METHOD FOR MODULATING A CONDITION OF A BIOLOGICAL CELL

Abstract

The present invention refers to a method for modulating a condition of a biological cell.

Claims

1. Method for modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation from a light luminescent material with a light source, preferably the light source is sunlight and/or an artificial light source, wherein the modulating a condition of a biological cell is archived by applying light irradiation of light emitted from said light luminescent material comprising the peak maximum light wavelength in the range from 500 nm to 750 nm, wherein the light emitted from the light luminescent material is obtained by contacting the light from the light source with the light luminescent material which is incorporated in or onto a polymer and/or glass matrix for manufacturing of film, sheets and pipes.

2. Method modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation with a light source comprising process steps of: A. Selecting a biological cell for greenhouse cultivation, preferably, the biological cell is a cell of a living organism, more preferably biological cell is a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, particularly preferably, the prokaryotic cell is a bacterium or archaea, particularly preferably, the eukaryotic cell is a plant cell, animal cell, fungi cell, slime mould cell, protozoa cell and algae, very particularly preferably the biological cell is a plant cell, most preferably the biological cell is a crop cell or a flower cell; B. Measurement of the available light spectrum and intention of the light spectrum in the greenhouse from natural sunlight and/or artificial light; C. Predicting the integrated amount of solar radiation which can modulate a condition of a biological cell during the cultivation, preferably said radiation includes a peak light wavelength in the range from 600 nm or more; D. Calculating of Red:FarRed (R:FR) ratio for maximum yield increase for responding a biological cell; E. Selecting a light luminescent material and/or mixture, concentration of the light luminescent material, polymer matrix and thickness of the polymer matrix to adjust the R:FR ratio which determines the ratio between active phytochromes (Pfr) and inactive phytochromes (Pr) with maximum yield increase for predetermined environment.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the light luminescent material is selected so that the light emitted from light luminescent material, obtained by contacting the light from the light source with light luminescent material which is incorporated in or onto a polymer and/or glass matrix for manufacturing of film, sheets and pipes for cultivation of a biological cell, contains the light wavelength at 600 nm or above.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the light luminescent material and/or mixture is selected so that the light obtained by contact of emitted light form a light source therewith, is formed predominantly of wavelengths from 500 nm to 550 nm and 650 nm to 750 nm.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the light luminescent material is selected so that the light obtained by contact of emitted light form a light source therewith includes intensity of light in blue wavelengths, preferably said blue wavelength is in the range from 400 nm to 470 nm.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein one or more light luminescent material is selected so that the light obtained by contact of emitted light form a light source therewith includes blue and red wavelengths in the light emission spectrum, preferably said blue wavelength is in the range from 400 to 470 nm and said red wavelength is in the range from 650 to 750 nm.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein two or more different light luminescent material materials selected so that the light spectrum of red wavelength and/or green and/or blue wavelength is broadened or intensified in the light emission spectrum of light emitted from a light source.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the composite layer (1) supported by a matrix layer containing light luminescent material (1′) exposure of the growing plants is executed by emitting and reflecting fluorescent light onto the plants.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said light luminescent material including layer (1) comprising at least one light luminescent material including particles or mixtures thereof in amounts of from 0.2% to 40% by weight, based on the total amount of the matrix layer composition.

10. A method according to claim 1, said light luminescent material including layer (1) comprising a light luminescent material or mixtures of light luminescent materials with particle size (d90) from 1 um to 20 um.

11. A method according to claim 1, wherein said light source is sunlight and/or additional high-pressure sodium light and/or LED light to activate the matrix layer with light luminescent material (1) to generate the desired fluorescence spectrum.

12. A foil comprising a polymeric substrate and at least one compound incorporated in the polymeric substrate or coated on the polymeric substrate, wherein the compound is one or more of light luminescent materials in a concentration of 0.5% to about 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymeric substrate.

13. A composite layer (1) usable as greenhouse foil comprising a supporting layer (1′) and at least one light luminescent material layer (1″), preferably said layer (1″) comprises at least one light luminescent material.

14. The composite layer (1) usable as greenhouse foil of claim 13, characterized in that the layer that contains at least one light luminescent material (1″) layer, preferably, said layer (1″) comprises at least one light luminescent material that is covered on both sides with support layers (1′), (1′″), preferably said support layer comprises, or consists of a plastic material.

