Antibacterial electric toothbrush and antibacterial method based on pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle

Abstract

The present invention discloses an antibacterial electric toothbrush and antibacterial method based on the principle of pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response. The electric toothbrush of the present invention includes a toothbrush head and a driving mechanism for driving the vibration of the toothbrush head, the driving mechanism being configured to generate low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic waves. The toothbrush head is equipped with a piezoelectric brush, and the ultrasonic vibrations enhance the electrical response of the piezoelectric brush, thereby achieving excellent antibacterial effects. The electric toothbrush of the present invention not only effectively inhibits bacteria in the toothbrush head when it is placed stationary, but also has improved antibacterial activity during tooth brushing, effectively inhibiting plaque and preventing oral diseases such as periodontal disease.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric toothbrushes, and more particularly to an antibacterial electric toothbrush and antibacterial method based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle. [Background technology]

[0002] An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that achieves tooth cleaning effects by rotating or vibrating the head using a high-speed vibrating motor. There are two main types of electric toothbrushes: rotary and vibrating. Rotary toothbrushes work by rotating a round head using a motor, performing a normal brushing motion while simultaneously enhancing friction. Rotary toothbrushes have strong power and clean the tooth surface thoroughly, but are less effective at cleaning between teeth and causing significant wear. Vibrating electric toothbrushes are more complex and typically have an internal, electrically driven vibrating motor that causes the head to vibrate at high frequencies perpendicular to the handle. However, the oscillation amplitude is very small, typically about 5 mm up and down, with the largest oscillation amplitude in the industry being 6 mm. While the high-frequency oscillating head can effectively complete the brushing action when brushing teeth, the high-frequency vibration also generates many tiny bubbles in the mixture of toothpaste and water in the mouth, and the pressure generated when the bubbles burst can penetrate deep into the gaps between the teeth to remove dirt. However, traditional electric toothbrushes, whether rotary or vibrating, do not have antibacterial properties.

[0003] Currently, several new electric toothbrushes with antibacterial functions have been disclosed. For example, CN115068150A discloses an electric toothbrush including a toothbrush body, a base, and a sleeve, wherein the toothbrush body is attached to the top of the base, a chuck block is fixed to the top of the base, a corresponding chuck groove is provided at the mouth of the sleeve, and the chuck block and the chuck groove are chuck-connected. A plurality of ultraviolet lamps are attached to the top of the base, the plurality of ultraviolet lamps are arranged in a circle along the central axis of the base, and the ultraviolet lamps and the toothbrush body are offset from each other. A light-reflecting layer is attached to the inner wall of the sleeve. This patent application discloses an electric toothbrush that uses an ultraviolet lamp to sterilize the electric toothbrush head, but does not address the antibacterial function in the oral cavity.

[0004] The information provided in the Background section is merely intended to explain the general background of the present invention, and should not be considered as an admission or in any way implied that such information is prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In an effort to solve at least some of the problems in the prior art, the present invention provides an antibacterial electric toothbrush and antibacterial method based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, which can not only effectively sterilize the toothbrush head when it is left stationary, but also has improved bactericidal activity during use, can effectively suppress plaque, and can be used to prevent oral diseases such as periodontal disease. Specifically, the present invention includes the following:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, comprising: a toothbrush head; and a drive mechanism for driving vibration of the toothbrush head, the drive mechanism being configured to generate low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic waves; and piezoelectric bristles being installed in the toothbrush head.

[0007] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, wherein the effective ultrasonic wave intensity is 0.20 to 2.50 W / cm. 2 is.

[0008] In some embodiments, in the antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle according to the present invention, the frequency of the ultrasonic waves is 0.5 to 4 MHz.

[0009] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, wherein the piezoelectric bristles are manufactured from at least one polymer selected from polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, and L-polylactic acid.

