BAMBOO CELLULOSE-BASED HYDROGEL COMPOSITION AND SERICIN COATED FEMININE CARE PADS FOR ENHANCED ABSORBENCY AND HYGENE

Abstract

This invention relates to eco-friendly cellulose-based hydrogels (100) specifically designed for use in feminine care products. The hydrogel (100) composition leverages a cellulose backbone (102) derived from renewable plant sources, augmented with superabsorbent biopolymers (106) to significantly enhance water retention and absorbency. Cross-linking agents (102) are incorporated to reinforce mechanical strength, ensuring durability while maintaining flexibility. Functional additives (108), including essential oils and antimicrobial agents, provide additional benefits such as odor control, antimicrobial protection, and skin-soothing properties. Film-forming agents (110) are optionally integrated to create a breathable outer layer, enhancing user comfort. This composition is fully biodegradable and compostable, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional feminine hygiene products. Additionally, the hydrogel (100) structure can be customized for various absorption needs, making it adaptable for different flow levels. The invention addresses key limitations in current hydrogels by improving mechanical integrity, controlled release, and user comfort, making it a versatile, environmentally responsible solution for personal hygiene.

Specification

Description:[0018].The following description provides specific details of certain aspects of the disclosure illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those aspects. It should be recognized, however, that the present disclosure can be reflected in additional aspects and the disclosure may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.
[0019].The various aspects including the example aspects are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various aspects of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.
[0020].It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
[0021].The subject matter of example aspects, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventor/inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies.
[0022].The feminine hygiene market has long relied on products made from synthetic materials, including superabsorbent polymers and plastics, which are effective in fluid management but present significant environmental challenges. Traditional feminine care products, typically non-biodegradable, contribute to long-term waste accumulation and environmental pollution, often taking hundreds of years to decompose. As consumer awareness about sustainability and environmental impact increases, there is a growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives that provide the same or improved functionality without compromising on environmental responsibility.
[0023].Cellulose-based hydrogels (100) offer a promising solution as they are derived from renewable plant sources and are fully biodegradable. Cellulose is a naturally occurring polymer with a high degree of water absorbency, biocompatibility, and adaptability. However, traditional cellulose hydrogels have faced challenges in terms of mechanical strength, controlled fluid retention, and functional properties, such as antimicrobial or odor-control features, limiting their application in personal care products.
[0024].To address these limitations, advancements in hydrogel technology have focused on enhancing the structural integrity and functionality of cellulose-based hydrogels (100). Incorporating cross-linking agents (104), superabsorbent additives (106), and functional agents (108), such as essential oils and antimicrobial compounds, has improved the hydrogels' stability, fluid retention, and additional benefits for skin health and hygiene. Further, the development of customizable hydrogel structures, which allow for varied absorption levels based on user needs, offers a significant step forward in creating versatile, high-performance products.
[0025].This invention builds upon these advancements by developing a cellulose-based hydrogel (100) specifically tailored for feminine care applications. The hydrogel (100) composition leverages sustainable materials to create a highly absorbent, comfortable, and biodegradable alternative to synthetic options, meeting the growing consumer and industry demands for environmentally responsible hygiene products.
[0026].The invention provides a holistic solution to the limitations of traditional feminine hygiene products by combining eco-friendliness, high absorbency, mechanical durability, and enhanced user comfort within a single cellulose-based hydrogel (100) formulation. At its core, the hydrogel (100) is built on a cellulose backbone (102), which acts as the primary structural component. Cellulose is not only biodegradable and renewable but also provides excellent hydrophobicity, allowing the hydrogel (100) to swell and absorb bodily fluids effectively. Derived from abundant plant sources like wood pulp or cotton, cellulose also minimizes reliance on non-renewable resources, aligning with the growing consumer and regulatory demand for sustainable products. The natural biocompatibility of cellulose ensures it is gentle on sensitive skin, making it especially suitable for intimate feminine care applications.
[0027].To address the common issue of mechanical weakness in standard cellulose hydrogels, this invention incorporates specially selected cross-linking agents (104). These agents, such as citric acid and glutaraldehyde, serve to reinforce the hydrogel's structural network, binding the cellulose chains together in a durable yet flexible matrix. This cross-linked (104) network is engineered to withstand the mechanical stresses typical in feminine care applications, such as extended wear and physical movement, without breaking down. By adjusting the degree of cross-linking (104), the hydrogel's (100) rigidity and flexibility can be finely tuned, providing a comfortable yet resilient product that adapts to the user's movements while maintaining structural integrity.
[0028].In addition to structural resilience, the hydrogel's (100) absorbency is enhanced by the integration of superabsorbent biopolymers (106), such as alginate or carrageenan, into the cellulose matrix. These biopolymers complement the cellulose's (102) natural absorbent properties, enabling the hydrogel (100) to manage large volumes of fluid efficiently and continuously. This superabsorbent (106) layer is designed to maintain a dry surface even after substantial fluid absorption, providing a clean and comfortable experience for the user. Unlike many traditional superabsorbent (106) materials, these biopolymers are derived from natural sources, ensuring that the hydrogel (100) remains environmentally sustainable and free from harmful synthetic additives.
[0029].To further enhance its functionality, the hydrogel (100) includes carefully chosen functionalization agents (108), such as essential oils, herbal extracts, and antimicrobial compounds. These additives serve multiple purposes essential oils like tea tree or lavender oil offer natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, herbal extracts like chamomile provide soothing effects, and silver nanoparticles or other safe antimicrobial agents help prevent bacterial growth, reducing the risk of infection and odor. These functional agents (108) are integrated into the hydrogel (100) matrix without compromising its biocompatibility, ensuring that the product remains safe for prolonged use on sensitive skin. The presence of these agents adds an additional layer of hygiene and wellness, distinguishing this invention from conventional products that lack bioactive, user-focused properties.
