Zinc Citrate Trihydrate Tartar Control in ACP Toothpaste

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oral care compositions that combine Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) with anti-tartar agents, such as Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP), are incompatible due to TSPP's calcium scavenging properties, which negate the effectiveness of ACP in promoting fluoride availability and remineralization.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating zinc citrate trihydrate as a tartar control agent in ACP toothpaste formulations, which does not interfere with calcium ions, thereby maintaining enamel fluoride uptake and providing simultaneous tartar control and remineralization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If TSPP is used as an anti-tartar agent, then tartar control is improved, but ACP effectiveness is negated due to calcium scavenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetartar controlVSAvoidACP effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the problematic TSPP component from the formulation and replaces it with zinc citrate trihydrate, which provides tartar control without calcium scavenging. This removes the harmful interaction between TSPP and ACP while preserving the beneficial effects of both ACP and anti-tartar functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameter of the anti-tartar agent from pyrophosphate-based (TSPP) to zinc citrate-based, fundamentally altering the mechanism of tartar control while eliminating calcium interference. This parameter change allows simultaneous presence of ACP and anti-tartar functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If ACP is used for remineralization, then fluoride availability is improved, but tartar control is compromised when combined with TSPP

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluoride availabilityVSAvoidtartar control

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges ACP remineralization technology with zinc citrate trihydrate anti-tartar technology into a single compatible formulation. This combination allows both fluoride availability enhancement and tartar control to function simultaneously without the conflicting interactions that occur with TSPP.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a stable ACP formulation is developed, then remineralization is improved, but compatibility with anti-tartar agents becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with anti-tartar agents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Zinc citrate trihydrate serves as an intermediary anti-tartar agent that mediates between the ACP remineralization system and tartar control requirements. It provides the necessary anti-tartar functionality without interfering with ACP stability or calcium phosphate chemistry, thus enabling formulation stability while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 use of zinc citrate trihydrate in ACP toothpaste formulations ensures effective tartar control without compromising enamel fluoride uptake, as demonstrated by Fluoride Uptake Studies, achieving enhanced remineralization and tartar control activities.

Implementation Method 1

The mode of action of TSPP is to stabilize the calcium level in the saliva and interfere with growth of crystals that help form calculus. Zinc citrate trihydrate demonstrated to be a viable agent to control tartar build up... zinc citrate trihydrate will have little or no impact on calcium ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCalcium ion stabilization:

Implementation Method 2

Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) can be used in toothpastes and rinses to enhance the natural remineralization process. For ACP technology to work, available calcium and phosphate ions need to be introduced to enhance fluoride availability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRemineralization:

Implementation Method 3

available calcium and phosphate ions need to be introduced to enhance fluoride availability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon introduction:

Implementation Method 4

The object of remineralization is to deposit hydroxyapatite in the carious lesion such that the dental enamel incorporates the hydroxyapatite into its structure at the point of lesion... provides enamel fluoride uptake activity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluoride uptake:

Data Source

PatentUS11529295B2Oral care composition

Publication Date: 2022.12.20 CHURCH & DWIGHT CO INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an oral care composition including a water-miscible base component, an amorphous calcium phosphate remineralizing component including a water-soluble or partially water-soluble calcium component and a water-soluble inorganic phosphate component, and a tartar control component, wherein the oral care composition provides enamel fluoride uptake activity and tartar control activity.