Curcumin-Zinc Coordination Complex for Oral Microbial Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral care compositions containing curcumin compounds do not effectively suppress microbial activity in the oral cavity, despite their potential benefits in preventing or treating gingivitis and periodontitis.
Innovation Solution
The formation of a coordination complex between curcumin compounds and nontoxic metal cations, such as zinc, to create a stable complex that is more effective in suppressing microbial activity, which is then incorporated into oral care products like toothpaste or mouthwash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If curcumin compounds are used in oral care compositions, then beneficial physiological effects are achieved, but microbial activity suppression is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material by forming a coordination complex between curcumin compounds and metal cations (such as zinc, copper, or other transition metals). This composite structure combines the antimicrobial properties of curcumin with the catalytic or stabilizing effects of metal ions, resulting in enhanced microbial activity suppression compared to curcumin alone in oral care compositions
2Reliability
If curcumin compounds are incorporated into oral care compositions, then gingivitis and periodontitis prevention is improved, but acid production by oral bacteria is not sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of curcumin compounds by forming coordination complexes with metal cations. This changes the molecular structure and chemical properties of curcumin, enabling it to more effectively inhibit bacterial acid production while maintaining its protective effects against gingivitis and periodontitis
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 curcumin-metal complexes significantly reduce acid production by oral bacteria, demonstrating enhanced antimicrobial performance compared to compositions without the complexation, as shown in the pH drop salivary sediment assay.
Implementation Method 1
a coordination complex in which a metal cation is complexed to one or more ligands which are derived from one or more curcumin compounds
Implementation Method 2
the complexation of curcumin compounds with metal ions provides improved performance in an oral care context. Specifically, such metal complexes have been found to be particularly effective in suppressing the activity of microbes found in the oral cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an oral care composition comprising a coordination complex in which a metal cation is complexed to one or more ligands which are derived from one or more curcumin compounds. Such metal complexes have been found to be particularly effective in suppressing the activity of microbes found in the oral cavity.