At-home descaling with particles activated by ultrasonic cavitation
Innovative toothpaste formulation using functionalized silica particles activated by ultrasonic cavitation to remove plaque and debris without flossing. Designed to enhance ultrasonic toothbrushes' efficacy in dislodging food particles and biofilms, offering a convenient at-home dental care solution.
Overview
This innovative solution introduces a toothpaste formulation containing functionalized silica particles that leverage ultrasonic cavitation to remove plaque and food debris. These particles are designed to be activated by the ultrasonic energy from a standard toothbrush, creating cavitation bubbles that propel the particles with enough force to dislodge particulates and etch away biofilms. This results in a floss-free method of maintaining oral hygiene, minimizing the need for mechanical actions like flossing and potentially reducing dental visits for de-scaling.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Contains nano- and micro-sized functionalized silica particles.
- Cavitation bubbles form around particles when activated by ultrasonic stimulation at 40 kHz.
- Capable of removing soft materials from hard surfaces, such as biofilms and food debris.
- Compatible with common oral formulations like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium fluoride.
Applications:
- Enhances the effectiveness of ultrasonic toothbrushes.
- Provides a convenient at-home dental care solution by removing plaque without flossing.
- Potential to significantly reduce dental visits for de-scaling.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 3, with demonstrated removal of soft materials from hard substrates in laboratory conditions. Future validation aims include testing the formulation's effectiveness in oral care products and further developing the technology's applicability domain.
About University of Colorado, Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is a comprehensive public research university serving a large student body and a broad portfolio of scholarship. Corporate partners tap co-located federal research laboratories and shared-use core facilities, with collaborations supported by an on-campus research and technology park. Proximity to the Boulder–Denver innovation corridor and strong regional aerospace and photonics clusters provide access to suppliers, testbeds, and experienced talent. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including awards from NSF, NIH, DOE, NASA, and DoD. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP strategy, licensing, and startup formation, with incubator and accelerator programs connecting companies to faculty and student talent.
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