[0010] In some embodiments, in the antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle of the present invention, the raw material of the piezoelectric brush further contains nanopiezoelectric particles, and preferably the nanopiezoelectric particles are at least one selected from barium titanate, barium strontium titanate, strontium titanate, lithium zirconate, and potassium sodium zirconate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulse ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, the method for manufacturing the piezoelectric brush comprises: (1) a step of heating a polymer to produce a spinning melt, extruding the melt through a spinneret and cooling it to obtain a yarn, and then mechanically stretching the yarn at a temperature of 80°C to 100°C and a pulling speed of 2 m / min to 80 m / min to increase the proportion of the ferroelectric phase in the fiber yarn; (2) subjecting the yarn to high-temperature treatment at a temperature of 100°C to 150°C for 1.5 hours to 3 hours; (3) subjecting the yarn to a corona polarization treatment, the conditions of the corona polarization treatment including a voltage of 10 kV to 50 kV, a distance between the electrode and the sample of 10 mm to 50 mm, a polarization temperature of 25°C to 50°C, and a time of 10 min to 60 min.

[0012] In some embodiments, in the antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle according to the present invention, the direction of extension is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the electric field during polarization.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, wherein the monofilament diameter of the brush is 100 to 500 μm, the piezoelectric constant of the brush in a stationary state is 0.4 pC / N or more, and the voltage generated when subjected to an external force is 1.0 V to 2.0 V.

[0014] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antibacterial method comprising the step of making a piezoelectric brush electrically responsive under ultrasonic vibration conditions.

[0015] In some embodiments, the antibacterial method of the present invention further comprises a step of subjecting the piezoelectric brush to a corona polarization treatment, wherein the conditions for the corona polarization treatment include a voltage of 10 kV to 50 kV, a distance between the electrode and the sample of 10 mm to 50 mm, a polarization temperature of 25°C to 50°C, and a time of 10 min to 60 min. Preferably, the antibacterial method of the present invention is an in vitro non-therapeutic antibacterial method. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] The maximum output voltage of the piezoelectric brush under different ultrasonic vibration conditions. [Figure 2] The results of the removal rate of the piezoelectric brush under different ultrasonic vibration conditions. [Figure 3] The results of the antibacterial rate of the piezoelectric brush under different ultrasonic vibration conditions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Several exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but this detailed description should not be construed as limiting the present invention, but should be understood as a more detailed description of certain aspects, characteristics and embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] It should be understood that the terms used in the present invention are merely for describing particular embodiments and are not limiting of the present invention. It should also be understood that the upper and lower limits of the ranges described herein, as well as each intermediate value therebetween, are specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value within a stated range, and any other stated value or intermediate value within that range, is also encompassed within the present invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded within the range.

[0019] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Although only preferred methods and materials are described herein, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may also be used in the practice or measurement of the present invention. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference as if they disclose and describe the methods and / or materials associated with said references. In the event of any conflict with any incorporated reference, the present specification controls. Unless otherwise specified, "%" refers to percentages by weight.

[0020] Electric toothbrush In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electric toothbrush that provides excellent antibacterial function based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle. Generally, the electric toothbrush of the present invention includes at least a toothbrush head and a drive mechanism for driving the vibration of the toothbrush head. The drive mechanism is configured to generate low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic waves, and a piezoelectric brush is installed in the toothbrush head. The present invention uses a combination of mechanical force (particularly high-frequency mechanical vibration) and sound waves as an external force, allowing the piezoelectric brush to achieve efficient antibacterial effects.

[0021] In the present invention, the toothbrush head is not particularly limited as long as it is equipped with a piezoelectric brush. A piezoelectric brush is a brush that not only meets the basic requirements of a toothbrush brush but also has piezoelectric activity, and is preferably obtained by manufacturing it using a piezoelectric polymer as a raw material. Examples of piezoelectric polymers include, but are not limited to, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, and L-polylactic acid. In the present invention, one or more of the above polymers may be used in combination. When two or more polymers are used in combination, the ratio between the polymers is not particularly limited and may be any ratio.

