Oral Care Composition with Moisture-Sensitive Polymer Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polymer compositions for delivering payloads under aqueous conditions are not stable in formulations like toothpaste, as they dissolve under slightly aqueous conditions, necessitating a composition that remains stable under low moisture and dissolves under high moisture or mechanical action to effectively release the payload.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a cellulose polymer with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose subunits, starch, and a humectant, with a weight ratio of cellulose polymer to starch between 3:1 to 0.75:1, which is stable under low moisture and dissolves under high moisture or mechanical action to release the payload, suitable for use in toothpaste formulations with less than 35% water by weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a polymer composition is used to deliver payload under aqueous conditions, then payload delivery is enabled, but the composition dissolves under slightly aqueous conditions and loses stability in toothpaste formulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite polymer system comprising both water-soluble polymer (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and starch) and water-insoluble polymer (carboxymethyl cellulose) in specific weight ratios. This composite approach allows the composition to remain stable in the slightly aqueous environment of toothpaste while capable of dissolving and releasing payload under highly aqueous conditions in the oral cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls the water content parameter of the toothpaste base (less than 35% by weight) and the polymer composition parameters (weight ratios of different polymers, viscosity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose at 44-60 mPa·s as 2% solution). These parameter optimizations enable the composition to maintain stability in toothpaste formulation while ensuring payload release under aqueous conditions.
2Reliability
If water content in toothpaste base is reduced to maintain stability, then formulation stability is improved, but payload release efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the polymer composition transitions from a stable state in the low-water toothpaste base to a dissolving state upon exposure to high-water conditions in the oral cavity. The specific polymer combination and ratios enable this dynamic response, maintaining stability during storage and application while ensuring efficient payload release during use.
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 composition maintains payload stability under low moisture conditions and effectively releases it under high moisture or mechanical action, ensuring consistent delivery in oral care applications.
Implementation Method 1
dissolves when exposed to moderate or highly aqueous conditions, and/or mechanical action, releasing the payload
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed invention relates to a composition for delivery of a payload to an oral cavity. The composition incorporates a payload and is stable under slightly aqueous conditions, but dissolves when exposed to moderate or highly aqueous conditions, and/or mechanical action, releasing the payload. The composition can be used alone or as a component in a toothpaste formulation.