15. Composite layer (1) usable as greenhouse foil according to claim 13, characterized in that the layer contains at least one layer (1″) comprising at least one light luminescent material, wherein one or more light luminescent material is distributed within a plastic material.

16. A greenhouse for modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation from a light luminescent material having at least one light luminescent material matrix layer (1) as active material for generating intensified wave lengths above 600 nm in the fluorescence spectrum.

17. A greenhouse according claim 16 for modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation from a light luminescent material, having at least one light luminescent material matrix layer (1) as active material for accelerating plant grows comprising the significant parameters, wherein a) Thickness of plastic material between 100 um and 250 um b) Distance (2) of a biological cell to light luminescent material matrix layer 1 cm or more, wherein a plastic material is selected as a matrix material for the light luminescent material matrix layer (1).

18. A greenhouse according claim 16, characterized in that the plastic material of the composite layer (1) is selected from one or more members of the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrol (PS), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyacrylnitril (PAN), polyacrylamid (PAA), polyamide (PA), aramide (polyaramide), (PPTA, Kevlar®, Twaron®), poly(m-phenylen terephthalamid) (PMPI, Nomex®, Teijinconex®), polyketons like polyetherketon (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylenglycol (PEG), polyurethane (PU), Kapton K and Kapton HN is poly (4,4′-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide), Poly(organo)siloxane and Melamine-resin (MF).

19. A process for manufacture of a thermoplastic foil or sheet comprising at least one light luminescent material comprising the process steps; i) providing a light luminescent material powder comprising at least one light luminescent material, preferably said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor, ii) Extrusion of the Masterbatch with Polyethylengranule with the light luminescent material powder, and iii) Extrusion of the foil with Polyethylen and Masterbatchgranule.

20. A process of claim 19, characterized in that the composite layer (1) contains copolymers selected from one or more members of the group consisting of ethylene/ethylene acrylate, epoxy resins, polyesters, polyisobutylene, polyamides, polystyrene, acrylic polymers, polyamides, polyimides, melamine, urethane, benzoguanine and phenolic resins, silicone resins, micronized cellulose, fluorinated polymers (PTFE, PVDF inter alia) and micronized wax as filler.

Description

[0287] The invention is illustrated in the Figures.

[0288] FIG. 1 shows a greenhouse covered with a foil (1) consisting of LDPE that consists of one layer, which contains inorganic phosphor as light converting material.

[0289] FIG. 2 shows plant-tunnel with a foil (1) consisting of LDPE that consists of one layer, which contains inorganic phosphor as light converting material inside a glass-greenhouse (3).

[0290] FIG. 3 shows a glass-greenhouse (3) with ceiling mounted light reflection with curtains (4) consisting of LDPE foil and/or fabric that consists of one layer, which contains inorganic phosphor as light converting material.

[0291] FIG. 4 shows a glass-greenhouse (3) with bottom fixed vertical light reflection-shields (5) consisting of LDPE foil that consists of one layer, which contains inorganic phosphor as light converting material.

[0292] FIG. 5 shows a glass-greenhouse (3) with ceiling mounted light reflection-tapes (6) consisting of LDPE foil that consists of one layer, which contains inorganic phosphor as light converting material.

[0293] FIG. 6 shows a glass-greenhouse (3) with bottom fixed horizontal light reflection-tapes or fabric (7) consisting of LDPE foil that consists of one layer, which contains inorganic phosphor as light converting material.

[0294] FIG. 7 shows a glass-greenhouse (3) with horizontal light reflection-foil or fabric (8) as suspended ceiling consisting of LDPE foil that consists of one layer, which contains inorganic phosphor as light converting material

[0295] FIG. 8 shows a greenhouse foil (1) consisting of a light converting layer (1″) that is covered on both sides with support layers (1′) and (1′″) which not contain inorganic phosphor as light converting material and that are transparent.

[0296] FIG. 9 shows a greenhouse foil (1) consisting of a light converting layer (1″) that is coated on the bottom side of the support layers (1′) which does not contain inorganic phosphor as light converting material and this is transparent.