[0022] In the present invention, the diameter of the monofilament of the brush is 100 to 500 μm, preferably 120 to 400 μm, more preferably 130 to 300 μm, and even more preferably 150 to 200 μm. In a stationary state, the piezoelectric constant of the brush is generally 0.4 pC / N or more, for example, 0.5 pC / N or more, or 0.6 pC / N or more. The voltage generated when subjected to an external force is generally 1.0 V to 2.0 V, for example, 1.5 V or more, or 1.6 V or more.

[0023] In some embodiments, the raw material for the piezoelectric brush of the present invention further comprises an inorganic piezoelectric material, typically nano-sized ceramic particles, examples of which include, but are not limited to, barium titanate, barium strontium titanate, strontium titanate, lithium zirconate, and potassium sodium zirconate. The present invention may also use one or more combinations of the above components. In the case of a combination, the ratio of the amounts of each component used is not limited and may be freely set as needed. The particle size of the inorganic piezoelectric material is typically 1 to 500 nm, preferably 10 to 300 nm, more preferably 20 to 200 nm, and even more preferably 30 to 100 nm. In the present invention, the amount of the inorganic piezoelectric material used in the piezoelectric brush raw material is typically 0 to 20%, preferably 1 to 15%, and more preferably 5 to 10%, by weight. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric brush of the present invention further comprises a physical treatment step. Exemplary physical treatments include annealing and / or polarization, which further enhance the antibacterial activity of the brush. Annealing typically involves leaving the piezoelectric brush at high temperature for 30 minutes to 3 hours, preferably 50 minutes to 2.5 hours, and more preferably 1 hour to 2 hours. High temperature typically refers to 100 to 150°C, preferably 110 to 140°C, and more preferably 120 to 130°C. Polarization conditions typically include a polarization medium of either air or methyl silicone oil, and a polarization voltage of 1 kV to 30 kV, more preferably 2 kV to 25 kV. The distance between the ground electrode and the sample is 1 mm to 50 mm, such as 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, and 35 mm. The polarization temperature is 20°C to 50°C, such as 25, 30, 35, or 40°C. The polarization time is 1 minute to 60 minutes, for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes, etc.

[0024] In some embodiments, the piezoelectric brush of the present invention is manufactured by a melt spinning method. Illustratively, the manufacturing method includes: (1) a step of heating a polymer to produce a spinning melt, extruding the melt through a spinneret and cooling it to obtain a yarn, and then mechanically stretching the yarn at a temperature of 80°C to 100°C and a pulling speed of 2 m / min to 80 m / min to increase the proportion of the ferroelectric phase in the fiber yarn; (2) subjecting the yarn to high-temperature treatment at a temperature of 120°C to 150°C for 1.5 hours to 3 hours; (3) subjecting the yarn to a corona polarization treatment, the conditions of the corona polarization treatment including a voltage of 10 kV to 50 kV, a distance between the electrode and the sample of 10 mm to 50 mm, a polarization temperature of 25°C to 50°C, and a time of 10 min to 60 min.

[0025] In the present invention, the antibacterial activity of the brush can be improved by tension, and the tension speed is generally 2 m / min to 80 m / min, preferably 5 m / min to 50 m / min, more preferably 10 m / min to 30 m / min, for example, 15 m / min, 20 m / min, or 25 m / min. Preferably, the stretching direction and the direction of the electric field during polarization are substantially perpendicular.

[0026] In the present invention, the drive mechanism is not particularly limited and may be any device or unit that provides power as long as it can simultaneously provide mechanical force to vibrate the brush. Preferably, the drive mechanism also provides ultrasonic waves. Preferably, the vibration period of the drive mechanism is synchronized with the vibration period of the head or brush. More preferably, the vibration period of the drive mechanism corresponds to the order of the sound wave frequency of the ultrasonic waves, in which case it is called ultrasonic vibration.

