Peroxide Whitening Dentifrice With Block Copolymer Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional oral care products containing peroxide whitening agents face challenges in formulating stable compositions with high levels of PVP-H2O2 complexes due to instability and variability in peroxide delivery, leading to ineffective whitening and potential container issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in oral care compositions, replacing propylene glycol, to stabilize a peroxide whitening complex providing 3.5% to 7% hydrogen peroxide, with a molecular weight of 1,000 Da to 3,000 Da, and optionally including a cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone complexed with hydrogen peroxide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high levels of PVP-H2O2 complexes are used to provide effective whitening, then whitening efficacy is improved, but formulation stability deteriorates due to peroxide decomposition and container bloat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewhitening efficacyVSAvoidformulation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing propylene glycol with a specific block copolymer (Pluronic L35) having defined molecular weight and composition ratios. This parameter change stabilizes the peroxide complex while maintaining whitening efficacy, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of cross-linked PVP complexed with hydrogen peroxide and stabilized by the block copolymer surfactant. This composite approach creates a stable formulation that maintains high peroxide levels without decomposition, simultaneously achieving both whitening efficacy and formulation stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If peroxide compounds are used for whitening, then whitening capability is improved, but formulation complexity increases due to reactivity and decomposition issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewhitening capabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The block copolymer (Pluronic L35) acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the peroxide complex and the aqueous environment. It stabilizes the peroxide, preventing decomposition and simplifying the overall formulation by eliminating the need for complex stabilizing systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent simplifies formulation complexity by changing the carrier parameter from propylene glycol to a specific block copolymer with defined molecular weight (1,000-3,000 Da) and composition. This single parameter change resolves multiple formulation challenges simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of stationary object

If peroxide is stored in dentifrice container, then whitening function is maintained, but peroxide decomposes over time reducing effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage durationVSAvoidperoxide effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The block copolymer is incorporated into the formulation beforehand to prevent peroxide decomposition during storage. This preliminary protective action ensures that the peroxide remains stable and effective throughout the product's shelf life, resolving the contradiction between storage duration and effectiveness

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 solution enhances the stability and consistent delivery of hydrogen peroxide, maintaining effective whitening efficacy while preventing formulation thickening and container issues, ensuring a stable and efficient whitening experience.

Implementation Method 1

PVP-H2O2 complexes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplexation:

Implementation Method 2

humectants in toothpaste, such as propylene glycol, PEG, glycerin, sorbitol, interact with PVP-H2O2 complexes differently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolvation:

Implementation Method 3

hydrogen peroxide can spontaneously decompose to form oxygen gas (O2) and water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDecomposition:

Implementation Method 4

conventional toothpastes containing peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) are often utilized to oxidize chromophores bound to surfaces of teeth to thereby whiten the teeth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20250295564A1Oral Care Whitening Compositions

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

Disclosed herein are oral care compositions comprising a peroxide whitening complex in an amount to provide from 3.5% to 7% of hydrogen peroxide by weight of the composition, and a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide in an amount of from 40% to 60% by weight of the composition. Methods of making and using the dentifrices are also provided.