Phosphono-Phosphate Compounds for Stable Calcium-Surface Binding

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing phosphate compositions, such as polyphosphates and bisphosphonates, face issues of degradation in aqueous solutions and stability in organic systems, posing safety concerns for human consumption and environmental persistence.

Innovation Solution

Phosphono-phosphate containing compounds and polymers that are conditionally stable, releasing phosphate under acidic or catalyzed conditions, offering stability in water and solubility in organic solvents, suitable for applications involving multivalent cations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If polyphosphates are used to control calcium and prevent precipitation, then they are effective in aqueous solutions, but they degrade over time leading to increased ortho phosphate in solution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability in aqueous solutionVSAvoidduration of stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite molecular structure combining phosphonate and phosphate groups. The phosphonate portion provides stability and resistance to degradation, while the phosphate portion maintains the desired calcium-binding functionality. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the strengths of both chemical groups into a single molecule that resists degradation like polyphosphates but remains effective in aqueous solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If bisphosphonates are used to interact with calcium hydroxy apatite surfaces, then they provide strong binding and crystal growth inhibition, but they are bone active and cannot be used in consumable products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding strength with calcium surfacesVSAvoidbone activity and consumption safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing the phosphate group (which provides calcium-binding capability) at a specific location on the molecule while having the phosphonate group provide stability. The molecular structure is designed so that the phosphate portion can interact with calcium surfaces when needed, while the overall molecular architecture and phosphonate component reduce bone activity and enable safe consumption. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction between binding strength and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If polyphosphates are used for their calcium control properties, then they are effective in various formulations, but they are not soluble in non-polar organic systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalcium control effectivenessVSAvoidsolubility in organic systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the phosphate group by incorporating it into a phosphono-phosphate structure. This structural modification alters the solubility characteristics of the molecule, enabling it to dissolve in non-polar organic systems while preserving the phosphate group's calcium-binding functionality. The parameter change in molecular structure resolves the contradiction between maintaining calcium control effectiveness and achieving organic solubility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 phosphono-phosphate compounds provide a stable and safe alternative for applications where polyphosphates and bisphosphonates are limited, ensuring non-detrimental effects in consumption and water stability.

Implementation Method 1

The phosphono-phosphate group is conditionally stable and will only release phosphate under acidic or catalyzed conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrolysis: Hydrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3723866B1Phosphono-phosphate containing compounds and polymers
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3723866B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3723866B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3723866B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed are novel phosphono-phosphate compounds, monomers, and polymer compositions that have targeted uses with divalent cations and surfaces having divalent cations. These compounds can be used to deliver actives to surfaces such as calcium hydroxyapatite.