[0027] In the present invention, when the driving mechanism further provides ultrasound, preferably, the effective acoustic intensity of the ultrasound generated by the driving mechanism is 0.20 to 2.50 W / cm. 2 and preferably 0.25 W / cm 2 More preferably, 2.4 W / cm 2The inventors unexpectedly discovered that the greater the effective ultrasonic wave intensity, the lower the voltage generated by the piezoelectric brush, not the higher it increases, and that controlling the effective ultrasonic wave intensity within the above range results in a relatively high output voltage and antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the ultrasonic frequency is generally 0.5 to 4 MHz, e.g., 1 MHz, 2 MHz, 3 MHz, etc. The inventors discovered that as the frequency increases, the output voltage actually decreases, an effect that was unexpected. When the ultrasonic frequency is within the above range, a relatively high output voltage is obtained.

[0028] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism of the present invention simultaneously generates mechanical vibrations and ultrasonic waves, which may be generated by the same component or device, or by different components or devices of the drive mechanism, such as a motor generating mechanical vibrations and an MCU drive circuit exciting and emitting ultrasonic waves, such as a piezoelectric transducer.

[0029] In some embodiments, the driving mechanism of the present invention is configured to provide vibration or ultrasound in a pulsed manner. The pulsed manner refers to outputting vibration or ultrasound at fixed and / or variable time intervals, or providing vibration or ultrasound so as to output different vibrations or ultrasound within fixed and / or variable time intervals. The time interval may be, for example, 1 to 20 ms, preferably 1 to 10 ms, such as 2 ms, 3 ms, 4 ms, 5 ms, or 6 ms. Different vibrations include, for example, vibrations with different vibration frequencies or vibration intensities. Different ultrasound waves include, for example, ultrasound waves with different frequencies or intensities. In an exemplary embodiment, the pulsed manner simultaneously outputs vibration and ultrasound at a fixed time interval of 1 ms. In another exemplary embodiment, the pulsed manner simultaneously outputs vibration and ultrasound at variable time intervals. For example, a first pulse wave is followed by a second pulse wave, with the second pulse wave being applied at an interval of, for example, 2 ms. The variable time intervals may be regular, e.g., increasing or decreasing, or irregular.

[0030] In addition to the drive mechanism and toothbrush head, the power toothbrush of the present invention may further include other components or features known in the art, such as a toothbrush handle, a microcontroller, a detector, a power source or charging port, etc.

[0031] In some embodiments, the electric toothbrush of the present invention further includes a microcontroller and a detector, and the microcontroller, detector, and driving mechanism are communicatively connected to each other. The detector measures the condition of teeth in the oral cavity, for example, the condition of caries, and transmits the measurement results to the microcontroller, which can then transmit different execution commands to the driving mechanism according to the measurement results. Preferably, the execution commands include commands for causing the driving mechanism to output a required operating frequency or vibration frequency.

[0032] Antibacterial method In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an antibacterial method comprising the step of subjecting a piezoelectric brush to ultrasonic vibration conditions to produce an enhanced electrical response.

[0033] In the present invention, antibacterial effect is achieved by ultrasound. Antibacterial effect by ultrasound not only destroys the structure of bacteria with the acoustic energy of ultrasound, but more importantly, converts ultrasound into mechanical vibration of the piezoelectric brush, and further achieves antibacterial effect by the piezoelectric activity generated by the mechanical vibration. In the present invention, it has been found that the stronger the piezoelectric activity, the stronger the antibacterial effect. Preferably, in the present invention, the combination of the above two types of effects of ultrasound achieves a synergistically excellent antibacterial effect.

[0034] In some embodiments, the antibacterial method of the present invention can be understood as a method for improving antibacterial effect, since it has a stronger effect. This method not only involves applying ultrasonic waves to the piezoelectric brush, but also includes applying a mechanical force to the piezoelectric brush. The mechanical force is preferably mechanical vibration, and more preferably the frequency of the mechanical vibration is the same as or equivalent to the ultrasonic frequency. Here, "equivalent" means that the vibration frequency is within ±30% of the ultrasonic frequency. For example, if the ultrasonic frequency is 1 MHz, the mechanical vibration frequency is within the range of 0.7 MHz to 1.3 MHz. Preferably, "equivalent" means that the vibration frequency is within ±20%, for example, ±10%, of the ultrasonic frequency.

