Polymeric Biguanide Preservation of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) slurries are susceptible to microorganisms, and existing preservatives like glutaraldehyde are unstable at alkaline pH and ineffective as long-term preservatives, while bacterial strains can metabolize formaldehyde, allowing bacterial growth in treated PCC slurries.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a polymeric biguanide, such as polyhexamethylene biguanide, into the PCC composition to provide lasting antimicrobial action without the need for aldehyde-based preservatives, which remains associated with PCC during and after the drying process, effectively preserving the slurry and oral care compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glutaraldehyde is used as a preservative in PCC slurry, then short-term antimicrobial action is achieved, but the preservative becomes unstable at alkaline pH and loses effectiveness over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidpreservation duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the preservative from aldehyde-based (glutaraldehyde) to polymeric biguanide, which maintains stability at alkaline pH levels typical of PCC slurries. This parameter change enables the preservative to maintain its antimicrobial effectiveness throughout the entire storage period without degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the unstable, short-lived aldehyde preservative with a stable, long-lasting polymeric biguanide preservative that remains effective throughout the shelf life of the product, eliminating the need for replacement or additional preservative addition over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If formaldehyde-based preservatives are used in PCC slurry, then antimicrobial action is achieved, but bacterial strains can metabolize formaldehyde, permitting bacterial growth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial effectivenessVSAvoidbacterial metabolism resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the limitation of formaldehyde (bacterial metabolism) into a benefit by selecting a polymeric biguanide preservative that bacteria cannot easily metabolize or develop resistance to, thereby turning the previous vulnerability into a robust preservation solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces polymeric biguanide as an intermediary substance that bridges the gap between effective antimicrobial action and bacterial resistance prevention, providing a mechanism that is both microbiocidal and resistant to bacterial metabolism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If aldehyde-based preservatives are used in PCC composition, then antimicrobial protection is provided, but the preservative requires additional ingredients and complicates the formulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantimicrobial protectionVSAvoidformulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex preservative systems by using a single polymeric biguanide ingredient that provides complete preservation on its own, removing the need for combination preservative systems and simplifying the overall formulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Duration of action of stationary object

If PCC slurry is dried for storage, then shelf life is extended, but microbial contamination can occur during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf lifeVSAvoidmicrobial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating the polymeric biguanide preservative into the PCC composition before drying and storage. This pre-established preservation system remains effective throughout the dried storage period, preventing microbial contamination without requiring additional measures during storage.

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 polymeric biguanide effectively reduces microbial contamination, offering antimicrobial activity comparable to formaldehyde-based preservatives, ensuring the stability and preservation of PCC and oral care compositions, even after drying and during extended storage.

Implementation Method 1

Polymeric biguanides can effectively preserve oral care compositions that include precipitated calcium carbonate. The polymeric biguanide provides lasting antimicrobial action without requiring an aldehyde-based preservative.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntimicrobial action: Preservative

Implementation Method 2

The polymeric biguanide remains associated with PCC during and after the drying process, effectively preserving the slurry and oral care compositions.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAssociation: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS10206860B2Biguanide preservation of precipitated calcium carbonate

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

Biguanide-preserved precipitated calcium carbonate oral care compositions and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed.