DESCRIPTION Technical Field

The present invention relates to a multi-layer system for greening of urban and peri urban areas. The system according to the present invention is useful in building applications, e.g. , installed on a facade of a building, on a wall, or on retaining walls. The present invention also relates to a moss composition for greening of urban and peri-urban areas and to the system comprising such moss composition.

Background Art

Systems for greening of urban areas, or more generally of buildings and other facilities, which include various types of plants, are known in the background art. Among them, some can be used only for vertical surfaces, others only for horizontal surfaces. Systems known for vertical surfaces provide a support panel comprising soil, in which one or more plant species are planted, and an irrigation system. Known systems for green coverings include several layers and soil, in which one or more plant species are planted.

Problem of the Prior Art Disadvantageously, these types of systems require maintenance, as the plants arranged therein require care and attention, as well as periodic pruning.

Disadvantageously, the systems for horizontal surfaces turn out to be heavy due to the amounts of soil and water required to keep plants alive.

Disadvantageously, these systems are not very versatile as they are not suitable, for example, for covering vertical surfaces or those who are mildly or highly tilted. Disadvantageously, the systems for vertical surfaces turn out to be costly and require much maintenance to keep the plants alive, which, in any case, sometimes suffer significant mortality rates within the system.

Summary of the Invention In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a system for greening of buildings and other facilities which overcomes the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system which require little maintenance. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system in which the species suitable for greening require little care and are long-lasting.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a system which is light and versatile, applicable on different types of surfaces, both the horizontal and the vertical ones. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system which is economical and easy to manufacture.

The specified technical task and objects are substantially achieved by a moss composition and by a system made with such moss composition. The moss composition comprises: - a moss species selected from the group consisting of Barbula unguiculata, Grimmia pulvinata, Homalothecium sericeum, Syntrichia ruralis, Ptychostomum capillare, Bryum argenteum, Amblystegium serpens, Tortella squarrosa, Campylopus introflexus, Hedwigia ciliata, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pseudoleskea incurvata, Didymodon vinealis, Tortella tortuosa, Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum, Funaria hygrometrica, Didymodon fallax, Gemmabryum caespiticium , and combinations thereof,

- a solution comprising a gelling agent having a concentration by weight ranging from 0.1 % to 5 % based on the total weight of the solution.

Such system solves the technical problem since the moss species included in the moss composition require little attention and are resistant, without requiring large amounts of water and/or soil once applied to a system for greening.

The moss composition according to the present invention allows to have a system for greening in which the growth rate of the green component is slow but steady.

Thanks to such moss composition a long-lasting system, which proves itself to be economical, light, and versatile, can be obtained.

Description of the Figures

- Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system according to the present invention in a perspective view;

- Figures 2 and 3a show two different embodiments of a system according to the present invention in an exploded perspective view;

- Figure 3b shows a perspective view of the partially assembled system of Figure 3a. Detailed Description of the Invention

Even if not explicitly highlighted, the individual features described with reference to the specific embodiments shall be understood as accessory and/or interchangeable with other features, described with reference to other embodiments.

The present invention relates to a moss composition for greening of urban areas. Such moss composition namely comprises a moss species selected from the group consisting of Barbula unguiculata, Grimmia pulvinata, Homalothecium sericeum, Syntrichia ruralis, Ptychostomum capillare, Bryum argenteum, Amblystegium serpens, Tortella squarrosa, Campylopus introflexus, Hedwigia ciliata, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pseudoleskea incurvata, Didymodon vinealis, Tortella tortuosa, Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum, Funaria hygrometrica, Didymodon fallax, Gemmabryum caespiticium , and combinations of the foregoing. According to a preferred embodiment, the moss composition comprises a moss species selected from the group consisting of Homalothecium sericeum , Ptychostomum capillar e, Amblystegium serpens, Pseudoleskea incurvata, Tortella squarrosa , and combinations of the foregoing. That is, such moss species are preferred whether they are used individually, as a single species, or used in combination with other species, especially those mentioned above.

The moss composition preferably comprises an aqueous solution comprising a gelling agent.

Such aqueous solution serves to make the moss composition adhesive and keep the moss species hydrated.

Thanks to the gelling agent, actually, the moss composition may be kept adherent to a substrate long enough to allow the seedlings of the moss species to produce anchoring structures.

According to a preferred embodiment, the gelling agent is naturally occurring. Still preferably, the gelling agent is, e.g. , agar.

Otherwise, the gelling agent may be, only by way of example, carrageenan or an alginate. Otherwise, the gelling agent may be not naturally occurring, such as carbopol, preferably carbopol 940, for example.

