Dual Phase Mouthwash Stabilization via Preservative Synergy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Dual phase mouthwashes face challenges in preservation due to the removal of fluoride sources and methylisothiazolinone, with stability dependent on CPC, benzyl alcohol, flavor nature, acid type, and preservative interactions.

Innovation Solution

A dual phase mouthwash composition comprising a hydrophilic phase, hydrophobic phase, preservative combination, CPC, and phosphoric acid or HCl, which stabilizes and effectively inhibits plaque accumulation, reduces cariogenic bacteria, and remineralizes teeth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fluoride sources and methylisothiazolinone are removed from the mouthwash formulation, then the mouthwash can be positioned as a natural/activated product, but the preservation and stability of the hydrophilic phase is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct positioning flexibilityVSAvoidpreservation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the preservative system by removing traditional preservatives (fluoride sources and methylisothiazolinone) and replacing them with an alternative preservative combination including benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate. This parameter change enables the product to be positioned as natural while maintaining preservation stability through the synergistic interaction of the new preservative system with CPC and phosphoric acid/HCl.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a combination of multiple preservatives is used to maintain stability without fluoride and MIT, then preservation effectiveness is improved, but the formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreservation effectivenessVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple preservative functions into a unified system where benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate work synergistically with CPC and phosphoric acid/HCl. This combination creates a coordinated preservation mechanism that maintains effectiveness while managing formulation complexity through deliberate ingredient selection and interaction optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If phosphoric acid and/or HCl are used instead of multivalent acids like citric acid, then preservation stability is improved, but the pH adjustment process becomes more restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreservation stabilityVSAvoidacid selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the acid parameter from multivalent acids like citric acid to monovalent acids (phosphoric acid and/or HCl). This parameter change improves preservation stability by preventing unwanted interactions with the preservative system, particularly with CPC, while accepting the restriction in acid selection flexibility as a necessary trade-off for maintaining product stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3544570B1Oral care product and methods of use and manufacture thereof

Publication Date: 2020.12.02 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

This invention relates to a dual phase mouthwash comprising a hydrophilic phase, a hydrophobic phase, and a hydrotrope, wherein the hydrophilic phase comprises an effective amount of a preservative selected from potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, benzyl alcohol, and a combination thereof, and CPC and a monovalent acid, as well as to methods of using and of making such compositions.