Buffered Microcapsules for Tooth Remineralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for osteoporosis and dental caries are inadequate, as they fail to effectively increase bone density, lead to tooth decay, and cause discomfort due to tooth sensitivity during whitening processes, with existing remineralization methods being limited by solubility and bioavailability of calcium and phosphate ions.

Innovation Solution

Development of microcapsules containing a semi-permeable polyurethane polymer shell around an aqueous buffered solution of therapeutic agents, such as antimicrobial agents, peptides, and anti-inflammatory agents, for controlled release in the oral cavity to enhance bone mineralization and tooth remineralization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If calcium and phosphate ions are used for remineralization, then bone density and tooth mineralization are improved, but solubility and bioavailability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemineralization effectivenessVSAvoidsolubility and bioavailability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the remineralization process by using microcapsules containing multiple therapeutic agents (calcium ions, phosphate ions, and other minerals) that are released progressively. This segmentation allows each agent to contribute to mineralization while maintaining controlled solubility and enhanced bioavailability through the microcapsule delivery system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by formulating microcapsules that contain multiple therapeutic agents including calcium ions, phosphate ions, and other minerals in a single delivery system. This composite approach enhances overall mineralization effectiveness while managing solubility characteristics through the composite structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If tooth whitening is performed, then visual appearance is improved, but tooth sensitivity and discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetooth brightnessVSAvoidtooth sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating therapeutic agents into the whitening composition that counteract sensitivity before and during the whitening process. The microcapsules release agents that protect tooth structure and reduce sensitivity, preventing the harmful effects that typically accompany whitening treatments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing therapeutic agents as mediators between the whitening agents and the tooth structure. These agents buffer the interaction, allowing whitening to occur while minimizing direct harmful effects on the tooth, thereby reducing sensitivity and discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing remineralization methods are used, then some mineral restoration is achieved, but treatment duration and frequency are excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremineralization effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuity of useful action through sustained-release microcapsules that continuously deliver therapeutic agents over an extended period. This continuous release mechanism maintains effective concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and other minerals at the treatment site, achieving thorough remineralization in fewer applications compared to conventional methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by designing microcapsules with controlled release kinetics that adapt to the remineralization needs. The dynamic release profile ensures high initial concentration for rapid effect followed by sustained lower concentrations for continued mineralization, reducing overall treatment time while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 microcapsule technology provides sustained release of therapeutic agents, reducing tooth sensitivity, improving bone density, and enhancing tooth remineralization, thereby addressing the limitations of existing treatments for osteoporosis and dental caries.

Implementation Method 1

a semi-permeable polyurethane polymer shell around an aqueous buffered solution of therapeutic agents... wherein the therapeutic agent permeates the shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 2

the therapeutic agent permeates the shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP2895323B1Buffered microencapsulated compositions and methods

Publication Date: 2023.09.06 PREMIER DENTAL PRODUCTS CO LLC

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AI summary

A microcapsule composition comprising at least one polymer substantially disposed as a semi-permeable shell around a buffered solution and at least one therapeutic agent, wherein the therapeutic agent permeates the shell, and wherein the composition is suitable for delivery to a mammal. This invention also provides related compositions, products and methods.