Introduction

Eggshells specifically when pulverized or crushed, have a variety of valuable applications,

such as a natural calcium supplement, a coffee sweetener, a therapy for mild skin irritations, a
nontoxic abrasive cleanser, compost for gardens, and insect control, to name a few. In culnary
nd cooking, eggs are used in various ways, making them a versatile, valuable ingredient in
any food preparation. Correspondingly as eggs are used in large quantities in making products
relating to the food industry and manufacturing. According to Waheed et al., eggs are a good
source of nutrient and contain many nutritional and non-nutritional elements in their shells. As
they are a rich source of minerals like calcium, it is also a good component for toothpaste.
Toothpaste is an essential oral care product used worldwide to clean our teeth, prevent dental
caries, control plaque,prevent mouth odour and maintain overall oral hygiene. Most
commercial toothpaste contains abrasives, fluoride, humectants, binders, detergents, and
flavoring agents, however many of this ingridients are imported and expensive in developing
countries like cameroon, which increase production cost and limits local manufacturing.
Eggshells are an abundant household and food industry waste material which causes
environmental pollution and this waste can be recycled and make value out off it buy
producing toothpaste which is a good oral hygiene product the eggshells are mainly composed
of calciun carbonated (CaCO3), which is key ingrident in toothpaste as mild abrasive and
remineralizing agent. Our teeths are composed of calcium and need to be remineralize
continously to void cracks and breakage so eggshell powder is a natural and good source of
calcium. Improper disporsal of eggshell contributes to environmental waste and yet the have
greate potiential for value-added applications in dental care products.
The problem addressed in this study is the underutilization of eggshell waste despite its rich
calcium content that can serve as a functional ingridient in toothpaste production. Converting
eggshells into toothpaste ingredient reduce waste, lower production cost and promote
sustainable local manufacturing.

Aim
The aim of this project is to produce and evaluate an oral toothpaste formulated using
processed eggshell powder as the major ingredient.

Specific objective
1 to process eggshell waste int fine calcium carbonate powder suitable for toothpaste
formulation.
2 to formulate toothpaste using eggshell powder and other standard toothpaste ingradients.
3 to evaluate the physicochemical properties of the formulated toothpaste.
4 to assess the stability of the eggshell toothpaste for oral cleaning.

Research questions
1 can eggshell-derived calcium carbonate effectively function as an abrasive in toothpaste
2 does toothpaste produced from eggshell meets basic quality standards
3 can this formulation serve as a low-cost alternative to commercial toothpaste

Scope of the study

This study focuses on the production of eggshell powder and the larboratory-scale production
of toothpaste using eggshell powder and the evaluation of its basic physical and chemical
properties and als the importances of the eggshell powder in toothpaste and also in oral
hygiene. Clinical trials and long term dental effects are beyond the scope of this work.

Relevance of the study

This research promotes the recycling of eggshell waste, reduces environmental pollution from
eggshell waste, supports local raw material utilixation, and encourages affordable oral
healthcare product.

CHAPTER 1 LITERATURE REVIEW

Definition of key terms
Toothpaste: it is a semi-solid preparation or gel dentrifrice with complex composition used
with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the esthetics and health of the teeth
Abrasive: it is a substance that help to remove stains and plaque from the the surface of teeth.
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3): it is a naturally occuring compound used in toothpaste for
whitening abrasive, white colorant, thickener, remineralixation, and oral buffering.
Eggshell waste: this are siscarded outer covering of eggs, richin calcium carbonate.

Classification of toothpaste ingredients

1 abrasive: calcium carbonate, silica which is a powerful polishing agent of the teeth
2 humectants: glycerine, sorbitol which will be used as a moisturizing agent that retain water
to prevent the pasted or gel from dring out and hardening inside the tube
3 detergent: sodium lauryl sulfate it is a surfactant that creates foam to help spread the paste,
loosen debris and emulsify plaque removal
4 binder: cellulose gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, and xanthan gum which are
thickening agent used to hold solid and liquid ingredients together, preventing seperation and
ensuring a consistent creamy texture
5 anti-microbials: tea tree oil, ginger they reduces plaque and fight against bacterials which
causes oral problems
6 flavoring agents: mint oil making brushing pleasant and mask the taste of active ingredients.
7 preservative: sodium benzoate, parabens, potassium sorbate are crucial for preventing
bacterial, fungus and mold growth, ensuring the product safety and extending shelf life.

