Professor Tizazu Mekennon from Chemical Engineering has created a plant-based superabsorbent material that could transform the environmental footprint of everyday hygiene products, including diapers and menstrual care items.
The new hydrogel is designed to replace petroleum-based absorbents commonly used in disposable products. While conventional diapers, pads, and tampons can persist in landfills for hundreds of years, this alternative material naturally breaks down in soil in about three months.
Disposable hygiene products are a major source of long-term plastic waste. In North America, billions of diapers are discarded each year, many of which can take centuries to decompose. Single-use menstrual products contribute to this burden as well, with most made largely from plastic and intended for one-time use.
The durability of these products comes from synthetic superabsorbent polymers derived from fossil fuels. Mekonnen’s research team addressed this problem by designing a hydrogel made entirely from renewable, plant-derived cellulose materials that are both biodegradable and compatible with human use.
To achieve high absorbency, the researchers used a naturally sourced crosslinking method based on citric acid, a compound commonly found in fruits. This process allows the material to absorb many times its own weight in liquid while minimizing the use of added chemicals.
The hydrogel was tested under conditions meant to reflect real-world use in diapers, including exposure to body-temperature fluids with salt and proteins, as well as pressure that simulates sitting or movement. The material retained liquid effectively without leaking.
Additional testing confirmed that the hydrogel supports healthy cell growth and does not release harmful substances as it degrades in soil, reinforcing its potential for safe consumer use.
A patent has been filed for the technology, and the research team is working with industry partners to move the innovation toward large-scale production. Further studies are underway to support commercialization.