[0035] In some embodiments, the antibacterial method of the present invention is a method for improving the antibacterial effect and further includes a step of subjecting the piezoelectric brush to a physical treatment, which is an annealing treatment and a corona polarization treatment. The conditions for the annealing treatment and the corona polarization treatment have already been described in the "Electric Toothbrush" section above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0036] In some embodiments, the antibacterial agent of the present invention is applied to disinfect an in vitro environment, for example, cleaning and disinfecting the surface of an object with a brush at the same time.

[0037] Example 1. Making brushes 1.Brush 1 (1) 1 kg of PVDF was weighed and added to a single-screw melt spinning machine. The temperature was raised to the melting point of 175°C at a rate of 10°C / min. After the pellets were completely melted, they were extruded through the spinneret and wound up to obtain a 160 μm diameter yarn. The piezoelectric constant of the PVDF was 19 pC / N. (2) The yarn was mechanically stretched at a temperature of 85°C and a pulling speed of 5 m / min, and then subjected to high-temperature treatment at 120°C for 2 hours. (3) The toothbrush thread was obtained by corona polarization treatment, and the corona polarization treatment voltage was 35 kV, the distance was 35 mm, the temperature was 25°C, and the time was 30 min. Measurements showed that brush 1 had a tensile strength of 493.1 MPa, an elastic modulus of 853.5 MPa, a bristle bundle tension of 31.3 N, a bristle bundle bending force of 2.90 N, and a monofilament bending recovery rate of 66.43%. 2, brush 2 (1) 1 kg of PVDF was weighed and added to a single-screw melt spinner. The temperature was raised to the PVDF melting point of 175°C at a rate of 10°C / min. After the pellets were completely melted, BaTiO3 was added in an amount such that the ratio of ceramic particles to polymer was 1:10. The pellets were extruded through a spinneret and wound up to yield a 160 μm diameter yarn. The piezoelectric constant of the PVDF was 19 pC / N. (2) The yarn was mechanically stretched at a temperature of 85°C and a pulling speed of 5 m / min, and then subjected to high-temperature treatment at 120°C for 2 hours. (3) The toothbrush thread was obtained by corona polarization treatment, and the corona polarization treatment voltage was 35 kV, the distance was 35 mm, the temperature was 25°C, and the time was 30 min. Measurements showed that brush 2 had a tensile strength of 483.5 MPa, an elastic modulus of 832.2 MPa, a bristle bundle tension of 28.3 N, a bristle bundle bending force of 2.81 N, and a monofilament bending recovery rate of 62.76%. The tension of brushes 1 and 2 is 15N or more, the bending force is less than 6N, and they have good monofilament bending recovery rate, tensile strength and elastic modulus, meeting the requirements of Chinese national standard GB 19342-2013.

[0038] 2. Electric toothbrush simulation The brush was fixed to the probe of the ultrasonic treatment device with a contact medium, and vibration power was applied from the probe to the brush. At the same time, the probe also generated ultrasonic waves, which acted on the brush. This simulated the process of electric tooth brushing. The specific operating conditions are as shown in Table 1.

[0039] 3. Experimental Effects 1.Voltage output The brush was cut to a length of 10 cm, and the brush was held in a taut state by clamping. Conductive adhesive and electrodes were attached to both ends. Each of the electrodes connected to both ends was connected to a Keithley electrometer (Keithley 6514). The operating frequency of the ultrasonic pulse was 0 MHz, 1 MHz ± 10%, or 3 MHz ± 10%, and the effective ultrasonic wave intensity was 0.25 to 2.25 W / cm. 2 Ultrasonic vibrations were applied to the brush, causing it to vibrate in a systematic manner, and the voltage output was received by the screen. [Table 1] As can be seen from the data in Table 1, as the effective acoustic wave intensity increases, the output voltage decreases inversely proportionally, and at the same time, as the ultrasonic operating frequency increases, the output voltage decreases inversely proportionally.

