Biphasic Oral Care Composition for Cationic-Anionic Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral care compositions face challenges in delivering effective levels of cationic antibacterial agents while minimizing interactions with anionic polymers that protect against erosion and staining, leading to formulation incompatibilities and reduced efficacy.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous biphasic compositions are formulated with an acidic polymer, a nonionic polymer, a polyamine compound, and water, creating two distinct aqueous phases that separate and re-mix upon agitation, allowing for high local concentration of cationic agents and improved delivery, while using only water-soluble materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anionic polymers are used to protect against erosion and staining, then enamel protection is improved, but compatibility with cationic antibacterial agents deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation is segmented into two distinct aqueous phases: a lower phase containing the anionic polymer and a upper phase containing the cationic antibacterial agent. This physical separation prevents direct interaction between the incompatible ingredients while maintaining both protective functions. The phases can be readily mixed by shaking and then re-separate at rest, ensuring both polymers are delivered to the site of action without premature reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
A nonionic polymer is introduced as an intermediary component that is compatible with both the anionic polymer and the cationic antibacterial agent. This nonionic polymer acts as a mediator that facilitates the formation of a stable biphasic system, allowing the incompatible anionic and cationic components to coexist in the same formulation without direct interaction.
2Reliability
If cationic antibacterial agents are used to inhibit biofilm formation, then antimicrobial efficacy is improved, but staining of teeth is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cationic antibacterial agent is segregated into a separate aqueous phase from the anionic polymer, preventing the formation of insoluble complexes that cause staining. This physical separation maintains the cationic agent's antimicrobial activity while eliminating its harmful staining effect when used in combination with anionic polymers.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation utilizes pH control to maintain the cationic antibacterial agent in its active cationic form while preventing unwanted interactions. By adjusting the pH parameters of the system, the cationic agent remains effective against biofilm without forming staining complexes with the anionic polymer.
3Ease of operation
If high water formulations are used for oral care products, then ease of use is improved, but ingredient compatibility is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The formulation transitions from a single-phase homogeneous solution to a two-phase heterogeneous system. This dimensional change in the formulation structure allows incompatible ingredients to coexist in the same water-based product by occupying different phases, thereby maintaining both high water content for ease of use and ingredient stability.
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 biphasic system enhances the delivery and efficacy of cationic antibacterial agents, inhibiting biofilm formation and staining, and provides aesthetic visual distinction, with tunable separation properties for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
formulations comprising an aqueous solution of an acidic polymer, a nonionic polymer, a polyamine compound, and water can form an unusual biphasic system, wherein the polyamine compound interacts with the acidic polymer to form one aqueous phase while the nonionic polymer separates to form a second aqueous phase
Implementation Method 2
the polyamine compound interacts with the acidic polymer to form one aqueous phase
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides, among other things, novel aqueous biphasic compositions comprising two distinct aqueous phases, useful for combining and delivering poorly compatible ingredients, for example to deliver effective levels of cationic antibacterial agents in combination with anionic polymers, e.g. that protect against erosion and staining, by addition of a stabilizing amount of a polyamine, e.g. lysine, and methods for making and using the same.