[0030].Another key feature of the hydrogel (100) is the optional addition of film-forming agents (110), such as gelatin, chitosan, or polyvinyl alcohol, to create a breathable surface layer. This breathable layer prevents excessive moisture buildup, allowing for vapor exchange that maintains dryness and comfort while preventing skin irritation. This breathability is essential in feminine care products, as it reduces the likelihood of rashes, discomfort, and bacterial growth that can occur when moisture is trapped. This breathable layer also makes the hydrogel (100) more comfortable for users over extended periods, addressing one of the primary concerns associated with prolonged use of feminine hygiene products.
[0031].The hydrogel's (100) design prioritizes environmental sustainability throughout its lifecycle. All components are derived from biodegradable and renewable sources, making the product fully compostable and easy to dispose of without harming the environment. Unlike conventional hygiene products that can take hundreds of years to break down, this cellulose-based hydrogel (100) degrades naturally and leaves no toxic residues, making it a responsible choice for environmentally conscious consumers. Furthermore, the product can be customized to meet specific absorption needs, allowing manufacturers to produce different variants tailored to light, moderate, or heavy menstrual flow. This customization ensures that users can select a product best suited to their needs, reducing waste associated with single-absorbency products.
[0032].The invention also takes advantage of recent advancements in responsive hydrogel technologies, incorporating stimuli-responsive cross-linking and functionalization techniques that enable controlled release mechanisms. By designing the hydrogel (100) to respond to changes in physiological conditions, such as pH or temperature, the hydrogel can adapt to different stages of the menstrual cycle, optimizing comfort and effectiveness. For example, antimicrobial or soothing agents can be gradually released in response to moisture or pH changes, providing on-going protection and comfort. This smart release system ensures that the hydrogel (100) remains effective over time, even as conditions vary, providing a continuous and adaptable experience for the user.
[0033].In summary, this invention addresses the unmet needs of the feminine care market by combining high absorbency, environmental responsibility, durability, and enhanced user comfort in an innovative cellulose-based hydrogel (100). It provides a sustainable alternative to conventional products by leveraging natural, biodegradable materials without sacrificing performance or convenience. The hydrogel's (100) modular design allows for specific customization based on user needs and applications, and its functional components are strategically chosen to enhance hygiene, safety, and overall user experience. By advancing the design of feminine hygiene products, this invention not only aligns with current sustainability goals but also offers a superior, eco-friendly solution that meets modern standards of personal care.
[0034].In conclusion, this invention represents a significant advancement in the field of feminine hygiene products by introducing a cellulose-based hydrogel (100) that is both highly effective and environmentally sustainable. By leveraging a renewable cellulose backbone (102), enhanced with superabsorbent (106) biopolymers and reinforced by eco-friendly cross-linking agents (104), this hydrogel addresses the key challenges of absorbency, mechanical strength, and biodegradability. The incorporation of functional agents (108), such as essential oils and antimicrobial compounds, adds multiple layers of user benefits, including hygiene, comfort, and skin health. Additionally, the customizable nature of the hydrogel allows for tailored absorbency levels, making it adaptable to diverse needs and reducing unnecessary waste.
[0035].The invention goes beyond current market offerings by integrating advanced, responsive hydrogel technologies, enabling controlled release mechanisms that adjust to physiological changes and extend the product's effectiveness over time. Its compostable design aligns with growing consumer and industry demand for sustainable solutions, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional, synthetic hygiene products. Ultimately, this cellulose-based hydrogel offers an innovative, responsible choice for feminine care, meeting modern demands for performance, comfort, and environmental consciousness, and setting a new standard in personal hygiene product design. , Claims:1.A biodegradable cellulose-based hydrogel composition(100) for feminine care products, comprising:
a) A cellulose backbone (102) as a primary structural component,
b) Cross-linking agents (104) to enhance mechanical strength and elasticity,
c) Absorbent super-additives (106) for increased water retention,
d) Functionalization agents (108) providing antimicrobial, odor control, or soothing effects, and
e) Film-forming agents (110) to create a breathable layer on the hydrogel's surface,
f) Wherein the combination of these components results in a product that is environmentally sustainable and provides enhanced comfort and fluid management.
2.The hydrogel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cross-linking agents (102) are selected from low-toxicity natural or synthetic agents, including citric acid or glutaraldehyde, to bond cellulose chains and maintain product absorbency and structural integrity.
3.The hydrogel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functionalization agents (108) include herbal extracts, essential oils, or silver nanoparticles to provide antimicrobial and bioactive properties, enhancing the hygiene and safety of the feminine care product.
4.The hydrogel (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising superabsorbent materials (106) derived from alginate or carrageenan that enhance fluid absorption and retention, keeping the surface layer dry for increased user comfort.
5.The hydrogel (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the components are biodegradable and designed to be compostable, providing an environmentally friendly disposal method.
6.The hydrogel (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising tailored absorption properties, enabling customization based on fluid retention needs for light, moderate, or heavy flow applications.
7.A method (200) for manufacturing the hydrogel (100), comprising:
a) Forming a cellulose backbone (102) by extracting cellulose from renewable plant sources (202);
b) Incorporating a superabsorbent material (106) within the cellulose matrix (204);
c) Adding cross-linking agents (104) to the cellulose matrix to improve mechanical strength and elasticity (206);
d) Applying functionalization agents (108) for antimicrobial and soothing properties (208);
e) Optionally adding a film-forming agent (110) for creating a breathable surface (210).

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