Bioglass (NovaMin)

What it is

Bioglass, known by the trade name NovaMin, is a synthetic material based on calcium sodium phosphosilicate (SiO₂·CaO·Na₂O·P₂O₅). Originally developed in the 1960s by Professor Larry Hench (University of Florida) as a biomedical material for bone tissue replacement, 45S5 bioglass became the first synthetic material capable of forming a chemical bond with living tissue. In the early 2000s the technology was adapted for dental products — and NovaMin was born.

The uniqueness of bioglass in cosmetic applications is defined by its amorphous structure: unlike crystalline calcium phosphates, the amorphous material reacts far more readily with the aqueous environment, providing rapid saturation of saliva with calcium, sodium, phosphate and silicate ions.

How it works

When bioglass contacts water or saliva, ion exchange occurs: Na⁺ ions on the particle surface are replaced by H⁺ ions from solution, creating an alkaline pH at the particle surface and triggering dissolution of the silica network. The released Ca²⁺ and PO₄³⁻ ions form an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) layer on the particle surface, which then crystallises into hydroxyapatite directly on the enamel and dentine surface.

The key difference from nano-HAp lies in kinetics: bioglass acts as an ionic reservoir, gradually releasing high concentrations of precursor ions. This delivers more sustained saturation of oral fluid with calcium and phosphate. Additionally, the alkaline pH in the contact zone neutralises acid attack, temporarily raising salivary pH above the critical demineralisation threshold.

Efficacy

Clinical studies confirm high efficacy for dentinal hypersensitivity. Sharif et al. (2013) demonstrated significant reduction in hypersensitivity after just 2 weeks of use with a NovaMin paste. Burwell et al. (2009) recorded occlusion of dentinal tubules and formation of an apatite-like coating within 30 minutes of in vitro exposure.

Key findings: 5% NovaMin achieves complete occlusion of open dentinal tubules within a three-minute in vitro exposure. In clinical conditions, meaningful effect is recorded after 4–8 weeks of regular use. Bioglass shows synergy with fluoride: combined use enhances mineralisation through formation of fluorohydroxyapatite.

Safety

Bioglass based on calcium sodium phosphosilicate has an exceptionally high safety profile. The material is FDA-approved, used in medical implants, and registered in the INCI dictionary. All component elements (Si, Ca, Na, P) are physiologically normal for the human body.

At cosmetic concentrations (5–10%) it causes no irritation to the oral mucosa. GlaxoSmithKline acquired NovaMin Technologies in 2010 and incorporated the ingredient into several Sensodyne paste formulations.

Role in the QDRO formula

In the v.pro "Second Enamel" line, bioglass works in tandem with nano-HAp to create a complementary remineralisation mechanism: nano-HAp provides precise filling of defects, bioglass delivers broad ionic saturation of the environment and tubule occlusion. This combination is especially relevant for the v.pro audience, many of whom experience post-procedural hypersensitivity after professional whitening.

Target concentration in QDRO formulations: 5% — sufficient for maximum clinical effect without increasing cost of goods.