TBZC-TMG Complex for Zinc Ion Delivery in Oral Care

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current oral care compositions using soluble zinc salts face challenges such as unpleasant taste and mouthfeel, interference with foaming and cleaning, and inefficient delivery of zinc due to insolubility of tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC), which limits their effectiveness in preventing dental erosion and hypersensitivity.

Innovation Solution

The formation of a soluble complex between tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC) and N,N,N-trimethylglycine (TMG) in both its free and acidified forms, which provides effective zinc ion delivery to the teeth, reduces sensitivity by plugging dentinal tubules, and enhances shine, while avoiding the drawbacks of conventional zinc-based products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If soluble zinc salts are used in oral care compositions, then zinc ions are delivered to the teeth, but unpleasant taste and mouthfeel occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezinc ion deliveryVSAvoidunpleasant taste and mouthfeel
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses soluble zinc salts as intermediaries to deliver zinc ions to the teeth. The zinc ions act as the active component that provides dental benefits while the soluble salt form ensures adequate delivery, resolving the contradiction between effective zinc delivery and acceptable sensory properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If soluble zinc salts are used in oral care compositions, then zinc ions are delivered to the teeth, but foaming and cleaning are interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezinc ion deliveryVSAvoidinterference with foaming and cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the chemical parameters of zinc delivery by using soluble zinc salts with specific properties that allow zinc ion delivery while maintaining compatibility with surfactants. This parameter change resolves the interference issue with foaming and cleaning functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If tetrabasic zinc chloride is used in oral care compositions, then zinc delivery is improved, but solubility is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezinc delivery efficiencyVSAvoidsolubility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the solubility parameter of tetrabasic zinc chloride by using it in combination with other ingredients or in specific formulation conditions that enhance its dissolution and zinc ion release, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved zinc delivery and adequate solubility.

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 TBZC-TMG complex effectively protects against dental erosion, reduces bacterial colonization and biofilm, and provides enhanced whitening and sensitivity relief without the taste and mouthfeel issues associated with traditional zinc-based products.

Implementation Method 1

the formation of a soluble complex between tetrabasic zinc chloride (TBZC) and N,N,N-trimethylglycine (TMG)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplex formation:

Implementation Method 2

provides effective zinc ion delivery to the teeth, reduces sensitivity by plugging dentinal tubules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 3

Zinc has been shown to have antibacterial properties in plaque and caries studies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntibacterial action:

Data Source

PatentUS9861563B2Oral care products comprising tetrabasic zinc chloride and trimethylglycine
Publication Date: 2018.01.09 COLGATE PALMOLIVE CO

AI summary

The invention provides oral care compositions comprising a mixture of tetrabasic zinc halide and trimethylglycine, in free or orally acceptable salt form. Methods of making and using the compositions are also provided.