Stannous ACP Complexes for Stable Tooth Remineralization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for dental conditions such as dental caries, dental erosion, dental hypersensitivity, and dental calculus are unsatisfactory, and stannous fluoride formulations face stability issues due to precipitation and oxidation, limiting their effectiveness in remineralizing tooth surfaces.

Innovation Solution

Stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (ACFP) complexes are developed with stannous ions bound to phosphopeptides, enhancing mineralization and stability, forming a protective layer on dental surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stannous fluoride is used to remineralize tooth surfaces, then remineralization effectiveness is improved, but stability deteriorates due to precipitation and oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremineralization effectivenessVSAvoidstannous ion stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces phosphopeptides as intermediary molecules that mediate between stannous ions and tooth surfaces. These phosphopeptides bind stannous ions through phosphoserine residues, forming stable complexes that prevent precipitation and oxidation while maintaining remineralization activity. The phosphopeptide acts as a carrier that delivers stannous ions to the tooth surface without allowing them to degrade in the oral environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining stannous ions, phosphopeptides, and amorphous calcium phosphate/fluoride phosphate. This composite formulation integrates the remineralization activity of stannous fluoride with the stabilizing and delivery capabilities of phosphopeptides, resulting in a multi-component system that maintains stannous ion activity while preventing degradation pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional treatments are used for dental caries and erosion, then treatment options are available, but effectiveness is unsatisfactory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddemineralization progression

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous remineralization action through the formation of stable stannous-phosphopeptide complexes that remain active on the tooth surface. The phosphopeptide-stannous complex continuously delivers stannous ions to demineralized areas, maintaining a sustained protective effect rather than providing transient relief, thus continuously counteracting demineralization progression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of stannous fluoride delivery by forming complexes with phosphopeptides. This parameter change involves altering the solubility, stability, and binding characteristics of stannous ions, transforming them from unstable free ions into stable complexes that can be effectively delivered to and retained on tooth surfaces, thereby improving treatment effectiveness.

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 stannous-associated ACP and ACFP complexes effectively remineralize dental surfaces, providing enhanced protection against demineralization, reducing dental caries, hypersensitivity, and plaque, while maintaining stannous ion activity.

Implementation Method 1

stabilized by phosphopeptides/phosphoproteins by addition of stannous ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComplex formation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

stannous fluoride formulations face stability issues due to precipitation and oxidation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation resistance: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

these complexes have anticariogenic properties useful to protect tooth structures as they remineralize (repair) early stages of dental caries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRemineralization: Deposition (physical)

Implementation Method 4

forming a protective layer on dental surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProtective layer formation: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12551417B2Stabilized stannous compositions

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE

AI summary

The present invention relates to improved complexes of amorphous calcium phosphate and/or amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate stabilised by phosphopeptides/phosphoproteins by addition of stannous ions. These complexes have anticariogenic properties useful to protect tooth structures as they remineralize (repair) early stages of dental caries and have other dental/medical applications (including anti-calculus, anti-erosion/corrosion and anti-dentinal hypersensitivity). Methods of making the complexes of the invention and of treatment or prevention of various dental conditions including dental caries, dental calculus, dental erosion/corrosion and dental hypersensitivity are also provided.