The gelling agent, according to alternative embodiments, may also be not provided.

In the context of the present disclosure, reference will be made to agar as the gelling agent, but without losing generality. Actually, the embodiments involving the use of gelling agents such as carrageenan, alginates or carbopol are also preferred embodiments of the present invention.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention involving agar, the concentration by weight of agar in solution ranges from 0.1 % to 5 % based on the total weight of the solution.

Preferably, the concentration by weight of agar in solution is 1 %.

Even in the case of carrageenan, alginates or carbopol, the concentration in solution ranges from 0.1 % to 5 %. More preferably, the concentration in the gelling agent solution in the case of carrageenan, alginates or carbopol ranges from 0.5 to 2 % by weight.

The agar powder used is a powder suitable for plant cell cultures, such as the powder with the trade name Agar for plant cell cultures from Sigma-Aldrich. Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the gelling agent solution in the moss composition ranges from 1:0.1 to 1:5.

Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1:0.3 to 1:1.5 for Homalothecium sericeum , and more preferably is 1:0.6. Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1:0.5 to 1:2 for Grimmia pulvinata, and more preferably is 1:0.8. Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1 : 1 to 1 :4 for Barbula unguiculata , Tortella tortuosa, Tortella squarrosa, Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum, Didymodon fallax , and Didymodon vinealis , and more preferably is 1:2.

Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1:0.5 to 1:2 for Amblystegium serpens, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pseudoleskea incurvata , and Hedwigia ciliata , and more preferably is 1:1. Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1:1 to 1:2 for Ptychostomum capillare, Bryum argenteum, and Gemmabryum caespiticium , and more preferably is 1:1.5.

Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1:1 to 1:3 for Funaria hygrometrica , and more preferably is 1:1.8.

Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1 : 1 to 1 :4 for Campylopus introflexus , and more preferably is 1 :2.2.

Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of the moss species to the agar solution ranges from 1:1 to 1:4 for Syntrichia ruralis , and more preferably is 1 :2. According to a first type of preparation of the moss composition, set out below, it is provided that the moss species in the moss composition is in a hydrated form. This hydrated form preferably comprises 30 to 99 % by weight of water. The water is preferably deionized. Even more preferably, said hydrated form comprises 60 % to 95 %, preferably 62 % to 94 %, preferably 63 % to 93 % by weight of water. Preferably, when the composition comprises Homalothecium sericeum , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 80 to 92 %, preferably 85 to 92 %, even more preferably 88 to 92 %, most preferably 90.91 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Grimmia pulvinata , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 80 to 99 %, preferably 85 to 95 %, even more preferably 87 to 92 %, most preferably 89.81 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Barbula unguiculata , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 65 to 80 %, preferably 70 to 78 %, even more preferably 75 to 77 %, most preferably 76.30 % by weight of water.

Preferably, the weight/volume ratio of moss species to water ranges from 1 :2 to 1:15. Preferably, when the composition comprises Syntrichia ruralis , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 65 to 85 %, preferably 69 to 78 %, even more preferably 71 to 74 %, most preferably 73.4 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Ptychostomum capillare , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 66 to 86 %, preferably 70 to 80 %, even more preferably 72 to 77 %, most preferably 74.7 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Bryum argenteum, the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 82 %, preferably 64 to 72 %, even more preferably 65 to 69 %, most preferably 66.1 % by weight of water. Preferably, when the composition comprises Amblystegium serpens , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 80 %, preferably 65 to 75 %, even more preferably 68 to 72 %, most preferably 70.3 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Tortella squarrosa, the hydrated form of the moss comprises 66 to 87 %, preferably 69 to 76 %, even more preferably 70 to 74 %, most preferably 71.7 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Campylopus introflexus , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 82 %, preferably 63 to 70 %, even more preferably 63 to 66 %, most preferably 64.3 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Hedwigia ciliata , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 65 to 85 %, preferably 69 to 78 %, even more preferably 70 to 74 %, most preferably 72.3 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Hypnum cupressiforme , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 66 to 86 %, preferably 70 to 79 %, even more preferably 72 to 76 %, most preferably 74.3 % by weight of water. Preferably, when the composition comprises Pseudoleskea incurvata , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 80 %, preferably 65 to 75 %, even more preferably 68 to 72 %, most preferably 70.2 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Didymodon vinealis , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 80 %, preferably 65 to 75 %, even more preferably 67 to 71 %, most preferably 69.1 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Tortella tortuosa, the hydrated form of the moss comprises 65 to 85 %, preferably 69 to 78 %, even more preferably 71 to 75 %, most preferably 73.5 % by weight of water. Preferably, when the composition comprises Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 80 %, preferably 65 to 75 %, even more preferably 68 to 72 %, most preferably 70.2 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Funaria hygrometrica , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 80 %, preferably 66 to 75 %, even more preferably 69 to 73 %, most preferably 71.4 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Didymodon fallax , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 63 to 80 %, preferably 65 to 75 %, even more preferably 67 to 71 %, most preferably 69.5 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Gemmabryum caespiticium , the hydrated form of the moss comprises 65 to 85 %, preferably 69 to 78 %, even more preferably 70 to 74 %, most preferably 72.4 % by weight of water.

