Modified Clay–Biphenol Antimicrobial Compositions for Oral Biofilm Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for antimicrobial compositions with improved antimicrobial activity, particularly for use in personal care products such as oral care compositions, to effectively prevent and treat conditions like oral biofilm, plaque, gum diseases, and halitosis.

Innovation Solution

The composition combines modified clay particles with an antimicrobial compound, specifically quaternary ammonium material like cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), and a biphenol component, such as honokiol and magnolol, to enhance antimicrobial efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional antimicrobial components are used in personal care compositions, then basic antimicrobial activity is provided, but the antimicrobial efficacy is insufficient to effectively prevent and treat oral biofilm, plaque, and gum diseases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidoral biofilm formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines modified clay particles with quaternary ammonium compounds and biphenol compounds to create a composite antimicrobial system. This composite approach integrates multiple active ingredients with different mechanisms of action, providing synergistic antimicrobial activity that effectively targets oral biofilm, plaque, and gum diseases while maintaining stability in personal care compositions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If higher concentrations of single antimicrobial compounds are used, then antimicrobial activity increases, but the composition complexity and potential irritation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antimicrobial function into multiple segments: modified clay particles as carriers, quaternary ammonium compounds for membrane disruption, and biphenol compounds for additional antimicrobial action. This segmentation allows each component to contribute differently to the overall antimicrobial effect, reducing the need for high concentrations of a single compound and thereby lowering composition complexity and potential irritation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If modified clay particles with quaternary ammonium compounds are used, then antimicrobial activity is enhanced, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial activityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates quaternary ammonium compounds into the clay particle structure during the manufacturing process, creating pre-functionalized modified clay particles. This preliminary action of impregnating or coating the clay particles with antimicrobial agents during production simplifies subsequent formulation steps, as the clay particles arrive at the final formulation stage already equipped with their antimicrobial function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the enhanced antimicrobial activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 combination of modified clay and biphenol compounds demonstrates improved antimicrobial activity, effectively reducing oral biofilm, malodor, and tooth discoloration, while providing therapeutic benefits for oral health and cosmetic improvements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one orally acceptable antimicrobial compound selected from a quaternary ammonium material wherein the at least one antimicrobial compound is attached to the coordinating cation on an external surface plane of the clay particle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentEP3897531B1Antimicrobial compositions comprising modified clay and biphenol
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

The present invention is in the field of antimicrobial compositions, e.g. for personal care. In particular, the invention relates to antimicrobial compositions for oral care, such as toothpastes, comprising antimicrobial particles and biphenol. Accordingly, the present invention relates to antimicrobial compositions comprising a modified clay particle, the particle comprising an antimicrobial compound and a clay particle, and at least one biphenol compound. The invention further relates to the uses and methods of the antimicrobial compositions of the invention.