A toothpaste tablet to reduce plastic waste
A novel toothpaste tablet that uses poly gamma glutamate (PGGA) to augment the action of fluoride, replace non-biodegradable ingredients and packaging, and usher in a more sustainable toothpaste product landscape.
- Synergistic action of fluoride and PGGA to prevent caries.
- Regulatory approved material (INCI listed), avoiding barriers to entry.
- Patent pending technology, unlike competitors in the market place.
Problem
Each year 20 billion toothpaste tubes are discarded, with both packaging and ingredients polluting our planet. Toothpaste tablets significantly reduce packaging pollution.
Solution
Toothpaste tablets do not rely on plastic tubing for packaging so are more sustainable by design. Queen Mary researchers found that PGGA can:
- Augment the activity of fluoride, providing better cavity prevention that fluoride alone.
- Replace non-biodegradable binders, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, used in current formulations.
Furthermore, PGGA is already on the INCI register for safe-to-use cosmetic ingredients. PGGA exists naturally in fermented soybeans (natto), where it can be cheaply and sustainably manufactured from food biproducts.
IP Status
A patent application has been filed (GB 2216019.6). Priority date is 28.10.2022.
Seeking
We’re looking for parties interested in licensing the intellectual property or in helping to bring the technology to market.
Contact Dr. Ben Golland at b.golland@qmul.ac.uk to discuss.
Data
Further data can be shared under confidentiality upon request.
Project lead
Contact QMI
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