Preferably, when the composition comprises Homalothecium sericeum , the weight/volume ratio of moss species to water ranges from 1 : 8 to 1:13, more preferably is 1:11.35. Preferably, when the composition comprises Barbula unguiculata , the weight/volume ratio of moss species to water ranges from 1 :7 to 1:11, more preferably is 1 :8.82. Preferably, when the composition comprises Barbula unguiculata, the weight/volume ratio of moss species to water ranges from 1 :2 to 1 :5, more preferably is 1 :3.32. Similar ratios may also be calculated for the other moss species of the moss compositions which are the subject-matter of the present invention.

In particular, the preparation of the moss composition comprises the steps described below.

In particular, two different types of preparation of the moss composition are possible. A first preparation involves taking a moss species among Barbula unguiculata , Grimmia pulvinata , Homalothecium sericeum, Syntrichia ruralis, Ptychostomum capillare, Bryum argenteum, Amblystegium serpens, Tortella squarrosa, Campylopus introflexus, Hedwigia ciliata, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pseudoleskea incurvata, Didymodon vinealis, Tortella tortuosa, Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum, Funaria hygrometrica, Didymodon fallax, Gemmabryum caespiticium , and cleaning the moss species by mechanically removing any residues, such as soil and/or plaster, using a brush.

Then, the moss species is weighed, followed by immersion in a nutrient aqueous solution with a low content of mineral salts to hydrate it, while removing further residues by means of a magnetic stirrer. Such solution is preferably water, preferably deionized water.

Next, the moss species is sieved and then immersed again in water, preferably the deionized one, in a sonicator, to eliminate even the finest residues.

The preparation then comprises a step of arranging the hydrated moss species on absorbent paper for 5 minutes to eliminate excess water. This way, the moss species is obtained in the hydrated form as described above.

The moss species in the hydrated form thus obtained is then blended.

Next, the gelling agent is added to the moss species in the hydrated form. For example, the aqueous solution of agar, with the aforementioned concentrations, is added to the moss species in the hydrated form.

For example, the Applicant has prepared samples of moss composition according to the present invention by weighing 15 g of moss species and immersing it in 500 mL of water and, subsequently, after sieving, in additional 500 mL of water.

100 mL of the moss species in the hydrated form were then added to 100 mL of agar solution to obtain the moss composition according to the present invention.

A second preparation of the moss composition involves cultivating in vitro a biomass of a moss species among Barbula unguiculata , Grimmia pulvinata , Homalothecium sericeum, Syntrichia ruralis, Ptychostomum capillare, Bryum argenteum, Amblystegium serpens, Tortella squarrosa, Campylopus introflexus, Hedwigia ciliata, Hypnum cupressiforme, Pseudoleskea incurvata, Didymodon vinealis, Tortella tortuosa, Pseudocrossidium hornschuchianum, Funaria hygrometrica, Didymodon fallax, Gemmabryum caespiticium . According to this second preparation of the moss composition, the moss species are not used in the form of rehydrated gametophytes, but of protonema in aqueous solution. As a result, the aforementioned percentages for the various species are not valid in the case of a moss composition obtained using the second preparation.

In particular, starting from sporophytes of one or more of the aforementioned moss species, an initial step of sterilization of the sporophytes is provided with a first washing cycle in sodium hypochlorite. Preferably the sodium hypochlorite is concentrated to 1-2 % in solution. Also preferably, the first washing cycle involves the use of 10 mL of such solution.

Three washing cycles are subsequently performed in water, preferably in 10 mL of sterile distilled water. The spores are then extracted by mechanical breaking the sporophytes, and inoculated in a culture medium in saline solution. Preferably, such step takes place under a hood, under a laminar air flow. The culture medium is preferably of the Murashige & Skoog type at half force, or a Hoagland basal salt mixture No. 2 at half force.

The culture is placed under constant stirring, preferably by subjecting it to orbital stirring to maintain oxygenation, and illuminated with phytostimulant lamps.

