Stannous Fluoride Oral Care Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oral care compositions containing stannous fluoride are unstable in aqueous solutions due to the reactivity of stannous ions, leading to precipitation and loss of therapeutic properties, while zinc-based products face issues with solubility, taste, and compatibility with fluoride ions, making it difficult to achieve effective antimicrobial and anti-erosion benefits.
Innovation Solution
A high water oral care composition comprising zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride, and an organic acid buffer system, such as a citric acid/citrate buffer, which stabilizes stannous fluoride and enhances antimicrobial and anti-erosion properties by maintaining zinc and stannous ions in solution, thereby providing improved protection against tooth demineralization and plaque control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stannous fluoride is used in aqueous oral care compositions, then antimicrobial and anti-erosion benefits are improved, but stability of the composition deteriorates due to precipitation of stannous ions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses citrate ions as an intermediary substance that forms soluble complexes with stannous ions, preventing their precipitation while maintaining their therapeutic availability. The citrate buffer system acts as a mediator between the stannous fluoride and the aqueous environment, allowing stable coexistence of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical environment by introducing a citrate buffer system that maintains optimal pH and provides citrate ions for complex formation. This parameter change transforms the unstable aqueous environment into a stable complexing environment that preserves stannous ion solubility and therapeutic efficacy.
2Reliability
If soluble zinc salts are used to provide zinc ions, then antimicrobial effectiveness is improved, but organoleptic properties deteriorate due to astringent mouthfeel and compatibility issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phosphate ions and citrate ions as intermediaries that form soluble complexes with zinc ions, preventing direct interaction between zinc ions and fluoride ions or anionic surfactants. This intermediary complexation eliminates the astringent mouthfeel and compatibility issues while maintaining effective zinc ion availability for antimicrobial action.
3Stability of the object's composition
If water content is reduced to stabilize stannous ions, then stability is improved, but ease of formulation deteriorates due to rheological challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by introducing a citrate buffer system that enables stannous ion stability in high-water formulations. This parameter change allows the use of abundant water for desirable rheological properties while maintaining stannous ion stability through complex formation, eliminating the need for low-water formulations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If dual phase system is used to stabilize stannous ions, then stability is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves homogeneous single-phase formulation by using citrate buffer system that ensures complete solubility and stability of stannous fluoride in the aqueous matrix. This homogeneous approach eliminates the complexity and cost associated with dual-phase systems while maintaining equivalent or superior stability.
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 combination of zinc phosphate and stannous fluoride with an organic acid buffer system in a high water composition effectively stabilizes stannous fluoride, enhancing its antimicrobial and anti-erosion benefits, providing improved protection against tooth demineralization and plaque control without the drawbacks of previous formulations.
Implementation Method 1
The instability of stannous fluoride in water is primarily due to the reactivity of the stannous ion (Sn2+). Stannous salts readily hydrolyse above a pH of 4, resulting in precipitation from solution
Implementation Method 2
an organic acid buffer system, such as a citric acid/citrate buffer, which stabilizes stannous fluoride and enhances antimicrobial and anti-erosion properties by maintaining zinc and stannous ions in solution
Implementation Method 3
Dental erosion involves demineralization and damage to the tooth structure due to acid attack from nonbacterial sources
Implementation Method 4
providing improved protection against tooth demineralization
Implementation Method 5
stannous fluoride is well known for use in clinical dentistry with a history of therapeutic benefits over forty years... enhancing its antimicrobial and anti-erosion benefits
Data Source
AI summary
An oral care composition comprising zinc phosphate, stannous fluoride and an organic acid buffer system, as well as methods of using the same.