Terpolymer Amic Acids for Tooth Sensitivity Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating tooth sensitivity, such as regulating tooth nerve sensitivity and blocking dentinal tubules, are not entirely effective and there is a need for alternative approaches to manage this condition.
Innovation Solution
Development of amic acids and imides derived from a polymer comprising maleic anhydride, a first C1-C7 alkyl vinyl ether monomer, and a second C8-C30 alkyl vinyl ether monomer, which can be used in various compositions including oral care products to address tooth sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods for reducing dentin hypersensitivity are employed (regulating tooth nerve sensitivity or blocking dentinal tubules), then some relief from tooth sensitivity is achieved, but the treatment is not entirely effective and further improvement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and structure of polymers used in dental treatments. Specifically, it uses terpolymers containing maleic anhydride, alkyl vinyl ether monomers, and amino acid-derived monomers, which can be converted to amic acids or imides through chemical transformation. These parameter changes in polymer chemistry enable enhanced effectiveness in blocking dentinal tubules and reducing nerve sensitivity compared to traditional treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes composite materials by creating terpolymer structures that combine three different monomer types: maleic anhydride units, alkyl vinyl ether units, and amino acid-derived units. This composite polymer structure integrates multiple functional properties - the maleic anhydride provides reactive sites for forming amic acids/imides, the alkyl vinyl ether provides hydrophobic character for tubule blocking, and the amino acid units contribute biocompatibility and additional functional groups. This composite approach delivers superior treatment effectiveness compared to single-material approaches.
2Reliability
If new polymer compositions are developed to improve treatment effectiveness, then more comprehensive treatment options are available, but the complexity of the polymer structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the polymer into distinct functional segments or blocks. The terpolymer structure contains segregated functional units: maleic anhydride segments that can form imide groups, alkyl vinyl ether segments for hydrophobic interactions, and amino acid-derived segments for biocompatibility. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall polymer integrity, managing complexity through functional modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs universality by designing a multi-functional polymer system where a single terpolymer structure performs multiple functions: blocking dentinal tubules through hydrophobic alkyl chains, providing chemical reactivity through maleic anhydride-derived imide groups, and ensuring biocompatibility through amino acid units. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate treatment agents into one universal polymer composition, managing complexity by combining functions rather than multiplying components.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides amic acids and imides derived from a polymer comprising: (a) maleic anhydride, (b) a first C1-C7 alkyl vinyl ether monomer, and (c) a second C8-C30 alkyl vinyl ether monomer, wherein the polymer contains an amic acid or an imide group. The polymers containing an amic acid or an imide group of the invention may be employed in a wide variety of compositions, particularly in oral care compositions. Non-limiting generic structures of the amidic polymers are set out below: (I) wherein R1-R3, M, a, b, c, d, e, and f are defined herein.