The culture is then multiplied by means of a photobioreactor, in which it is continuously mixed and crushed in conditions of strong lighting. For example, by using a photobioreactor with a maximum capacity of 2 litres, allowing the culture to multiply for 3 weeks, a volume of about 2 litres of moss composition can be obtained. Volumes of moss composition may be periodically taken, under sterile conditions, by subsequently refilling the photobioreactor with additional sterile saline, to allow the moss species to increase the biomass again.

The moss preparation thus obtained is added to a gelling agent prior to application to the system. Note that the addition of gelling agent is optional in the case of the second preparation.

The present invention also relates to a multi-layer system 1 for greening of buildings and other facilities, suitable for the urban and peri-urban environment, comprising a layer of moss composition 2 as described above.

The system 1 comprises a panel 3, coupled to the layer of moss composition 2 and suitable for the growth of the moss species. The panel 3 comprises a preferably flexible substrate 30.

The substrate 30 acts as a support and accommodates the moss composition. In particular, the substrate 30 has a first surface 31 suitable for housing and growing the moss species and a second surface 32 opposite to the first surface 31. The second surface 32 is configured to face, for example, a wall or, more generally, a vertical or horizontal surface that one wants to green.

Preferably, the substrate 30 is an environmentally friendly material.

The substrate 30 must also be provided with good water retention capacity, must ensure a homogeneous distribution of water and must not be deformable/degradable. The substrate 30 is preferably a porous, yet compact material.

Preferably, at least the first surface 31 of the substrate 30 comprises one or more of a recycled textile fibre-based material, a material comprising kenaf and polyester in a 90:10 ratio, felt.

Preferably, the material(s) of the substrate 30 have a WHC (z.e., Water-Holding Capacity) ranging from 20 to 30 %.

Preferably, the felt is capillary irrigation felt and/or environmentally friendly felt.

The recycled textile fibre-based material is preferably the material commercially known as RECYCLEPAV PLUS.

The material comprising kenaf and polyester in a 90:10 ratio is preferably the material commercially known as FELTKENAF PLUS.

According to a preferred embodiment, the substrate 30 is entirely made of one or more of a recycled textile fibre-based material, a material comprising kenaf and polyester in a 90:10 ratio, felt. In accordance with such embodiment, the first and second surfaces

32 consist of the same material. Preferably, the moss composition is applied to the panel 3 by spreading it on the substrate 30 with a spatula so as to form a layer of moss composition 2. Otherwise, the moss composition may be delivered by pressurized spray. That is, the moss composition may be sprayed onto the substrate 30 after being arranged inside an appropriate container provided with a spraying nozzle.

In particular, the application by spreading of the moss composition to the panel 3 is preferred in the case of concentrations of gelling agent in solution ranging from 0.5 % to 1 % by weight. On the contrary, for lower concentrations, application by spraying is preferred. In the case of spraying, the gelling agent is added in a percentage lower than or equal to 0.1 %, and can also be not provided, in particular when using a substrate 30 having a WHC (i.e., Water-Holding Capacity) of preferably 70 % and not lower than 50 %.

The panel 3 can optionally comprise a polymeric mesh 4, configured to prevent the detachment of the moss composition. The polymeric mesh 4 is actually configured to retain the moss against the substrate 30 in order to avoid the possible detachment of the moss composition, thus providing support, especially in the case of vertical applications. In particular, if the polymeric mesh 4 is provided, the layer of moss composition 2 is interposed between the substrate 30 and the polymeric mesh 4. Preferably, such polymeric mesh 4 comprises a polypropylene mesh. The polymeric mesh 4 can also be replaced by a fibreglass mesh or any similar mesh that is capable of providing an anchoring function of the moss composition, so as to prevent the detachment thereof and support the structure.

The system 1 further comprises a canalisation 5 configured to supply water to the layer of moss composition 2. The canalisation 5 is placed within the substrate 30 to impregnate the substrate 30. The canalisation 5 comprises a first conduit 51 comprising a plurality of holes (not illustrated) and configured to irrigate the moss composition. Preferably, the first conduit 51 is placed in a horizontal direction. For example, the canalisation 5 comprises a self-compensating dripping wing pipe in which the holes are spaced apart by a distance ranging from 7 to 15 cm. Optionally, the canalisation 5 comprises a second conduit (not illustrated in the accompanying Figures) perpendicular to the first conduit 51 and configured to supply water to the first conduit 51. Accordingly, the second conduit is preferably placed in a vertical direction. Preferably, the conduits have a diameter ranging from 5 to 20 mm, more preferably from 8 to 16 mm. Preferably, if a wall covered with panels 3 is considered, the first conduits 51 of panels 3 adjacent along a horizontal direction are in fluid communication. Accordingly, throughout the wall, the presence of the second conduit is provided only in some panels 3, since the feeding of water on adjacent panels 3 is ensured by the fluid communication between the first conduits 51. Preferably, the canalisation 5 is in communication with a controller configured to schedule the irrigation of the system 1.

