Stannous Fluoride Stabilization via Self-Assembling Peptide Matrix

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stannous fluoride in dental care products is unstable due to oxidation of Sn2+ ions to Sn4+, leading to reduced efficacy and formation of extrinsic stains on teeth.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating self-assembling peptides that form a three-dimensional matrix to stabilize stannous fluoride, preventing oxidation and maintaining its therapeutic properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stannous fluoride is used in dental care products, then antimicrobial effects and efficacy in controlling gingivitis are improved, but stability is worsened due to oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantimicrobial efficacyVSAvoidchemical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces self-assembling peptides as intermediary substances that form a protective matrix around stannous fluoride ions. This peptide matrix acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact between Sn2+ ions and oxidizing agents in the oral environment, thereby maintaining the chemical stability and antimicrobial efficacy of stannous fluoride without compromising its therapeutic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite system combining stannous fluoride with self-assembling peptides to form a stable complex. This composite material approach allows the stannous fluoride to retain its therapeutic effects while the peptide component provides structural stability and protection against oxidation, resolving the contradiction between efficacy and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If stannous fluoride is used in dental care products, then efficacy in preventing demineralization and promoting remineralization is improved, but formation of extrinsic stains on teeth occurs due to oxidation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecaries prevention efficacyVSAvoidextrinsic stains
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The self-assembling peptides serve as a protective intermediary layer that prevents oxidation of stannous fluoride ions, thereby eliminating the formation of extrinsic stains while preserving the caries prevention efficacy. The peptide matrix blocks the oxidation pathway that would otherwise produce stained compounds on tooth surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful oxidation process into a beneficial stabilized complex formation. By introducing self-assembling peptides, the oxidation that would normally cause staining is redirected to form a stable, non-staining peptide-stannous fluoride complex that maintains therapeutic efficacy without producing extrinsic stains.

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

3Reliability

If stannous fluoride is used in dental care products, then reactivity with root surfaces and reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity is improved, but instability in presence of water leads to precipitation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedentinal hypersensitivity treatment efficacyVSAvoidsolubility stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The self-assembling peptides act as a stabilizing intermediary that prevents precipitation of stannous fluoride in aqueous environments. The peptide matrix maintains stannous fluoride in a soluble, bioavailable state while preserving its reactivity with root surfaces for treating dentinal hypersensitivity, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and reactivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of stannous fluoride by complexing it with self-assembling peptides. This parameter change transforms the solubility and stability characteristics of stannous fluoride, allowing it to remain in solution at physiological pH and ionic strength while maintaining its therapeutic reactivity with dentin and root surfaces.

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 stabilization of stannous fluoride by self-assembling peptides enhances its bioavailability and effectiveness in preventing demineralization, promoting remineralization, and reducing dentinal hypersensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

the self-assembling peptides are essentially present in the dental care product in assembled form. The assembled peptides form a three-dimensional matrix capable of stabilizing stannous fluoride by protecting it from oxidation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-assembly: Self-Assembly

Implementation Method 2

The stannous ions (Sn2+) are highly reactive and rapidly oxidate into inactive stannic ions (Sn4+)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

Fluoride inhibits tooth demineralization and promotes tooth remineralization by reacting with calcium present in plaque and saliva to form calcium fluoride on the tooth surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 4

The assembled peptides form a three-dimensional matrix capable of stabilizing stannous fluoride by protecting it from oxidation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation protection: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS20250082552A1Dental Care Products Comprising Stannous Flouride
Publication Date: 2025.03.13 CREDENTIS AG

AI summary

The present invention provides new dental care products comprising stannous fluoride and at least 0.01 wt % self-assembling peptides, wherein the self-assembling peptides are essentially present in the dental care product in assembled form. The assembled peptides form a three-dimensional matrix capable of stabilizing stannous fluoride by protecting it from oxidation. The dental care products may further comprise polyphosphates such as sodium tripolyphosphates as well as a tin chelating agent such as sodium gluconate. They may be provided in the form of a dental gel, a toothpaste, a tooth foam, dental rinse or a prophylactic paste. Also disclosed are methods for stabilizing stannous fluoride in a dental care product. Finally, the present invention relates to therapeutic methods for protecting a tooth from demineralization, for remineralizing the tooth enamel of a non-cavitated tooth lesion, for destroying biofilm formed on tooth and for treating dentinal hypersensitivity.