[0297] FIG. 10 shows a greenhouse foil (1) consisting of a light converting layer (1″) that is coated on the front side of the support layers (1′) which does not contain inorganic phosphor as light converting material and this is transparent.

[0298] FIG. 11 shows a greenhouse foil (1) consisting of a light converting layer (1″) which does contain inorganic phosphor as light converting material.

[0299] FIG. 12 shows a greenhouse foil (1) consisting of a transparent support layer (1′) which not contain inorganic phosphor as light converting material that is covered on both sides with different light converting layers (1′), (1″″) which contain different inorganic Phosphor.

[0300] FIG. 13 shows a greenhouse foil (1) consisting of a light converting layer (1″) that is selected coated or printed on the front side of the support layers (1′) which does not contain inorganic phosphor as light converting material and this is transparent.

[0301] FIG. 14 shows the light spectrum for excitation and emission of the light converting material Ruby. Excitation of Ruby can be performed at 420 nm and 560 nm. The resulting peak maximum light wavelength of the red-light emission is 696 nm.

[0302] FIG. 15 shows the resulting transmittance and fluorescence light spectrum of 5 Polyethylene foil samples (1) with a standard thickness of 200 micron with different concentration of inorganic phosphor—Ruby.

[0303] FIG. 16 shows the resulting reflection light spectrum of 3 Reflection sheet samples (4) with a standard thickness of 200 micron with different concentration of inorganic phosphor—Ruby

[0304] FIG. 17 shows the resulting transmittance and fluorescence energy spectrum of 5 Polyethylene foil samples (1) with a standard thickness of 200 micron with different concentration of inorganic phosphor—CAZO and the table with calculated R:FR ratio.

[0305] FIG. 18 shows the resulting transmittance and fluorescence energy spectrum of 5 Polyethylene foil samples (1) with a standard thickness of 200 micron with different concentration of inorganic phosphor—MTO and the table with calculated R:FR ratio.

[0306] FIG. 19 shows the resulting transmittance and fluorescence light spectrum of 4 silicon foil samples (1) with a standard thickness of 180 micron with 2 different inorganic phosphor materials—Ruby with chemical formula (Al2O3:Cr) and LuAG with chemical formula (Lu3Al5O12:Ce).

PREFERABLE EMBODIMENTS

[0307] 1. Method for modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation from a light luminescent material, preferably said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor, with a light source, preferably the light source is sunlight and/or an artificial light source,

[0308] wherein the modulating a condition of a biological cell is archived by applying light irradiation of light emitted from said light luminescent material comprising the peak maximum light wavelength in the range from 500 nm to 750 nm,

[0309] wherein the light emitted from the light luminescent material is obtained by contacting the light from the light source with the light luminescent material which is incorporated in or onto a polymer and/or glass matrix for manufacturing of film, sheets and pipes.

[0310] In a preferred embodiment, the biological cell is a cell of a living organism, more preferably biological cell is a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, particularly preferably, the prokaryotic cell is a bacterium or archaea, particularly preferably, the eukaryotic cell is a plant cell, animal cell, fungi cell, slime mould cell, protozoa cell and algae, very particularly preferably the biological cell is a plant cell, most preferably the biological cell is a crop cell or a flower cell.

[0311] 2. Method modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation with a light source comprising process steps of:

[0312] A. Selecting a biological cell for greenhouse cultivation, preferably, the biological cell is a cell of a living organism, more preferably biological cell is a prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell, particularly preferably, the prokaryotic cell is a bacterium or archaea, particularly preferably, the eukaryotic cell is a plant cell, animal cell, fungi cell, slime mould cell, protozoa cell and algae, very particularly preferably the biological cell is a plant cell, most preferably the biological cell is a crop cell or a flower cell;

[0313] B. Measurement of the available light spectrum and intention of the light spectrum in the greenhouse from natural sunlight and/or artificial light;

[0314] C. Predicting the integrated amount of solar radiation which can modulate a condition of a biological cell during the cultivation, preferably said radiation includes a peak light wavelength in the range from 600 nm or more;

[0315] D. Calculating of Red:FarRed (R:FR) ratio for maximum yield increase for responding a biological cell;

[0316] E. Selecting a light luminescent material and/or mixture, concentration of the light luminescent material, polymer matrix and thickness of the polymer matrix to adjust the R:FR ratio which determines the ratio between active phytochromes (Pfr) and inactive phytochromes (Pr) with maximum yield increase for predetermined environment.

