Peroxide Dentifrice Stability via PVP Complexation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peroxide-based dentifrice formulations face challenges with stability during storage due to the reactive nature of peroxide compounds, which can decompose and interact unfavorably with calcium salts, leading to variable effectiveness and storage issues such as container bloating and leakage, and existing gels are not suitable for toothbrush application due to adhesion and lack of foaming.
Innovation Solution
The development of oral care compositions comprising a crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide, combined with a stabilizing amount of additional polyvinylpyrrolidone and an ethylene oxide, propylene oxide block co-polymer, along with a calcium abrasive, which enhances stability and effectiveness while preventing phase separation and bloating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If peroxide compounds are used in dentifrice formulations to achieve cleaning and whitening effects, then teeth can be bleached and stains removed, but the peroxide decomposes over time causing container bloating and variable effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an abrasive-free gel formulation as an intermediary medium to deliver peroxide to the teeth. This gel base (comprising water, hydrogen peroxide, and optional polymers) allows peroxide to remain stable during storage while still achieving effective whitening when applied. The gel acts as a carrier that protects the peroxide from premature decomposition and unwanted interactions, resolving the contradiction between stability and effectiveness.
2Reliability
If calcium salts are used as abrasives in peroxide dentifrices to provide cleaning action and calcium source, then teeth can be cleaned and repaired, but calcium ions react with peroxide to form corrosive calcium peroxide and calcium oxide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes calcium-containing abrasives from the formulation entirely, replacing them with abrasive-free gel components. This extraction eliminates the harmful chemical reaction between calcium ions and peroxide while maintaining the cleaning function through the mechanical action of the gel on tooth surfaces. The harmful factor (calcium-peroxide reaction) is eliminated by removing the reactive calcium component.
3Reliability
If gels comprising peroxide are used for dental trays or strips, then peroxide can be delivered effectively, but the gels adhere to toothbrushes and do not rinse off easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the gel formulation to optimize it for toothbrush application. By adjusting the gel's viscosity, polarity, and composition (using specific polymers and ratios of ingredients), the formulation achieves a balance where it remains stable and effective for peroxide delivery while also being compatible with toothbrush bristles and rinsing easily. The parameters are tuned to prevent adhesion issues while maintaining peroxide delivery effectiveness.
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 solution provides a stable, effective, and long-term usable peroxide dentifrice that maintains hydrogen peroxide levels, preventing bloating and ensuring consistent whitening and cleaning performance, with improved compatibility and foaming characteristics for toothbrush application.
Implementation Method 1
hydrogen peroxide can spontaneously decompose to form oxygen gas (O2) and water
Implementation Method 2
The peroxide can bleach the teeth, remove stains
Implementation Method 3
a crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 4
reacting exothermically with water for example to form calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2)
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are oral care compositions comprising a crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide, together with particular co-polymers as additional excipients; including some embodiments which further comprise a calcium abrasive.