Method for providing a beverage additive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering beneficial bacteria to the oral cavity are inefficient and do not allow for effective colonization, as they focus on rapid passage through the digestive tract and do not provide a suitable environment for bacteria to colonize the mouth.
Innovation Solution
A stabilized probiotic bacteria composition is introduced into the oral cavity as part of a beverage additive, which includes a moisture-resistant barrier and a disrupting mechanism to release the bacteria into an aqueous solution, allowing for colonization on oral surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If beneficial bacteria are delivered to the oral cavity using existing methods, then the bacteria can pass through the digestive tract, but they cannot effectively colonize the oral surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a beverage as an intermediary medium to deliver beneficial bacteria to the oral cavity. The beverage provides a suitable environment that protects the bacteria during delivery and facilitates their colonization on oral surfaces, acting as a mediator between the bacteria and the oral cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the delivery system by using a beverage matrix with specific pH, moisture content, and nutritional composition. These parameter changes create optimal conditions for bacterial survival and colonization in the oral cavity, contrasting with the harsh conditions of the digestive tract.
2Speed
If bacteria are designed for rapid passage through the digestive tract, then they can reach the gut quickly, but they cannot remain viable long enough to colonize the oral cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The beverage acts as a protective intermediary that extends bacterial viability duration. It provides nutrients and a favorable environment that maintains bacterial life longer than would be possible in the digestive tract, allowing sufficient time for oral colonization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the environmental parameters (pH, temperature, nutrient availability) in the beverage to extend bacterial viability. These parameter changes create conditions that preserve bacterial life for the duration needed to reach and colonize the oral cavity.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional tooth whitening products are used, then teeth can be whitened, but they do not provide additional oral care benefits such as healthier gums and decreased oral malodor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by incorporating beneficial bacteria into the beverage that can simultaneously provide tooth whitening, gum health improvement, and oral malodor reduction. The same beverage delivery system achieves multiple oral care benefits rather than requiring separate products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges tooth whitening functionality with probiotic oral care benefits in a single beverage product. The beneficial bacteria serve multiple functions: they produce peroxide for whitening while also colonizing to provide gum health and malodor control, combining previously separate benefits.
4Ease of operation
If oral hygiene treatment is made less intrusive to improve convenience, then daily use becomes more acceptable, but the treatment effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beneficial bacteria perform self-service by automatically colonizing the oral cavity and producing whitening agents (peroxide) in situ. Once delivered via the convenient beverage, the bacteria independently carry out the therapeutic function without requiring additional intrusive treatment steps from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The beverage serves as a non-intrusive intermediary that delivers the therapeutic agent (bacteria) in a convenient form. The bacteria then act as living intermediaries that continuously provide treatment效果, maintaining effectiveness while maximizing user convenience through simple beverage consumption.
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 solution enables transient colonization of the oral cavity, providing benefits such as tooth whitening, reduced dental caries, and improved oral health by displacing pathogenic bacteria.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture-resistant barrier that encloses the beverage additive
Implementation Method 2
a disrupting mechanism positioned to circumvent the moisture resistant barrier and place the stabilized probiotic bacteria preparation in contact with an aqueous solution
Implementation Method 3
a stabilized probiotic bacteria composition is introduced into the oral cavity... allowing for colonization on oral surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are described that provide controlled release of beneficial bacteria to the oral cavity. Such bacteria can subsequently colonize the oral cavity and displace or suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Described devices include a stabilized preparation of such beneficial bacteria and provide a consumable liquid, wet foam, or gel that includes such bacteria when used.