Anhydrous Oral Care Composition Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-aqueous oral care compositions incorporating hydrogen peroxide for teeth whitening face challenges with phase separation due to the instability of peroxides and limited compatibility of existing thickeners like fumed silica and cross-linked polymers.
Innovation Solution
An anhydrous dentifrice or toothpaste composition using a polymeric thickener, specifically a block copolymer of 2-acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid or its salt, and N-vinylpyrrolidone, which prevents phase separation by forming an intermolecular network, stabilizing the whitening agent and maintaining composition stability for extended periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional thickeners like fumed silica and cross-linked polymers are used in non-aqueous oral care compositions, then the composition can be thickened and gelled, but phase separation occurs due to inability of thickeners to form networks with one another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple thickening agents (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and xanthan gum) into a single thickening system that works synergistically. These polymers form interconnected networks with each other, creating a stable gel structure that prevents phase separation while maintaining composition stability in non-aqueous oral care compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite thickening system comprising multiple different polymer types (cellulose derivatives and xanthan gum) that work together to create a robust network structure. This composite approach allows the thickeners to complement each other's properties and form a stable matrix that prevents phase separation of peroxides and other ingredients.
2Stability of the object's composition
If peroxides are incorporated into non-aqueous oral care products for stabilizing, then peroxide stability is improved, but gelling agents and thickeners compatible with propylene glycol are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The thickening system is designed to be universally compatible with non-aqueous vehicles like propylene glycol while maintaining effectiveness. The selected polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and xanthan gum) have proven compatibility with propylene glycol and can form stable gels, providing a versatile solution that works across different non-aqueous formulation contexts.
3Quantity of substance
If solids are contained in oral care compositions, then active ingredients are provided, but solids may settle resulting in phase separation
Solution Approach 1:
The thickening system is formulated to create a stable gel network structure before any settling can occur. By establishing this three-dimensional polymer matrix in advance, the formulation prevents solids from settling and separating phases, maintaining homogeneous distribution of active ingredients throughout the product shelf life.
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 polymeric thickener effectively prevents phase separation and maintains the stability of the whitening agent, ensuring no separation occurs even under accelerated aging conditions for at least two months, demonstrating enhanced compatibility and viability.
Implementation Method 1
the thickening system includes an polymeric thickener that is a copolymer of 2-acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid or a salt thereof... which prevents phase separation by forming an intermolecular network
Implementation Method 2
stabilizing the whitening agent and maintaining composition stability for extended periods
Data Source
AI summary
Anhydrous oral care compositions and methods for preventing phase separation in the anhydrous oral care composition are disclosed. The oral care composition may include an orally acceptable vehicle, a thickening system, and a whitening agent. The orally acceptable vehicle may include propylene glycol, and the thickening system may include a polymeric thickener. The polymeric thickener may be or include a copolymer of 2- acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid or a salt thereof.