[0317] 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light luminescent material is selected so that the light emitted from light luminescent material, obtained by contacting the light from the light source with light luminescent material which is incorporated in or onto a polymer and/or glass matrix for manufacturing of film, sheets and pipes for cultivation of a biological cell, contains the light wavelength at 600 nm or above.

[0318] Preferably said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor.

[0319] 4. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the light luminescent material and/or mixture is selected so that the light obtained by contact of emitted light form a light source therewith, is formed predominantly of wavelengths from 500 nm to 550 nm and 650 nm to 750 nm.

[0320] 5. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the light luminescent material is selected so that the light obtained by contact of emitted light form a light source therewith includes intensity of light in blue wavelengths, preferably said blue wavelength is in the range from 400 nm to 470 nm.

[0321] 6. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein one or more light luminescent material is selected so that the light obtained by contact of emitted light form a light source therewith includes blue and red wavelengths in the light emission spectrum, preferably said blue wavelength is in the range from 400 to 470 nm and said red wavelength is in the range from 650 to 750 nm.

[0322] 7. The method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein two or more different light luminescent material materials selected so that the light spectrum of red wavelength and/or green and/or blue wavelength is broadened or intensified in the light emission spectrum of light emitted from a light source.

[0323] 8. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the composite layer (1) supported by a matrix layer containing light luminescent material (1) exposure of the growing plants is executed by emitting and reflecting fluorescent light onto the plants.

[0324] 9. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein said light luminescent material including layer (1) comprising at least one light luminescent material including particles or mixtures thereof in amounts of from 0.2% to 40% by weight, based on the total amount of the matrix layer composition.

[0325] Preferably, said light luminescent material including layer (1) is an inorganic phosphor including layer.

[0326] 10. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, said light luminescent material including layer (1) comprising a light luminescent material or mixtures of light luminescent materials with particle size (d90) from 1 um to 20 um.

[0327] 11. A method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein said light source is sunlight and/or additional high-pressure sodium light and/or LED light to activate the matrix layer with light luminescent material (1) to generate the desired fluorescence spectrum.

[0328] 12. A foil comprising a polymeric substrate and at least one compound incorporated in the polymeric substrate or coated on the polymeric substrate, wherein the compound is one or more of light luminescent materials in a concentration of 0.5% to about 35% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymeric substrate.

[0329] Preferably, said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor.

[0330] 13. A composite layer (1) usable as greenhouse foil comprising a supporting layer (1′) and at least one light luminescent material layer (1″), preferably said layer (1″) comprises at least one light luminescent material. Preferably, said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor. Preferably said light luminescent material layer (1″) is an inorganic phosphor layer.

[0331] 14. The composite layer (1) usable as greenhouse foil of embodiment 13, characterized in that the layer that contains at least one light luminescent material (1″) layer, preferably, said layer (1″) comprises at least one light luminescent material that is covered on both sides with support layers (1′), (1′″), preferably said support layer comprises, or consists of a plastic material.

[0332] 15. Composite layer (1) usable as greenhouse foil according to embodiment 13 or 14, characterized in that the layer contains at least one layer (1″) comprising at least one light luminescent material, wherein one or more light luminescent material is distributed within a plastic material.

[0333] 16. A greenhouse for modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation from a light luminescent material having at least one light luminescent material matrix layer (1) as active material for generating intensified wave lengths above 600 nm in the fluorescence spectrum. Preferably, said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor.

[0334] 17. A greenhouse according to embodiment 16 for modulating a condition of a biological cell by light irradiation from a light luminescent material, having at least one light luminescent material matrix layer (1) as active material for accelerating plant grows comprising the significant parameters, wherein

[0335] a) Thickness of plastic material between 100 um and 250 um

[0336] b) Distance (2) of a biological cell to light luminescent material matrix layer 1 cm or more,

[0337] wherein a plastic material is selected as a matrix material for the light luminescent material matrix layer (1).

