American scientists have developed a naturally occurring, biodegradable biomaterial that absorbs blood, minimizes leaks and prevents infections.
- Researchers have developed a powdered alginate-glycerol formula that absorbs and gels blood.
- It should be added to a sanitary napkin, cup or menstrual disc.
- By including an antimicrobial polymer, the product helps inhibit bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus which is associated with toxic shock syndrome.
We know that menstruation is a natural biological process that “the half of the population.” Their proper management is an important factor in women’s overall quality of life. Problem: Available menstrual products do not completely prevent leakage.
“Leaks are a fear for all users of menstrual hygiene products”
“Leakage is a fear for all menstrual hygiene product users. We have all experienced it, leading to embarrassment and missed school and work days. Menstrual product users are always looking for products that are comfortable and fit their body and flow, with minimal risk of leakage or menstrual product failure. (…) Additionally, single-use products are an environmental concern,” said researchers from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (USA), who decided to look into this often neglected topic. “It’s something that people don’t feel comfortable talking about, and that’s perhaps an indication of why it hasn’t gotten enough attention,” said Bryan Hsuassistant professor of biological sciences.
An alginate-glycerol powder formula helps absorb and gel blood
Recently, the team tested several biopolymer blends with blood and quantified the increases in viscosity. In these experiments, they found that a high-molecular-weight alginate combined with glycerol could rapidly absorb and gel blood. So, the scientists developed a powdered alginate-glycerol formula. When this was added to a traditional menstrual pad, the device was able to absorb more blood and turn it into a gel. When the powdered formula was added to a cotton pad and inserted into a menstrual cup or disc, the blood collected there also turned into a gel.
No toxic shock syndrome thanks to antimicrobial polymer
The authors said the product contained an antimicrobial polymer designed to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria associated with toxic shock syndrome, a potentially fatal disease caused by bacterial infection linked to the use of menstrual products, including tampons. The test results, published in the journal Mattershowed that the inclusion of the polymer was effective in inhibiting bacteria, while not decreasing the blood absorption capacity of the powdered formula.