[0040] 2. Pulsed ultrasound toothpaste removal rate Bovine teeth were selected as stain carriers and, after undergoing the sandblasting and cleaning process described above, were immersed in albumin solution, a mixture of tea and coffee, and an iron citrate solution for 30 minutes each, and the above process was repeated until the stains firmly adhered to the surface of the bovine teeth, preparing them for use. A stain sample was taken and placed in the sample chamber of the toothbrushing machine, and the stain surface was positioned on the same horizontal plane as the surface of the sample chamber, and the head and moment arm were adjusted to fit the stain surface. Ordinary toothpaste was placed in the sample chamber, and different ultrasonic operating frequencies and ultrasonic effective sound intensities were applied to the head, and a predetermined load was applied to perform a pulse ultrasonic toothbrushing simulation test. The stain removal ability was evaluated by the stain removal area.

[0041] 3. Antibacterial rate of pulsed ultrasound Bovine teeth and oral plaque solution were co-cultured in BHI liquid medium for 12 hours. The medium was then aspirated with a pipette and gently washed once with sterile saline to remove any floating bacteria. The stain sample was then placed in the sample chamber of a toothbrush, with the stain surface positioned flush with the sample chamber surface and the head and moment arm adjusted to fit the stain surface. Regular toothpaste was then placed in the sample chamber, and ultrasonic toothbrushing simulation pulse tests were performed by applying different ultrasonic operating frequencies and effective ultrasonic intensities to the head and applying a predetermined load. After the toothbrushing experiment, an appropriate amount of staining solution was applied to the surface of the bovine teeth, incubated in a dark room at room temperature for 15 minutes, and carefully rinsed with PBS buffer to remove excess stain. The samples were then observed and photographed using a laser confocal microscope (CLSM) to measure red and green fluorescence intensity and determine the antibacterial rate compared to the untreated control.

[0042] As can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3, the bacteriostatic effect and removal rate are proportional to the output voltage.

[0043] Comparative Example 1 (1) 1 kg of PVDF was weighed and added to a single-screw melt spinning machine. The temperature was raised to the melting point of 175°C at a rate of 10°C / min. After the pellets were completely melted, they were extruded through the spinneret and wound up to obtain a 160 μm diameter yarn. The piezoelectric constant of the PVDF was 19 pC / N. (2) Then, the film was annealed at 120°C for 2 hours. (3) Then, toothbrush thread was obtained by corona polarization treatment, and the corona polarization treatment voltage was 35 kV, the distance was 35 mm, the temperature was 25°C, and the time was 30 min. (4) No pulsed ultrasound was applied. When measured, the maximum output voltage was 0.665V.

[0044] Comparative Example 2 (1) 1 kg of PVDF was weighed and added to a single-screw melt spinning machine. The temperature was raised to the melting point of 175°C at a rate of 10°C / min. After the pellets were completely melted, they were extruded through the spinneret and wound up to obtain a 160 μm diameter yarn. The piezoelectric constant of the PVDF was 19 pC / N. (2) Then, the film was annealed at 120°C for 2 hours. (3) Then, toothbrush thread was obtained by corona polarization treatment, and the corona polarization treatment voltage was 35 kV, the distance was 35 mm, the temperature was 25°C, and the time was 30 min. (4) The brush was fixed to the probe of the ultrasonic treatment device by a contact medium, and the probe applied vibration power to the brush. At the same time, the probe also generated ultrasonic waves, which acted on the brush. The operating frequency of the ultrasonic waves was 1MHz±10%, and the effective sound wave intensity of the ultrasonic waves was 0.25W / cm. 2 The pulse time interval was 1 ms. The maximum output voltage of the brush was measured to be 1.31 V.

