Probiotic Matrix for Dental Caries Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current oral health treatments are inadequate in preventing and treating diseases like caries and periodontitis, as they rely on invasive methods and inactive probiotics that cannot effectively colonize and stabilize the oral microbiota, allowing pathogenic bacteria like Streptococcus mutans to cause dental issues.
Innovation Solution
A matrix formulation with active probiotics, specifically Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus plantarum, in a viscous solution of pectin, dextrose, citric acid, and natural flavoring, which provides stability and viability, allowing these microorganisms to colonize and inhibit pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, reducing plaque and caries formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If inactive probiotics (lyophilized) are used, then stability during storage is improved, but ability to colonize and function in oral cavity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of probiotics from inactive/lyophilized to active/viable form. This is achieved through a specific formulation containing protective agents (sorbitol, xylitol, maltodextrin) and controlled moisture content (5-15%), which maintains stability during storage while preserving bacterial viability and functionality in the oral cavity.
2Reliability
If invasive treatment methods are used, then effectiveness in treating critical states is improved, but patient comfort and minimal invasiveness are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical treatments (drilling, crowns, extractions) with a biological approach using active probiotics. The probiotic formulation delivers living bacteria that colonize the oral cavity and compete with pathogenic bacteria, providing treatment through biological mechanisms rather than mechanical intervention.
3Ease of operation
If simple removal of bacterial biofilm is attempted, then ease of removal is improved, but effectiveness is worsened due to firm adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the adhesion mechanism that causes problems into a beneficial force. The probiotic bacteria produce extracellular polymeric substances that enhance adhesion to dental surfaces, but this time with beneficial bacteria that compete with and inhibit pathogenic species like Streptococcus mutans, turning the adhesion problem into a therapeutic advantage.
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 matrix effectively reduces dental bacterial plaque and caries by maintaining active probiotics in a stable state, inhibiting Streptococcus mutans and other pathogens, thereby preventing oral health issues such as bad breath and tartar, and promoting a balanced oral microbiota.
Implementation Method 1
these microorganisms stabilize the oral flora, counteracting the tropism generated by S. mutans. Said at least one microorganism in active state selected from Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus plantarum or a mixture of both in the formulated matrix, manage to inhibit S. mutans and the microbial consortium found in caries
Data Source
AI summary
A matrix formulated with probiotics, which can be used to reduce the development of caries by inhibiting Streptococcus mutans and wherein the probiotics include: 3-5 g/100 mL pectin; 6-9 g/100 mL dextrose; 25-50 mg/100 mL citric acid; 2-4 mL/100 mL natural flavouring; and 4×10 12 CFU/mL of the microorganisms Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus plantarum in active state. The matrix is administered to a patient to prevent dental caries.