] a. 30 grams gelatin powder was mixed with 3¼ cups water. [0067] b. 5 grams of water soluble Nitrogen was added. [0068] c. Mix gelatin and Nitrogen in basin or reservoir for 5 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0069] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0070] 3. Phosphorous Chamber (Third Segment) [0071] a. 45 grams of gelatin powder was mixed with 6½ cups water. [0072] b. 10 grams of water soluble phosphorous was added. [0073] c. Mix gelatin and Phosphorous in basin or reservoir for 7 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0074] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0075] 4. Potassium Chamber (Fourth Segment) [0076] a. 55 grams of gelatin was mixed with 7 cups of water. [0077] b. 15 grams of a water soluble potassium was added. [0078] c. Mix gelatin and water soluble potassium in basin or reservoir for 9 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0079] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0080] 5. On bottom of cube and top of the cube pour 10 grams of gelatin mixed with 6½ cups of water; pour a thin layer on bottom and layer on each side to seal all the sides. [0081] 6. Add aeration granular that will create micro holes into the cube. [0082] 7. Others: [0083] a. Take 0.5 of each measurement—cube #1

Example II (Cube 2-4 Chambers)

[0084] 1. The Core (First Segment) [0085] a. 15 g gelatin powder and ½ cup water were mixed. [0086] b. 0.25 cup Tappin Roots Hormone was added. [0087] c. Mix gelatin and Tappin Roots in basin or reservoir for 3 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object, or pressure tube connected to big batch reservoir. [0088] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0089] 2. Nitrogen Chamber (Second Segment) [0090] a. 25 grams gelatin powder was mixed with 3¼ cup water. [0091] b. 10 grams of water soluble Nitrogen was added. [0092] c. Mix gelatin and Nitrogen in basin or reservoir for 5 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. or pressure tube connected to big batch reservoir or 3d printer. [0093] d. Let the mixture sit in the LC for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0094] 3. Phosphorous Chamber (Third Segment) [0095] a. 50 grams of gelatin powder was mixed with 6½ cup water. [0096] b. 5 grams of water soluble phosphorous was added. [0097] c. Mix gelatin and Phosphorous in basin or reservoir for 7 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0098] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0099] 4. Potassium Chamber (Fourth Segment) [0100] a. 55 grams of gelatin was mixed with 7 cups of water. [0101] b. 20 grams of a water soluble potassium was added. [0102] c. Mix gelatin and water soluble potassium in basin or reservoir for 9 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer period); Inject the interior gelatin to the core using funnel or any other similar object or pressure container or tube connected to big batch reservoir 3D printer. [0103] e. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0104] 5. On bottom of cube and top of the cube pour 10 grams of gelatin mixed with 6½ cups of water; pour a thin layer on bottom and layer on each side to seal all the sides. [0105] 6. Add aeration granular that will create micro holes into the cube. [0106] 7. Others: [0107] a. Take 0.5 of each measurement—cube #1

Example III (Cube 3-3 Chambers)

[0108] 1. The Core (First Segment) [0109] a. 15 g gelatin powder and 4.2 cup water were mixed. [0110] b. 0.25 cup Tappin Roots Hormone was added. [0111] c. 2 grams of water soluble Nitrogen was added. [0112] d. Mix gelatin and Tappin Roots in basin or reservoir for 3 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer period); Inject the into gelatin core using funnel or any other similar object, or pressure tube connected to big batch reservoir. [0113] e. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0114] 2. Phosphorous Chamber (Second Segment) [0115] a. 35 grams of gelatin powder was mixed with 6½ cup water. [0116] b. 5 grams of water soluble phosphorous was added. [0117] c. Mix gelatin and Phosphorous in basin or reservoir for 7 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0118] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0119] 3. Potassium Chamber (Third Segment) [0120] a. 60 grams of gelatin was mixed with 7 cups of water. [0121] b. 10 grams of a water soluble potassium was added. [0122] c. Mix gelatin and water soluble potassium in basin or reservoir for 9 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object or pressure tube connected to big batch reservoir or 3D printer. [0123] e. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0124] 4. On bottom of cube and top of the cube pour 10 grams of gelatin mixed with 6½ cups of water; pour a thin layer on bottom and layer on each side to seal all the sides. [0125] 5. Add aerate granular that will create micro holes into the cube. [0126] 6. Others: [0127] a. Take 0.5 of each measurement—cube #1

Example IV (Cube 4-4 Chambers)

[0128] 1. The Core (First Segment) [0129] a. 45 g gelatin powder and ½ cup water were mixed. [0130] b. 1 cup Tappin Roots Hormone was added. [0131] c. 5 g water soluble Nitrogen was added. [0132] d. Mix gelatin and Tappin Roots and Nitrogen in basin or reservoir for 3 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0133] e. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0134] 2. Phosphorous Chamber (Second Segment) [0135] a. 45 grams of gelatin powder was mixed with 6 cups water. [0136] b. 10 grams of water soluble phosphorous was added. [0137] c. Add 0.5 cup Tappin Roots hormone was added. [0138] d. Mix gelatin and Phosphorous in basin or reservoir for 7 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0139] e. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0140] 3. Potassium Chamber (Third Segment) [0141] a. 55 grams of gelatin was mixed with 6½ cups of water. [0142] b. 15 grams of a water soluble potassium was added. [0143] c. Add 0.5 cup Tappin Roots hormone was added. [0144] d. Mix gelatin and water soluble potassium in basin or reservoir for 9 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0145] e. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0146] 4. On bottom of cube and top of the cube pour 10 grams of gelatin mixed with 6½ cups of water; pour a thin layer on bottom and layer on each side to seal all the sides. [0147] 5. Add aeration granular that will create micro holes into the cube. [0148] 6. Others: [0149] a. Take 0.5 of each measurement—cube #1

Example V (Cube 5-3 Chambers)

[0150] 1. The Core (First Segment) [0151] a. 45 g gelatin powder and ½ cup water were mixed. [0152] b. 1 cup Tappin Roots Hormone was added. [0153] c. 2 g water soluble Nitrogen was added. [0154] d. 3.5 grams of water soluble phosphorous was added. [0155] e. 1 grams of a water soluble potassium was added. [0156] f. Mix gelatin and Tappin Roots and Nitrogen in basin or reservoir for 3 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0157] g. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0158] 2. Phosphorous Chamber (Second Segment) [0159] a. 2 g water soluble Nitrogen was added. [0160] b. 3 g water soluble Phosphorous was added. [0161] c. 3 g of water soluble Potassium was added. [0162] d. mixed with 6 cups water. [0163] e. Mix gelatin and substances above in basin or reservoir for 7 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0164] f. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0165] 3. Potassium Chamber (Third Segment) [0166] a. 55 grams of gelatin was mixed with 6½ cups of water. [0167] b. Add 0.5 cup Tappin Roots hormone was added. [0168] c. Mix gelatin and water soluble potassium in basin or reservoir for 9 minutes at 120 degrees (alternatively can be done at cooler temperatures—mixed for longer time period); Inject the gelatin into core using funnel or any other similar object. [0169] d. Let the mixture sit in the mold for 4-5 minutes until it becomes solidified. [0170] 4. On bottom of cube and top of the cube pour 10 grams of gelatin mixed with 6½ cups of water; pour a thin layer on bottom and layer on each side to seal all the sides. [0171] 5. Add aeration granular that will create micro holes into the cube. [0172] 6. Others: [0173] a. Take 0.5 of each measurement—cube #1

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] Other embodiments are set forth in the following claims.