Capillary Electrophoresis Plaque Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting ammonia and acids in plaque using capillary electrophoresis are time-consuming and not suitable for high-throughput applications, making it difficult to assess the presence and activity of beneficial and cariogenic bacteria, as well as the disease state of the patient and the effectiveness of oral care compositions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving capillary electrophoresis to measure ammonia and/or calcium, and optionally acids, in a plaque sample by diluting, heating, isolating the liquid fraction, combining with specific agents for electrophoretic separation, and passing through a capillary tube under an electric potential for detection, allowing for efficient monitoring of plaque bioflora and treatment effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrophoresis methods are used to measure ammonia and acids in plaque, then measurement capability is provided, but analysis time becomes excessively long (about a week) and throughput is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrophoresis parameters by using a capillary format with optimized electrolyte composition (including cyclic phosphate and cyclic carboxylate) and controlled pH conditions. These parameter changes enable faster separation and detection of ammonia and acid anions, reducing analysis time from a week to approximately 10-30 minutes while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual or slow automated electrophoresis systems with a capillary electrophoresis system that uses automated sample introduction and detection. This substitution of the measurement system architecture enables high-throughput analysis by rapidly injecting and detecting multiple samples sequentially.
2Measurement precision
If capillary electrophoresis is used to separate ionic species, then separation capability is improved, but the method becomes more complex and requires specific reagents and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specific intermediary substances (cyclic phosphate and cyclic carboxylate) as additives in the electrolyte solution. These intermediaries facilitate the separation of ammonia and acid anions by forming temporary complexes with them, enhancing their electrophoretic mobility differences. This approach simplifies the overall method by providing a straightforward chemical mechanism for separation without requiring complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary electrophoresis method described can simultaneously measure multiple analytes (ammonia and various acid anions) in a single run using the same basic protocol and instrumentation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate measurement procedures, thereby reducing overall method complexity despite the specialized nature of the technique.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If all bacteria in the oral cavity are targeted for elimination, then cariogenic bacteria are reduced, but beneficial bacteria and overall oral health are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms through the measurement of ammonia and acid production as biomarkers for bacterial activity. By monitoring these chemical parameters, the method enables selective targeting of cariogenic bacteria while preserving beneficial bacteria. The feedback from these measurements allows for adjusted oral care interventions that specifically address cariogenic activity without disrupting the overall oral microbiome balance.
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
This method provides a simple, fast, and easy-to-use approach for high-throughput analysis of ammonia and acid levels in plaque, enabling the assessment of beneficial and cariogenic bacteria, and the effectiveness of oral care products, thereby enhancing oral health and reducing the risk of tooth decay.
Implementation Method 1
Capillary electrophoresis separates ions based on their size to charge ratio in the interior of a small capillary filled with an electrolyte
Implementation Method 2
In traditional electrophoresis, electrically charged analytes move in a conductive liquid medium under the influence of an electric field
Implementation Method 3
Heating the sample, e.g., sufficiently to kill bacteria and release ions into solution
Implementation Method 4
Isolating the liquid fraction of the sample, e.g. using centrifugation and/or filtration
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of measuring ammonia and/or calcium in a sample of dental plaque, comprising obtaining the sample of plaque and measuring ammonium and calcium ions using capillary electrophoresis, together with methods of diagnosis, treatment and screening based on evaluation of plaque.