[0045] Comparative Example 3 (1) 1 kg of PVDF was weighed and added to a single-screw melt spinning machine. The temperature was raised to the melting point of 175°C at a rate of 10°C / min. After the pellets were completely melted, they were extruded through the spinneret and wound up to obtain a 160 μm diameter yarn. The piezoelectric constant of the PVDF was 19 pC / N. (2) Then, toothbrush thread was obtained by corona polarization treatment, and the corona polarization treatment voltage was 35 kV, the distance was 35 mm, the temperature was 25°C, and the time was 30 min. (3) The brush was fixed to the probe of the ultrasonic treatment device by a contact medium, and the probe applied vibration power to the brush. At the same time, the probe also generated ultrasonic waves, which acted on the brush. The operating frequency of the ultrasonic waves was 1MHz±10%, and the effective sound wave intensity of the ultrasonic waves was 0.25W / cm. 2 The pulse time interval was 1 ms. The maximum output voltage of the brush was measured to be 0.95V.

[0046] Comparative Example 4 (1) 1 kg of PVDF was weighed and added to a single-screw melt spinning machine. The temperature was raised to the melting point of 175°C at a rate of 10°C / min. After the pellets were completely melted, they were extruded through the spinneret and wound up to obtain a 160 μm diameter yarn. The piezoelectric constant of the PVDF was 19 pC / N. (2) The yarn was mechanically stretched at a temperature of 85°C and a pulling speed of 5 m / min, and then subjected to high-temperature treatment at 120°C for 2 hours. (3) The toothbrush thread was obtained by corona polarization treatment, and the corona polarization treatment voltage was 35 kV, the distance was 35 mm, the temperature was 25°C, and the time was 30 min. (4) Ultrasound is generated by an ultrasonic treatment device, and the ultrasonic waves are directly applied to the brush without applying mechanical vibration to the brush. The operating frequency of the ultrasonic waves is 1MHz±10%, and the effective sound intensity of the ultrasonic waves is 0.25W / cm. 2 The pulse time interval was 1 ms. The maximum output voltage was measured to be 0.78V.

[0047] Comparative Example 5 (1) 1 kg of PVDF was weighed and added to a single-screw melt spinning machine. The temperature was raised to the melting point of 175°C at a rate of 10°C / min. After the pellets were completely melted, they were extruded through the spinneret and wound up to obtain a 160 μm diameter yarn. The piezoelectric constant of the PVDF was 19 pC / N. (2) The yarn was mechanically stretched at a temperature of 85°C and a pulling speed of 5 m / min, and then subjected to high-temperature treatment at 120°C for 2 hours. (3) The toothbrush thread was obtained by corona polarization treatment, and the corona polarization treatment voltage was 35 kV, the distance was 35 mm, the temperature was 25°C, and the time was 30 min. (4) The brush was fixed to the probe of the ultrasonic treatment device by a contact medium, and vibration power was applied from the probe to the brush. At the same time, the probe also generated ultrasonic waves, which acted on the brush at the same time, but without pulses and continuously. Specifically, the brush was cut to a length of 10 cm, and the brush was held taut by clamping. Conductive adhesive and electrodes were attached to both ends, and each of the electrodes connected to both ends was connected to a Keithley electrometer (Keithley 6514). Continuous vibration was applied, with a frequency of 1 MHz ± 10% and an effective ultrasonic wave intensity of 2.5 W / cm. 2 The brush movement was oscillated in a systematic manner, and the voltage output was received by the screen. When measured, the maximum output voltage was 1.25V.

[0048] Bovine teeth were selected as stain carriers and, after undergoing the sandblasting and cleaning process described above, were immersed in albumin solution, a mixture of tea and coffee, and an iron citrate solution for 30 minutes each, and the above process was repeated until the stains firmly adhered to the surface of the bovine teeth, preparing them for use.

[0049] The stain sample was placed in the sample chamber of the toothbrush, and the stain surface was placed on the same horizontal plane as the sample chamber surface, and the head and moment arm were adjusted to fit the stain surface. Ordinary toothpaste was placed in the sample chamber, and the frequency was 1MHz±10%, and the effective ultrasonic sound intensity was 2.5W / cm. 2 A toothbrushing simulation test was conducted by applying a continuous vibration of 1000mV to the head and a specified load. The stain removal ability was evaluated by the stain removal area. The removal rates (data from three parallel tests) were 86.3%, 87.1%, and 86.7%, respectively, with an average of 86.7%.