History of the problem

Traditionally, calcium carbonate used in toothpaste is mined from lime stone. Meanwhile,
tons of eggshell waste are discarded daily from homes, restaurants, and food
[Link] has shown that eggshells contans over 90% calcium carbonate, making it a
sustable alternative raw [Link] eggshell waste causes environmental polution so buy
recycling the waste inprove environmental sustainablity and making value out of the waste
which is a good abrasive agent in toothpaste and also contains one of the essential mineral
needed by our teeth for healthiness. So this project is solving two problems that is reducing
evironmental pollution buy eggshells and producing eggshell powder which is a very good
source of calcium carbonate needed in the prduction of toothpaste and other products.

Contributions already made

Previous studies has explored the used of eggshells in
1 bone graft materials: eggshell are used in bone grafting as a biocompatible,
osteoconductive, and cost-effective material to produce bone regeneration. Their natural
composition, primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and essential trace elements, makes
them a good promising alternative to traditional synthetic and naturalm grafts
2 fertilizers: eggshells are a potent, organic source of calcium carbonate (> 95%) that act as a
slow-release fertilizer to neutralize soil acidity, strengthen plant cell walls and prevent
blossom end rot in vegetables like tomatoes, pappers and eggplants. It is best prepared by
rinsing, drying and grinding into fine powder, they also provide small amount of magnesium,
phosphorus and potassium.
3 animal feed supplements: eggshells are a highly nutitious, cost-effective and sustainable
calcium supplement for various animals, primarily poultry, pigs, and ruminants. The calcium
carbonate for which it is composed of along side with magnesium, phosphorus, and protein
are used to strengthen skeletons, improve shell quality in layers, and boost overall nutrient
intake.
Researchers and environmentalists have contributed to developing methods that turns a high-
volue food byproduct into valuable, bioavailable source of calcium for dental care and
remineralizing agent.

Gaps still to be filled

There is limited local production and comercialization of toothpaste using eggshell-derived
calcium carbonate, especially in our country. Eggshells are just wasted people don’t give
value to it , and which is very valuable to our system , animal systems and to the soil and
eggshells can be used to raise income and increase the countries income

Importance of this study

Advantages
1 low-cost raw material: trying to get an alternative source of calcium carbonate apart from
limestone which is cheaper and easy to get which can be use in the production of toothpaste
and other products
2 eco-friendly waste recycling: this study also takes in concideration environmental
sustainability be reducing polution caused by eggshell waste. By recycling them into valuable
products.
3 locally available resource: the source of the calcium carbonate needed for the production
of the toothpaste is abondant in our environment as waste whiche we just need to recycle
them and make it valuable.

Disadvantage
1 requires proper sterilization: proper sterilization of the eggshell is one of the difficult task to
achieve since the shells are mixid along side with other waste materials.
2 particle size must be well control to avoid tooth damage and to achieve this uniform and
good particle size we need to take control of our crushing and grinding methods.

CHAPTER TWO: MATERIALS AND METHODS

2.1. MATERIALS

MATERIALS funtion IMAGE

1 Eggshell powder A mild abrasive and
a caicuim source

2 Glycering Humectant (prevent

drying)

3 Baking Soda A cleaning agent

and con the PH

4 Xanthan Gum Act as a binder and

thickener
5 Purified Water A solvent
6 Sodium Lauryl sulfate Foeming agent
7 Sodium Benzoate Preservative