[0338] 18. A greenhouse of embodiment 16 or 17, characterized in that the plastic material of the composite layer (1) is selected from one or more members of the group consisting of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrol (PS), polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyacrylnitril (PAN), polyacrylamid (PAA), polyamide (PA), aramide (polyaramide), (PPTA, Kevlar®, Twaron®), poly(m-phenylen terephthalamid) (PMPI, Nomex®, Teijinconex®), polyketons like polyetherketon (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylenglycol (PEG), polyurethane (PU), Kapton K and Kapton HN is poly (4,4′-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide), Poly(organo)siloxane and Melamine-resin (MF).

[0339] 19. A process for manufacture of a thermoplastic foil or sheet comprising at least one light luminescent material comprising the process steps;

[0340] i) providing a light luminescent material powder comprising at least one light luminescent material, preferably said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor,

[0341] ii) Extrusion of the Masterbatch with Polyethylengranule with the light luminescent material powder, and

[0342] iii) Extrusion of the foil with Polyethylen and Masterbatchgranule. Preferably, said light luminescent material is an inorganic phosphor.

[0343] 20. A process of embodiment 19, characterized in that the composite layer (1) contains copolymers selected from one or more members of the group consisting of ethylene/ethylene acrylate, epoxy resins, polyesters, polyisobutylene, polyamides, polystyrene, acrylic polymers, polyamides, polyimides, melamine, urethane, benzoguanine and phenolic resins, silicone resins, micronized cellulose, fluorinated polymers (PTFE, PVDF inter alia) and micronized wax as filler.

[0344] Effect of the Invention

[0345] The phosphor of the present invention does not have degrading performance under the environment of high temperature, high humidity, UV light, and can be used as an LED artificial light source without additional energy from the grid. Also, the phosphor of the present invention can realize optimal environment for modulating a condition of a biological cell.

[0346] Smart use of sun-light activated phosphor foil can achieve energy savings of up to 50%.

WORKING EXAMPLES

Example 1

Production of an Inorganic Phosphor Containing Reflection Foil (4) or (5)

[0347] Materials Used

[0348] 2 g of Aerosil 200

[0349] 5 g of Vinnol 18/38

[0350] 63 g of Butyl acetat

[0351] 30 g of Ruby

[0352] Vinnol is dissolved in the initially introduced solvent Butyl acetate and stirred well. Aerosil and Ruby is subsequently stirred in, and a homogeneous paste is prepared. The paste is applied to a polyester film having a thickness of 5-250 μm, preferably 30 μm, using screenprinting and dried.

Example 2

Production of an Inorganic Phosphor Containing Reflection Fabric (4) or (5)

[0353] Materials Used

[0354] 2 g of Aerosil 200

[0355] 5 g of Vinnol 18/38

[0356] 260 g of Butyl acetat

[0357] 30 g of Ruby

[0358] Vinnol is dissolved in the initially introduced solvent Butyl acetate and stirred well. Aerosil and Ruby are subsequently stirred in, and a homogeneous and low viscous solution is prepared. The solution is sprayed to a fabric (Tempa 5557 from Svensson) having a thickness of 5-25 μm, preferred 10 μm, using airbrush system and dried.

Example 3

Production of an Inorganic Phosphor Containing Transmittance Foil (1)

[0359] Materials Used

[0360] 95 g of Butyl acetate

[0361] 16 g of PVB (polyvinylbutyral, Pioloform,Wacker)

[0362] 11 g Vestosint 2070

[0363] 3 g Aerosil 200

[0364] 50 g of Ruby

[0365] PVB is dissolved in the initially introduced solvent Butyl acetate and stirred well. Aerosil, Vestosint and Ruby are subsequently stirred in, and a homogeneous paste is prepared. The paste is applied to a LDPE film having a thickness of 50-250 μm, preferably 80 μm, using screen printing and dried.

[0366] The hot lamination of the coated film with non-coated film can be carried out, for example, at about 140° C. (FIG. 8).

Example 4

Working Example

Comparative Example 1

[0367] A large plant growth-promoting sheet without phosphor having 50 μm layer thickness is made from Petrothene180 (Trademark, Tosoh Corporation) as a polymer with using a Kneading machine and inflation moulding machine. Then all plant seedlings of Boston lettuce are covered by the sheet and it is exposed to light from an artificial LED lighting having peak wavelength from 550-600 nm for 16 days. Finally, their fresh weight is measured.

