Quaternary Ammonium Oral Composition for Fusobacterium Plaque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral compositions are ineffective in efficiently sterilizing Fusobacterium, a key bacterium involved in dental plaque formation, which contributes to periodontal disease.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a quaternary ammonium salt with a C10 to C14 alkyl group, preferably cetylpyridinium chloride, is used to effectively sterilize Fusobacterium, inhibiting its coaggregation with other bacteria and thereby preventing dental plaque maturation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional anti-fouling coatings are used, then plaque formation is reduced, but they release toxic substances that harm the environment and aquatic life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of micro-roughness (which typically increases fouling) into a beneficial effect by combining it with hydrophobic materials. The micro-rough hydrophobic surface creates extreme water contact angles that prevent plaque adhesion, transforming what would normally be a detrimental surface property into an anti-fouling mechanism that eliminates toxic substance release
Solution Approach 2:
The patent fundamentally changes the surface parameters by creating a micro-rough structure with specific hydrophobic properties, achieving contact angles greater than 150 degrees. This parameter change enables the surface to repel plaque-forming substances without requiring toxic biocides, thus resolving the contradiction between anti-fouling performance and environmental safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If smooth surfaces are used, then plaque adhesion is reduced, but hydrophobic coatings require micro-rough surfaces for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating micro-roughness at the microscopic level while maintaining macroscopic smoothness. The surface has localized irregularities with specific size ranges (0.1-10 micrometers) that enhance hydrophobicity and prevent plaque adhesion, while the overall surface remains suitable for its intended application
3Stability of the object's composition
If hydrophobic coatings are applied, then water contact angle increases improving anti-fouling, but surface area increases providing more attachment points for plaque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by creating a hierarchical micro-rough structure where smaller features are nested within larger features. This multi-scale roughness architecture maximizes the hydrophobic effect and plaque resistance while minimizing the effective surface area available for plaque attachment, as the nested structure traps air pockets that prevent direct contact between plaque and solid surface
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 composition achieves efficient sterilization of Fusobacterium, thereby inhibiting dental plaque formation and reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
Implementation Method 1
a boat hull or other waterborne structure is coated with a hydrophobic, micro-rough plaque-resisting coating
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a technique for inhibiting plaque formation or plaque maturation on the tooth surface. More specifically, provided is a composition for inhibiting plaque formation containing a quaternary ammonium salt having a C10 to C14 alkyl group and preferably further containing cetylpyridinium chloride.