Preferably, the panel 3 comprises at least one waterproof layer 6 coupled to the substrate 30. Preferably, the waterproof layer 6 is placed in contact with the substrate 30 at the second surface 32. Such waterproof layer 6 is, e.g ., a polyethylene film. Advantageously, the system 1, once mounted on the wall, will not impregnate the wall. More preferably, the substrate 30 comprises a first substrate portion 301 and a second substrate portion 302. The first substrate portion 301 and the second substrate portion 302 face and contact each other, and the canalisation 5 is interposed between the first substrate portion 301 and the second substrate portion 302. Accordingly, the first surface 31 referred to above in the present disclosure is intended as part of the second substrate portion 302, while the second surface 32 is intended as part of the first substrate portion 301.

Preferably, the first substrate portion 301 comprises a single layer, whereas the second substrate portion 302 comprises one or more layers. More preferably, the second substrate portion 302 alternatively comprises one or two layers. The second substrate portion 302 further comprises at least one seam (not illustrated in the accompanying Figures) which is preferably made of a nylon thread. The seam is configured to keep the layers connected to each other.

The plurality of layers of the second substrate portion 302 is equal to the single layer of the first substrate portion 301, and such layers are obtained by die-cutting. Optionally, with particular reference to Figure 3a, the second substrate portion 302 may be die-cut so as to present particular shapes, e.g ., by carving into it corrugated or straight profiles which improve final water performance.

The die-cutting process and any seams are designed to allow an optimal distribution of water, while limiting water consumption over time for irrigation. Preferably, the seams follow the profile of the second substrate portion 302. In particular, in the case of a second substrate portion 302 which is die-cut without particular shapes, the seams are made along the horizontal direction and are placed at a distance of 15 cm, for example. On the contrary, in the case of a second substrate portion 302 which is die- cut with a corrugated profile, the seams are placed along the corrugated profile, at a distance of 10 cm from each other, for example.

According to a preferred embodiment, each panel 3 comprises an eyelet 7 defined on one of the layers of the substrate 30 by a seam. The eyelet 7 is configured to contain the first conduit 51 of the canalisation 5. In accordance, preferably, the seams define two eyelets 7, each adapted to contain a respective conduit. In particular, the eyelets 7 are perpendicular to each other, along a vertical direction and along a horizontal direction, in order to allow the positioning of the first conduit 51 and the second conduit in the manner described above.

Preferably, the system 1 comprises an elastic strap 8 surrounding the panel 3, to give a structure to the panel 3. The elastic strap 8 preferably surrounds the first substrate portion 301 of the panel 3 and is connected to the first substrate portion 301. Also preferably, the elastic strap 8 is sewn to the layer 301. In accordance with such embodiment, the second substrate portion 302 is more extended than the first substrate portion 301, in particular it has such dimensions as to be flush superimposed over the elastic strap 8 when surrounding the first substrate portion 301 in the panel 3.

The moss composition was subjected to experimental tests to check the resistance of the moss species and the system 1 to different weather conditions.

The moss composition was used to make samples by spreading it on a 5 x 5 cm ² substrate 30 with a spatula so as to make a 1 mm layer.

Samples simulating conditions of use on a horizontal surface were placed on a Petri dish and hydrated by capillarity with a water supply of 40 mL/week.

Samples simulating conditions of use on a vertical surface were placed on a Petri dish and hydrated by capillarity with a water supply of 200 mL/week.

The samples were incubated in a growth chamber under the following conditions:

- temperature 18°C ± 2°C,

- light intensity 20 pM/m ² s

- photoperiod 12/12

- 60 % relative humidity.

The moss species proved to be resistant. On both horizontal and vertical surfaces, the most resistant species is Homalothecium sericeum.

Further samples with larger substrates were also subjected for five months, from October to February, to various weather conditions and exposure to different orientations. Again, the most resistant species is Homalothecium sericeum.

Practical Example Implementation of System 1

The moss species Homalothecium sericeum , added with 1 % agar solution and spread on 4 mm thick substrate 30.

The canalisation 5, inserted inside the substrate 30, comprising a conduit having an external section of 6 mm, an internal one of 4 mm, configured to provide a water supply of up to 2 L/h every 30 * 30 cm.