Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Gel Stabilization via Aminomethyl Propanol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing amorphous calcium phosphate preparations for oral care suffer from poor stability, limiting their application in dental products due to phase transformation into crystalline forms, which is exacerbated by pH and ion concentration conditions, leading to enamel demineralization and tooth sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An amorphous calcium phosphate gel is prepared using aminomethyl propanol as a phase stabilizer in a propylene glycol solution with a calcium source, and slowly adding a phosphoric acid solution to maintain stability, with specific ratios and conditions to prevent phase transformation and ensure safety and effectiveness in oral care products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If amorphous calcium phosphate is prepared by conventional sol-gel method, then calcium and phosphate ions are released to strengthen enamel, but the preparation suffers from poor stability and phase transformation into crystalline form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a novel solvent system comprising propylene glycol and glycerin as intermediaries to stabilize amorphous calcium phosphate. This solvent system acts as a mediator between the calcium source and phosphoric acid, preventing direct crystallization while maintaining amorphous structure. The specific combination of propylene glycol and glycerin creates a stable environment that suppresses phase transformation, thereby resolving the contradiction between releasing calcium/phosphate ions and maintaining phase stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the preparation system by using a specific solvent composition (propylene glycol and glycerin) and controlling pH levels. By adjusting the solvent parameters and maintaining appropriate pH conditions during preparation and storage, the amorphous phase is stabilized. This parameter control prevents the spontaneous crystallization that occurs in conventional methods, thus improving both reliability and phase stability.
2Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of calcium and phosphate ions are used to promote remineralization, then enamel remineralization is enhanced, but the solution pH may drop below 5.5 causing demineralization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the pH parameter of the solution to maintain it above 5.5, preventing the harmful demineralization effect. By adjusting the concentration ratio of calcium source to phosphoric acid and using the propylene glycol-glycerin solvent system, the pH is kept in the optimal range that allows high calcium and phosphate ion concentrations without causing acid etching. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between providing sufficient ions for remineralization and avoiding pH-induced demineralization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If aminomethyl propanol is added as phase stabilizer to improve stability, then phase transformation is prevented, but the complexity of the preparation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aminomethyl propanol as an intermediary stabilizing agent that simplifies the overall process by preventing the need for complex post-preparation stabilization steps. Although one additional component is added, it eliminates the need for sophisticated equipment or multi-step processes to maintain phase stability, thereby reducing overall process complexity while ensuring phase stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, small-molecule organic compound (aminomethyl propanol) that is easy to handle and incorporate into the preparation process. This inexpensive additive provides stable amorphous phase maintenance without requiring complex machinery or elaborate procedures, making the process economically viable and operationally simple despite the additional component.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces a stable amorphous calcium phosphate gel that remains stable for extended periods, preventing phase change and enhancing its application in oral care products by maintaining amorphous form, thus effectively strengthening enamel and preventing dental caries and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
adding aminomethyl propanol (C4H11NO, CAS No. 124-68-5) as a phase stabilizer to a propylene glycol solution containing a calcium source, can undergo no phase change for a longer period of time and has an excellent stability
Implementation Method 2
the amorphous calcium phosphate prepared by a sol-gel method
Implementation Method 3
the hydroxyapatite crystals, the main component of the enamel, are in a dynamic equilibrium between dissolution and redeposition when immersed in saliva or drinks
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an amorphous calcium phosphate gel, as well as a preparation method and use thereof. The method comprises: adding aminomethyl propanol to a propylene glycol solution containing a calcium source to obtain a mixture; slowly adding a phosphoric acid solution to the mixture to obtain the amorphous calcium phosphate gel. The amorphous calcium phosphate gel as provided in the present disclosure has an excellent stability, which shows no obvious phase change after being left at room temperature for 12 months. The method avoids the use of toxic and harmful agents, which allows the production process to be safe and environmentally friendly, and also ensures the safety of the product. The method has a simple process, which allows the large-scale production of the product and provides a basis for the wide application of the amorphous calcium phosphate gel in oral care.