[0050] The bovine teeth and oral plaque solution were co-cultured in BHI liquid medium for 12 hours, the medium was removed with a pipette, and the solution was carefully and gently washed once with sterile saline to remove floating bacteria. The stain sample was then placed in the sample chamber of the toothbrush, with the stain surface positioned on the same horizontal plane as the sample chamber surface, and the head and moment arm were adjusted to fit the stain surface. Ordinary toothpaste was placed in the sample chamber, and the frequency was 1MHz±10%, and the effective ultrasonic sound intensity was 2.5W / cm. 2 A toothbrushing simulation test was conducted by applying continuous vibration and a specified load. After the toothbrushing experiment, an appropriate amount of staining solution was dropped onto the surface of the bovine teeth, which were then incubated in a dark room at room temperature for 15 minutes. Excess dye was removed by carefully rinsing with PBS buffer. The teeth were then observed and photographed using a laser confocal microscope (CLSM). Red and green fluorescence intensities were measured, and the antibacterial rate was compared with that of an untreated group. The antibacterial rates (data from three parallel tests) were 96.1%, 95.5%, and 95.8%, respectively, with an average of 95.8%. [Table 2] [Table 3] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. Various adjustments or modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present specification without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. The scope of the claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. An antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, comprising: a toothbrush head; and a drive mechanism for driving vibration of the toothbrush head, the drive mechanism being configured to generate low-intensity pulsed ultrasonic waves; and the toothbrush head being configured with piezoelectric bristles.

2. The effective acoustic wave intensity of the pulsed ultrasonic wave is 0.20 to 2.50 W / cm ２ The antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulse ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle according to claim 1,

3. The antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle according to claim 1, characterized in that the frequency of the pulsed ultrasonic waves is 0.5 to 4 MHz, and / or the ultrasonic waves are generated in a fixed and / or variable pulse manner, or in a manner that outputs different vibrations or ultrasonic waves in fixed and / or variable time stages.

4. The antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, as described in claim 1, characterized in that the piezoelectric brush is manufactured from at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane, and polylactic acid.

5. The antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulse ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, as described in claim 4, characterized in that the raw material of the piezoelectric brush further contains nano-piezoelectric particles, and the nano-piezoelectric particles are at least one selected from barium titanate, barium strontium titanate, strontium titanate, lithium zirconate, and potassium sodium zirconate.

6. The method for manufacturing the piezoelectric brush includes: (1) a step of heating a polymer to produce a spinning melt, extruding the melt through a spinneret by extrusion, and cooling the melt to obtain a yarn, and then mechanically stretching the yarn at a temperature of 80°C to 100°C and a pulling speed of 2 m / min to 80 m / min; (2) subjecting the yarn to a high-temperature treatment at a temperature of 100°C to 150°C for 1.5h to 3h; (3) subjecting the yarn to corona polarization treatment, the corona polarization treatment conditions including a voltage of 10 kV to 50 kV, a distance between the electrode and the sample of 10 mm to 50 mm, a polarization temperature of 25°C to 50°C, and a time of 10 min to 60 min.

7. The antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulse ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle according to claim 6, wherein the stretching direction and the electric field direction during polarization are substantially perpendicular to each other.

8. The antibacterial electric toothbrush based on the pulsed ultrasonic piezoelectric response principle, as described in claim 1, characterized in that the monofilament diameter of the piezoelectric brush is 100 to 500 μm, the piezoelectric constant of the brush in a stationary state is 0.4 pC / N or more, and the voltage generated when subjected to an external force is 1.0 V to 2.0 V.

9. An antibacterial method characterized by including a step of realizing a bacteriostatic function by generating a piezoelectric response in a piezoelectric brush under ultrasonic vibration conditions.

10. The antibacterial method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of generating a piezoelectric response in the piezoelectric brush, or further comprising the step of subjecting the piezoelectric brush to a high temperature treatment or a corona polarization treatment.

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