Episode 31

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Published on:

16th Feb 2026

31: What Do Hops Have to Do with Toothpaste - The Brewing Science Behind a Surprising Oral Care Innovation with Dr. Rob Karlinsey and Tami

What if one of the most promising antimicrobial ingredients for toothpaste came from the same plant used to preserve beer?

In this episode of Dental Formulator’s Playbook, Dr. Rob Karlinsey and co-host Tami explore an unexpected crossover between brewing science and oral care innovation. What do hops, Miller Brewing, and Procter and Gamble have to do with toothpaste? Quite a lot, it turns out. This conversation breaks down how hop compounds suppress lactobacilli in beer, why that same concept appeared in toothpaste patents decades ago, and how modern patent strategy may shape the next generation of oral care products.

Highlights and Takeaways

  1. Why hops are not just about bitterness, but also act as preservatives by suppressing lactobacilli and preventing beer spoilage
  2. The surprising history of Miller Brewing filing an oral care patent in 1994, including toothpaste and mouthwash formulations that never reached market
  3. How hop cones are harvested and kiln dried to reduce moisture and spoilage risk
  4. What hops are made of, including cellulose, proteins, fats, resins, polyphenols, essential oils, and soluble fibers
  5. Why the resins, not the essential oils or fibers, are the most relevant fraction for oral care
  6. How hop resins are separated into soluble and insoluble fractions, and why the soluble fraction drives antimicrobial acid activity
  7. The difference between hop alpha acids and hop beta acids, and why alpha acids matter most for bitterness and bacterial control
  8. Why extremely low concentrations can still be biologically active, with hop alpha acids discussed at levels as low as 0.01 percent
  9. How patent claims work in practice and why claim language matters more than the length of the patent
  10. Why Procter and Gamble’s patent strategy expands beyond hop acids into additional resin derived compounds
  11. The growing research interest in prenylated flavonoids and how their fat-affinity influences absorption and biological behavior
  12. Why antimicrobial testing often fails to translate clinically once ingredients are placed into real toothpaste formulations

📲 Connect with Dr. Rob (Robert L. Karlinsey, PhD)

🌐 Website: customdentalformulations.com

Robert L. Karlinsey, PhD

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About the Podcast

Dental Formulator's Playbook
The Dental Formulator’s Playbook is where science meets strategy in the world of oral health innovation. Hosted by Dr. Rob Karlinsey, a seasoned dental researcher and independent formulator, this podcast is your behind-the-scenes pass to what really goes into creating cutting-edge dental products.

Whether you're a dentist, a dental brand, or just someone curious about how toothpaste, rinses, and other oral care products are developed, you'll find practical insights and real-world takeaways in every episode. Dr. Karlinsey keeps it straightforward and engaging—no fluff, just clear, thoughtful explanations based on years of experience in the lab and the industry.

This show is all about helping dental professionals and product developers think differently, make better decisions, and stay ahead of the curve. If you care about science, results, and doing things the right way, you're in the right place.

About your host

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Robert Karlinsey

Dr. Robert L. Karlinsey is a scientist and formulator with almost 20 years’ experience in dental research. He earned a BS in Physics (University of Scranton) and PhD in Chemical Physics (Indiana University), with postdoctoral work in physical chemistry (Indiana University). As a visiting assistant research professor at the Indiana University School of Dentistry, his research led to an impactful encounter with Dr. George Stookey, and shortly thereafter, the formation of Indiana Nanotech, LLC (now known as Custom Dental Formulations, LLC), of which he spearheaded all research and small-scale manufacturing efforts. Dr. Karlinsey is the inventor of Nanotech’s functionalized tricalcium phosphate systems, which continue to help generate over $100MM in global product sales for a major dental manufacturer. As Principal Investigator, his work has received significant funding through Federal (National Institutes of Health), State (Indiana and Texas), and industry grants and contracts. His research in patented calcium phosphate technologies continue to help generate over $100MM in global product sales. Previously, Dr. Karlinsey has served as Chief Scientific Officer at Therametric Technologies, Inc, and adjunct professor of chemistry at the University of Indianapolis.

Dr. Karlinsey addresses clients’ needs in preventive and cosmetic dentistry, including fluoride- and fluoride-free remineralization, antiplaque/gum health, whitening systems, and more. He is actively involved in clinical and laboratory research designs and performance-backed, customized oral care formulation solutions. And, whenever possible, he favors natural, nature-derived, and/or sustainably sourced ingredients