Composite Material Based on Bioactive Glass and Amorphous Calcium Phosphate, and the Process for Producing the Same

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention introduces a composite material made from bioactive glass (BG) particles embedded in a matrix of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) nanoparticles. The resulting material combines the rapid, short-term ion release of ACP with the sustained, long-term ion release of BG, offering improved remineralization effects for dental and bone applications. The material is produced by precipitating ACP onto BG particles, resulting in a highly homogeneous composite that mimics the natural remineralization mechanisms observed in saliva, useful for repairing and protecting dental and bone tissues.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Prevention and treatment of dental demineralization and caries by remineralizing tooth enamel and dentin surfaces.
• Use as a dental treatment for boosting natural tooth remineralization, e.g., in toothpaste, dental pastes, or varnishes.
• Desensitizing agent for teeth by occluding dentinal tubules to reduce tooth sensitivity.
• Bone regeneration material used as a bone defect filler, scaffold for bone tissue engineering, or as a coating for orthopedic implants to enhance bone repair and growth.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Dual-phase release: Provides both quick (short-term) and sustained (long-term) release of calcium, phosphate, and other beneficial ions for effective tissue remineralization.
• Homogeneous structure: Superior uniformity from macro- to nano-scale compared to simple mixtures, leading to enhanced performance and tunable ion release profiles.
• Mimics natural processes: Closely simulates the spontaneous remineralization induced by saliva, improving both restoration and protection of dental tissues.
• Improved remineralization efficacy: Efficiently forms a new hydroxyapatite (HA) layer on enamel and dentin, aiding in repair and strengthening of teeth and bones.
• Versatile formulation: Can be doped with various biologically active ions (e.g., fluoride, zinc, magnesium) to tailor its properties for specific clinical needs.
• Applications in both dentistry and orthopedics, increasing its potential impact and market versatility.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an amorphous calcium phosphate/bioactive glass composite material (ACP/BG). This composite material possesses both the short-time ion release capability of ACP as well as the long-time ion release of BG and thus (i) efficiently remineralizes damaged enamel, and (ii) induces the formation of a new HA layer onto enamel and dentin surface. The ACP/BG composite material is obtained by embedding BG particles in a matrix of ACP nanoparticles in order to maximize homogenization between the two components and to produce a composite with high uniformity from the macro- to the nano-scale. This has been achieved with a process that includes a step of precipitating ACP onto BG particles. The BG particles can be nano-, micro-, or macro-particles. The particles can also be porous or mesoporous The invention relates also to the use of the composite material of the invention for use in the prevention of dental demineralization and to boost remineralization. In other words, the composite material here disclosed is used as remineralizing agent thanks to its ability to restore the structure and preserve the mechanical properties of dental hard tissues by releasing Ca2+ and PO4 3− ions, thereby mimicking the spontaneous remineralization process induced by saliva. The composite material can also be used for bone regeneration.