Antimicrobial and Biodegradable Sanitary Pads with Nanomaterials Fused Polymers

Abstract

Background and Objective: Sanitary pads and diapers are routinely used nowadays to manage menstrual and toilet secretions. The commercially available menstrual pads contain harmful chemicals sodium polyacrylate and dioxins. Biodegradable pads with antimicrobial properties are a novel concept. This work highlights sanitary pads and diapers containing lignocellulose based, chemical-free, nanomaterial, pectinosone and chitinase-coated pads with long-lasting antimicrobial activity. The prepared pad was evaluated for its water-holding capacity, biodegradability test, antimicrobial activity, pH, inlet time and toxicity. Materials and Methods: Considering the findings of the current novel study, nanoparticles such as copper, silver and zinc were synthesized and characterized, pectinosone and chitinosone were prepared and coated on agarose. Further, the novel pad was examined for biodegradability, water-holding capacity, antimicrobial activity, pH, inlet time and toxicity tests. Results: The novel pad showed a high absorbance (37-40 mL), an inlet time of 3.6 sec, a neutral pH, anti-microbial activity and no toxicity. The complete biodegradability of the novel pad was achieved in 3 months. Conclusion: The prepared novel sanitary pad is having a high-water holding capacity, long duration anti-microbial activity with a neutral pH. The pad is completely biodegradable and non-toxic and is prescribed for routine purposes.