Calcium Phosphate Core-Shell Structure for Stable Remineralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remineralization materials, such as amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), suffer from instability and inadequate calcium ion release, limiting their effectiveness in oral care applications.
Innovation Solution
A calcium phosphate-based core-shell structured material is developed, comprising an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) core covered by a β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) shell, achieved through a two-stage sintering process, enhancing the stability and calcium ion release rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) is used as a remineralization material, then it has better solubility and can provide excellent calcium ions and phosphate ions, but it is easily converted into low-solubility hydroxyapatite through phase transition when in contact with water, reducing its effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material with ACP core and β-TCP shell structure. The ACP core provides high solubility and calcium ion content, while the β-TCP shell provides phase stability and prevents conversion to hydroxyapatite. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining the advantages of both materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the structure: the ACP core provides high solubility and calcium ion release, while the β-TCP shell provides stability and controls the release rate. This local differentiation allows each region to fulfill its specific function optimally.
2Stability of the object's composition
If β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is used as a remineralization material, then it is stable at room temperature, but its calcium ion content is lower than that of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ACP and β-TCP in a core-shell structure where the ACP core provides high calcium ion content and the β-TCP shell provides thermal stability. This composite approach allows the material to achieve both high calcium ion content and stability, resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
3Reliability
If calcium phosphate crystals are used for remineralization, then they can form CaP crystals on tooth surface, but under acidic conditions the crystals are dissolved causing loss of calcium ions, and the remineralization effect is not fully carried out when oral environment returns to neutral
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of calcium phosphate materials by creating a core-shell structure with controlled solubility and release rate. The ACP core provides rapid calcium ion release, while the β-TCP shell controls the release kinetics to match the natural remineralization process, improving reliability under varying pH conditions.
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 core-shell structure improves the stability of the material and increases the free calcium ion concentration in an aqueous solution, providing effective remineralization benefits across a wide pH range.
Implementation Method 1
If amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) has a better solubility, it can be an excellent source of calcium ions and phosphate ions
Implementation Method 2
if amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) is in contact with water in a physiological environment, it is easily converted into a low-solubility hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) through phase transition
Implementation Method 3
calcium ions in the oral environment play an important role in facilitating formation of calcium phosphate inside the tooth
Implementation Method 4
a first sintering step that includes sintering an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) material to produce the amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) core and an α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) shell; and a second sintering step including sintering the α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) shell to form the β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) shell
Data Source
AI summary
A calcium phosphate-based core-shell structured material, a method for preparing the same, and an oral care composition using the same are provided. The calcium phosphate-based core-shell structured material includes an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) core and a β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) shell covering the core. The method includes a first sintering step and a second sintering step. The first sintering step is to sinter an ACP material at between 700° C. and 800° C. to obtain an α-TCP shell. The second sintering step allows the α-TCP shell to form into the β-TCP shell by sintering at between 800° C. and 900° C. The oral care composition includes a calcium phosphate mixture and an orally receivable carrier. The calcium phosphate mixture includes a powder of the calcium phosphate-based core-shell structured material and a tricalcium phosphate powder mixed in a weight ratio from 3:5 to 3:7.