Comparative Example 2

[0368] A large plant growth-promoting sheet without phosphor having 50 μm layer thickness is made in the same manner as described in comparative example1.

[0369] Then all plant seedlings of Boston lettuce are covered by the sheet and it is exposed to sunlight for 16 days. Finally, their fresh weight is measured.

Example 5

Synthesis of Mg.SUB.2.TiO.SUB.4.:Mn.SUP.4+

[0370] The phosphor precursors of Mg.sub.2TiO.sub.4:Mn.sup.4+ are synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction. The raw materials of magnesium oxide, titanium oxide and manganese oxide are prepared with a stoichiometric molar ratio of 2.000:0.999:0.001. The chemicals are put in a mixer and mixed by a pestle for 30 minutes. The resultant materials are oxidized by firing at 1000° C. for 3 hours in air.

[0371] To confirm the structure of the resultant materials, XRD measurements are performed using an X-ray diffractometer (RIGAKU RAD-RC). Photoluminescence (PL) spectra is measured by using a Spectro-fluorometer (JASCO FP-6500) at room temperature. The photoluminescence excitation spectrum shows a UV region from 300-400 nm while the emission spectrum exhibited a deep red region from 660-670 nm.

Example 6

Working Example with Composition 1

[0372] 20 g of Mg.sub.2TiO.sub.4:Mn.sup.4+ phosphor from synthesis example 1 and 0.6 g of siloxane compound (SH 1107, manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.) are put in a Waring blender, these and mixed at a low speed for 2 minutes.

[0373] After uniformly surface-treating in this process, the resultant materials are heat-treated in an oven at 140° C. for 90 minutes.

[0374] Then, final surface treated Mg.sub.2TiO.sub.4:Mn.sup.4+ phosphors with aligned particle sizes are acquired by shaking with a stainless screen with an opening of 63 μm.

[0375] The agricultural material is prepared using Mg.sub.2TiO.sub.4:Mn.sup.4+ as a phosphor, and Petrothene180 (Trademark, Tosoh Corporation) as a polymer. 2 wt % of Mg.sub.2TiO.sub.4:Mn.sup.4+ phosphors in the polymer is mixed to get Composition 1.

Example 7

Working Example with Foil

[0376] Composition 1 is provided into a Kneading machine and inflation-moulding machine then, a large plant growth-promoting sheet having 50 μm layer thickness is formed.

[0377] Then all plant seedlings of Boston lettuce are covered by the sheet and it is exposed to light from artificial LED lighting for 16 days. Finally, their fresh weight is measured.

[0378] The present invention demonstrated a fresh weight increase from 20.23 g to 22.34 g in the plants under the growth-promoting sheet compared to the sheet of comparative example 1. The height of the plant from working example 2 is taller than the height of the plant from comparative example 1. The leaves of the plant from working example 2 are bigger, and the color of the plant leaves from working example 2 is deeper green than the leaves of the plant from comparative example 1.

[0379] Instead of measuring a weight of a plant, the leaves area of 1 plant can be measured by known method and device. A leaf area meter can be used to measure it. One embodiment is a L13000C Area Meter (Li-COR Corp.). The leaves area can be measured by separating all leaves from 1 plant body, getting a photo image or scan each 1 leaf, and processing these images.

Example 8

Synthesis Example 2

Synthesis of CaMgSi.SUB.2.O.SUB.6.:Eu.SUP.2+., Mn.SUP.2+

[0380] CaCl.sub.2.2H.sub.2O (0.0200 mol, Merck), SiO.sub.2 (0.05 mol, Merck), EuCl.sub.3.6H.sub.2O (0.0050 mol, Auer-Remy), MnCl.sub.2.4H.sub.2O (0.0050 mol, Merck), and MgCl.sub.2.4H.sub.2O (0.0200 mol, Merck) are dissolved in deionized water. NH.sub.4HCO.sub.3 (0.5 mol, Merck) is dissolved separately in deionized water. The two aqueous solutions are simultaneously stirred into deionized water. The combined solution is heated to 90° C. and evaporated to dryness.

