Self-Cleaning Menstrual Cups with Plant-Based Biodegradable Superabsorbent Fibrous Tablets for Hygienic and Sustainable Period Care
Source abstract
Abstract
Menstrual cups are a sustainable and reusable alternative to pads and tampons, offering reduced waste and lower risks of allergies, infections, and toxic shock syndrome. However, their widespread adoption and long-term use are hindered by hygiene concerns, specifically biofouling and the need for messy removal. We report a self-cleaning menstrual cup with a biocompatible silicone oil-infused coating combined with a biodegradable plant-based tablet composed of superabsorbent fibers. The absorbent fibers were designed with cross-linked alginate and optimized to achieve high absorption capacities (8 mL water or 15 mL blood per gram fiber) within 8 h. At the same time, the lubricant-infused cups prolonged clotting times and exhibited self-cleaning properties, with little blood detected on the treated cups and a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion/biofilm formation. The fibrous tablet retained blood in an amount equivalent to the full capacity of the menstrual cup, eliminating spillage during removal and facilitating easy emptying. By removing barriers to comfort and convenience, our design and developed materials present a simple and effective advancement in feminine hygiene products that tip the scale in favor of reusable products and advance global environmental stewardship.
Source: openalex_inverted_index · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Therapeutic Uses of Natural Elements
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
Department of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
Thrombosis & Atherosclerosis Research Institute and Hamilton Health Sciences, 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario L8L 2X2, Canada
Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L8, Canada
Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
Department of Life Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
Women’s Global Health Innovations, B21−175 Longwood Road South, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 0A1, Canada
Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute
McMaster University
Michael degroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research
Funding
Canada Research Chairs · Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada · Ontario Early Researcher Award
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