got here thru recent posts, didn't read whole thread. just a friendly advice, talked to a 'experienced patent lawyer' before filling/submit the application. there can be many loopholes in your application. normally, lawyer don't charge for basic discussion, even if they do in your place then pay. how much a lawyer can be helpful, it depends on your purpose, whether it's commercial use or just to attach your name with research. whether you wanna patent the concepts, or whole thing. hoping that patent clerk already told you, it will become public, means people can access. you can file charges against anyone using it or ask license fees but there is no way you can know if anybody using your formula until he is doing publicly.
But dont let that stop you. Many with great ideas who never filed a patent application, and are later devastated to see their ideas for sale by others. so go for it, but have someone professional to file.
also be quick as there is a days limit to file after disclosing part/full invention. some rules differ country wise, but in this type of invention go for international.
for some basics read-
http://www.kdtalcott.com/patent-basics.html
http://www.soyouwanna.com/soyouwanna-patent-something-1091-full.html