[0381] Then, the residue is annealed at 1000° C. for 4 hours under an oxidative atmosphere, and the resulting oxide material is annealed at 1000° C. for 4 hours under a reductive atmosphere.

[0382] To confirm the structure of the resultant materials, XRD measurements are performed using an X-ray diffractometer (RIGAKU RAD-RC).

[0383] Photoluminescence (PL) spectra is measured using a spectro-fluorometer (JASCO FP-6500) at room temperature. The photoluminescence excitation spectrum of CaMgSi.sub.2O.sub.6:Eu.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+ shows a UV region from 300 to 400 nm while the emission spectrum exhibited in a deep red region from 660 to 670 nm.

[0384] The advantage of CaMgSi.sub.2O.sub.6:Eu.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+ is less toxicity, environment friendly and can emit light having peak light wavelength around 660 nm-670 nm which is more useful for plant growth than a red-light emission of a conventional phosphor having peak light emission less than 650 nm.

Example 9

Working Example with Composition 2

[0385] 20 g of CaMgSi.sub.2O.sub.6:Eu.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+ phosphor from working example 1 and 0.6 g of siloxane compound (SH 1107, manufactured by Toray Dow Corning Co., Ltd.) are put in a Waring blender, and mixed at low speed for 2 minutes. After uniformly surface-treating in this process, the resultant materials are heat-treated in an oven at 140° C. for 90 minutes. Then, final surface treated CaMgSi.sub.2O.sub.6:Eu.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+ phosphors with aligned particle sizes are acquired by shaking with a stainless screen with an opening of 63 μm. The agricultural material is prepared using CaMgSi.sub.2O.sub.6:Eu.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+ as a phosphor, and Petrothene180 (Trademark, Tosoh Corporation) as a polymer.

[0386] 2 wt % of CaMgSi.sub.2O.sub.6:Eu.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+ phosphors in the polymer is mixed to get Composition 2.

Example 10

Working Example with Foil

[0387] Composition 2 is provided into a Kneading machine and inflation-moulding machine then, a large plant growth-promoting sheet having 50 μm layer thickness is formed.

[0388] Then all plant seedlings of Boston lettuce are covered by the sheet and it is exposed to sunlight for 16 days. Finally, their fresh weight is measured. The present invention demonstrated a weight increase from 21.45 g to 23.81 g in the plants under the growth-promoting sheet compared to the sheet of comparative example 2. From agricultural point of view, it is a significant improvement. The height of the plant from working example 4 is taller than the height of the plant from comparative example 2. The leaves of the plant from example 4 are bigger, and the color of the plant leaves from example 4 is deeper green than the leaves of the plant from comparative example 2.

Example 11

Synthesis Example 3

Synthesis of Ba.SUB.2.YTaO.SUB.6.:Mn.SUP.4+

[0389] The present example refers to the synthesis of the phosphor Ba.sub.2YTaO.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ with a Mn concentration of 1 mol %. The phosphor is prepared according to conventional solid-state reaction methods, using Ba.sub.2CO.sub.3, Y.sub.2O.sub.3, Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 and MnO.sub.2 as starting materials. These chemicals are mixed according to their stoichiometric ratio and mixed with acetone in an agate mortar.

[0390] The powder thus obtained is pelletized at 10 MPa, placed into an alumina container and heated at 1400° C. for 6 hours in the presence of air. After cooling the residue is well grinded for characterization. For confirmation of the structure, XRD measurements are performed using an X-ray diffractometer. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra is taken using a Spectro fluorometer at room temperature.

[0391] The XRD patterns proofs that the main phase of the product consisted of Ba2YTaO6. The photoluminescence excitation spectrum shows a UV region from 300 to 400 nm while the emission spectrum exhibits a deep red region from 630 to 710 nm.

[0392] The absorption peak wavelengths of Ba.sub.2YTaO.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ is 310-340 nm, and the emission peak wavelength is in the range from 680 to 700 nm.