8 Saccharin A sweetener
9 Mentol Give a cooling
sensation and
freshness

1 Mint oil Give flavouring

0

11 Coconut oil An antimicrobial

agent and also give a
mouthfeel
1 Balance For measurement of
2 materials

1 Cylinders To put the materiels

3 in
1 Drying equipment For drying
4
1 Sieve For even size
5 distribution
1 Grinding Machine For size reduction
6
Tea tree oil An antimicrobial
agent
1 Preparation of eggshell powder
 Eggshell were collected and washed thoroughly to remove dirt
 The eggshell is later put in bioled water and allow to stay for about 15 minute
 It is then remove nd put in cool water and the inner membrand is peeled off and then
rainse in clean water
 The eggshell is then placed on a tray and allow it to sun dry for some few days
 It is later remove and grind into powder
 A sieve is used to sieve the powder for even size distribution of the particles
 And now the powder is now ready for use.

Preparation of the paste

Step 1: prepare the binder phase
 Measure appropriete amount of purified watet and put in a beaker
 Slowly sprinkle the measured xanthan gum in to the water while stirring
 Mix continuously to avoid lump formation
 Allow it for hydration for about 15 minute to form a gel.
Step 2: humecatant addition
 Add glycerin into the hydrated gum
 Stir until a smooth paste is form
Step 3: incorporate active cleaning agents
 In to the smooth paste form add baking soda gradually while mixing
 Add eggshell powder slowly
 Mix it thoroughly to ensure even dispersion of abrasives
Step 4: addition of functional ingredients
 Dissolve sodium benzoate and saccharin in a small amount of water
 Add the dissolve solution into the mixture
 Introduce sodium lauryl sulfate into the mixture and mix gently to avoid foaming
Step 5: addition of oil phase
 Melt coconut oil if solid
 Add menthol into the oil for it to dissolve
 Add mint oil
 Pour this blend oil mixture into the toothpaste base while mixing continuously
Step 6: final homogenization of mixture
 Mixt the mixture for about 15 to 20 minute until a smooth and uniform mixture is seen
 Check the consistency, and adjust with water if it is too thick
 Allow it to stand for a while to remove trapped air (Deaerate)
Step 8: packaging
 Trasfer the paste into a sterilized toothpaste tubes or containers
 Seal the tubes and lable.
Product characteristic
1. Smooth light brown paste
2. Mild mint aroma
3. Non gritty texture because it was properly sieve
4. The PH range from 7.5-8.5
5. Good cleaning due to the calcium carbonate fron the eggshell.

Why use eggshell ad while it works

Eggshell are approximately 94% calcuim carbonate, which is similar to commercial

abrasivees used in toothpaste. This property makes it effective in removing plaqua from teeth,
enamel frienly due to its low abrasivity when finely milled, also stengthen and harden the
enamel of the teeth and it is also a sustainable raw material.

CHAPTER 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A: results

Natural raw material (brown eggshell)

The use of brown eggshell or white eggshell does not significantly affect the chemical
suistanability of the material for the toothpaste production. Both white and brown eggshell are
composed mainly of calcuim carbonate (CaCO3) (~ 94- 95%), which is the same compound
used as a mild abrasive in commercial toothpaste.
The brown coloration comes from protoporphyrin pigment which is deposited on the shell
during formation and it exist only on the outer shell layer. It does not change the abrasiveness
or remineralization ability. And the color fade a little during washing, drying and grinding.
Observation during processing
1: cleaning and drying stage
  The brown eggshell requires more thorough washing to remove visible stains and the
inner membrane
 After drying, the shell became brittle and easier to grind, confirming proper moisture
removal
 Adequate drzing of the shell prevented microbial contamination and odour formation.
2: grinding and sieving
 Grinding produced a light beige powder rather than pure white powder
 Fine sieving was essential to obtain a smooth particle size, preventing a gritty
toothpaste texture
 When properly milled the powder behaved similarly to commercial calcium carbonate
Effects on final toothpaste appearance
Because of the brown eggshells that were used, the toothpaste showed an off-white to cream
colour instead of bright white. This is just a cosmetic difference only and not a functional
defect.
Functional performance of the toothpaste

property observation interpretation

texture Smooth after proper sieving It indicates acceptable
particle size
Cleaning ability Effective in plaque removal This is due to CaCO3
abrasive action
Stability No phase seperation This is because xanthan gum
provided a good binding
flavour A pleasant mint sensation Manthol and mint oil
masked natural odour
Ph Slightly alkaline Supports enamel protection
Colour Light brown From the natural eggshell
pigment

