A team of researchers at Virginia Tech has developed a new biomaterial that could significantly improve the performance of menstrual products. This eco-friendly, blood-absorbent powder minimizes leakage and helps prevent infections, potentially addressing long-standing issues with traditional period products.
Bryan Hsu, assistant professor of biological sciences at Virginia Tech, is leading this groundbreaking research in an often-neglected area. “It’s something that people don’t feel comfortable talking about, and that’s maybe an indication of why it hasn’t gotten enough attention,” Hsu said.
The research, published in the Cell Press journal Matter, introduces an alginate-glycerol powder formula that turns menstrual blood into a gel when added to traditional products. This innovation could revolutionize menstrual care, which has seen little advancement in nearly a century.
Improved Absorption and Leak Prevention
When added to a menstrual pad, the new powder formula significantly enhances its absorption capacity. Hsu explains, “A pad with the powder formula absorbs the blood, and if you squeeze it, it doesn’t come back out. But in a normal menstrual pad, if you do the same experiment, it comes right back out.”
The powder’s effectiveness extends to other menstrual products as well. When inserted into a menstrual cup or disc, it turns collected blood into a gel, reducing mess during removal or changing.
Carrie Champine, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist collaborating with the team, emphasizes the importance of this development: “Leakage is a fear for all users of menstrual hygiene products. All of us have experienced it, leading to embarrassment and missed school days and workdays.”
Health and Environmental Benefits
Beyond improving comfort and convenience, the new powder formula incorporates an antimicrobial polymer to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium associated with toxic shock syndrome. This addition could significantly reduce the risk of this rare but potentially fatal condition.
The biomaterial is also environmentally friendly. Derived from natural sources like seaweed and sugar alcohol, it’s biodegradable and FDA-approved for safety. This eco-conscious approach addresses a significant environmental concern, as most current menstrual products take over 500 years to biodegrade.
Harsimran Kaur, a postdoctoral associate involved in the project, highlights the broader implications: “There is very little awareness about the importance of good menstrual care, and poor practices can negatively affect women’s health. This is an area that impacts women but isn’t often given attention.”
The research, funded by Virginia’s Commonwealth Health Research Board, represents a crucial step forward in women’s health. Hsu sees this as just the beginning, stating, “I think women’s health is becoming more and more something people want to research. This is kind of my first step in a series of things to take care of women.”
As menstruation affects roughly a quarter of Virginia’s population and impacts women for about 6.2 years of their lives, innovations like this powder formula could significantly improve quality of life for millions. With further development and testing, this new biomaterial could pave the way for more comfortable, safer, and environmentally friendly menstrual products in the near future.