Example 12

Synthesis Example 4

Synthesis of NaLaMgWO.SUB.6.:Mn.SUP.4+

[0393] The present example refers to the synthesis of the phosphor NaLaMgWO.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ with a Mn concentration of 1 mol %. The phosphor is prepared according to conventional solid-state reaction methods, using Na.sub.2CO.sub.3, La.sub.2O.sub.3, MgO, WO.sub.3 and MnO.sub.2 as starting materials. La.sub.2O.sub.3 is preheated at 1200° C. for 10 hours in the presence of air. The chemicals are mixed according to their stoichiometric ratio and mixed with acetone in an agate mortar.

[0394] The powder thus obtained is pelletized at 10 MPa, placed into an alumina container and heated at 1300° C. for 6 hours in the presence of air. After cooling the residue is well grinded for characterization. For confirmation of the structure, XRD measurements are performed using an X-ray diffractometer. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra are taken using a spectro-fluorometer at room temperature.

[0395] The XRD patterns proofs that the main phase of the product consisted of NaLaMgWO.sub.6. The photoluminescence excitation spectrum shows a UV region from 300-400 nm while the emission spectrum exhibited a deep red region from 660-750 nm.

[0396] The absorption peak wavelengths of NaLaMgWO.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ is 310-330 nm, and the emission peak wavelength is in the range from 690-720 nm.

Example 13

Synthesis Example 5

Synthesis of Si.SUB.5.P.SUB.6.O.SUB.25.:Mn.SUP.4+

[0397] The present example refers to the preparation of the phosphor Si.sub.5P.sub.6O.sub.25:Mn.sup.4+ with an Mn concentration of 0.5 mol %. The phosphor has been prepared according to conventional solid-state reaction methods, using SiO2, NH.sub.4H.sub.2PO.sub.4 and MnO.sub.2 as starting materials. The educts are mixed according to their stoichiometric ratio and mixed with acetone in an agate mortar. The powder thus obtained is pelletized at 10 MPa, placed into an alumina container, pre-heated 300° C. for 6 hours. The pre-heated powder is grinded, pelletized at 10 MPa, placed again in an alumina container and heated at 1,000° C. for another 12 hours in the presence of air. After cooling the residue is well grinded for characterization. For confirmation of the structure, XRD measurements are performed using an X-ray diffractometer. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra are taken using a Spectro fluorometer at room temperature. The XRD patterns proofed that the main phase of the product consisted of Si.sub.5P.sub.6O.sub.25.

[0398] The photoluminescence excitation spectrum showed a UV region from 300 nm to 400 nm while the emission spectrum exhibited a deep red region at 690 nm.

Example 14

Synthesis Example 5

Synthesis of Y.SUB.2.MgTiO.SUB.6.:Mn.SUP.4+

[0399] In a typical synthesis of Y.sub.2MgTiO.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+, the phosphors precursors were synthesized by a conventional polymerized complex method. The raw materials of yttrium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide and manganese oxide were prepared with a stoichiometric molar ratio of 2.000:1.000:0.999:0.001. The chemicals were put in a mortar and mixed by a pestle for 30 minutes. The resultant materials were oxidized by firing at 1500° C. for 6 hours in air.

[0400] To confirm the structure of the resultant materials, XRD measurements were performed using an X-ray diffractometer (RIGAKU RAD-RC). Photoluminescence (PL) spectra were measured using a spectro-fluorometer (JASCO FP-6500) at room temperature.

Example 15

Working Example with Plants

[0401] 2 wt % of Y.sub.2MgTiO.sub.6:Mn.sup.4+ phosphors aqueous solutions with polyvinyl alcohol is prepared. The solution is set on the polyester film having a thickness of 50 μm by airbrush system. The foil which is set the polymer dots with phosphors on the foil was created. These experiments were conducted in a greenhouse under natural light (sun light) and the resultant agricultural foils is used as lining material of green house for agriculture.

[0402] Then all plant seedlings of Radish are covered by the foil and it is exposed to light from artificial LED lighting for 21 days. Finally, their fresh stem weight is measured. The present invention demonstrated a fresh stem weight increase from 7.65 g to 8.91 g in the plants under the growth-promoting foil compared to the foil of comparative example.

TABLE-US-00001 Plants with foil + Plants with foil Process of weighing phosphor (Reference) Fresh weight 7.65 g 4.43 g Dried weight 8.91 g 3.92 g