Advantages of using brown eggshell

1. Locally available waste material: brown eggs are more common in many local
markets, making them a sustainable raw material
2. Cost reduction: converting agricultural waste into a value-added oral care product
3. Environmental benefit: reduces shell disposal and supports circular economy
production
4. Comperable performance to commercial abrasives: it demonstrated similar behaviour
to industrial calcium carbonate fillers\
Challenges encountered
1. Slight natural pigmentation affected the product colour uniformity.
2. Additional washing and fine sieving were required to improve aesthetics
3. If grinding is insulficient, coarse particles may cause abrasiveness
 These challenges are process-related, not material limitations, and can be
controlled through better milling and particle size standardization.
Discussion
The experiment successfully produced toothpaste using brown eggshells as the primary
abrasive material. The brown eggshells were thoroughly washed, dried, ground, and sieved to
obtain a fine powder suitable for oral formulation. Proper drying made the shell brittle and
easier to mill, while sieving esured uniform particle size, which prevented grittiness in the
final product.
Although brown eggshells introduced a slightly brown coloration to the toothpaste, this did
not affect its performance. Eggshells consist mainly of calcium carbonate, the same
compound widely used in commercial toothpaste as a mild abrasive. Therefore, the prepared
powder demonstrate effective cleaning ability while remaining safe for enamel when finely
ground.
The addition of glycerin acted as a humectant, preventing the toothpaste from drying and
giving it a smooth texture. Xanthan gum functioned as a binder, stabilizing the formulation
and preventing phase seperation. Sodium lauryl sulfate provided a foaming action, improving
cleaning efficiency, while sodium benzoate ensured microbial stability of the product. The
menthol and mint oil enhanced flavour and masked any residual odour from the natural
material
The final toothpaste showed acceptable consistency, spreadability, and stability, indicating
that locally sourced brown eggshells can serve as a sustainable alternative to industrial
abrasive. However, careful control of grinding and sieving is essential to obtain fine particle
and improve product appearance.
Conclution and Recommendations
Conclusion
The experiment successfully demonstrated that brown eggshells can be processed into a fine
powder and effectively used as the main abrasive component in toothpaste formulation.
Proper washing, drying, grinding and sieving were essential to obtain a hygienic and uniform
material suitable for oral application. The prepared toothpaste showed desirable
physicochemical properties, including smooth texture, adequate spreadability, mild
abrasiveness, and formulation stability without phase seperation.
The high calcium carbonate content of eggshells provided effective cleaning ability
comparable to conventional toothpaste abrasives, comfirming their suitability as a natural
substitute. Additionally, the use of locally available waste materials highlights the economic
and environmental bene fits of this approach. Therefore, eggshell-based toothpaste represents
a viable, sustainable, and cost effective for oral care product development, particularly in
regions where eggshell waste is abondant
Recommendation
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed
1. Particle Size Optimization
Future production should employ finer milling and standardized sieving techniques to
ensure uniform particle size and further improve product smoothness
2. Whitening Enhancement
Natural whitening agent and a safe food-graded additive may be incorporated to
improve colour for greater consumer acceptance
3. Microbial and Shelf-Life Study
Extended stability testing should be conducted to determine long-term preservation
and storage conditions
4. Scale-Up Production
Pilot-scale manufacturing should be explored to evaluate the feasibility of commercial
production using locally sourced eggshell waste
5. Clinical Evaluation
Dental safety and effectiveness tests should be performed to confirm enamel
compatibility and plaque removal efficiency
6. Sustainability Integration
Partnerships with poultry farms, bakeries, or food industries can ensure continuous
supply off eggshell waste, promoting circular economy practice.