"It's like magic" - the period pads turning menstrual blood solid to prevent leaks
We explore the new research from Virginia Tech, and chat to Papaya - the start-up already developing products using the concept
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a biomaterial filler for period pads that can turn menstrual blood solid.
Derived from natural sources, seaweed, and sugar alcohol, the alginate-glycerol powder formulation is biodegradable and safe to use.
Assistant Professor Bryan Hsu, who led the research, which has been published in Cell Press Journal said:
“It’s found everywhere in foods and it’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so it’s considered safe.”
“It is in the boba tea or the cheap sushi you get in restaurants.”
The biomaterial helps prevent leaks by forming a gel-like substance when added to a traditional menstrual pad. It means it can then absorb more blood and leak less than a traditional pad.
“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,” continued Hsu.
In addition to being a more comfortable experience for the wearer, the substance is also biodegradable so it’s better for the environment. It can also help prevent infection since included in the powder formula is an antimicrobial polymer that impairs the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium associated with toxic shock syndrome.
There is further opportunity with the technology too, since the formula can also be added into a menstrual cup or disc to make it less messy to remove or change the cup or disc.
“It’s like magic”
One person in particular welcoming this new research is Shagun Maheshwari, who is founder and CEO of period care start-up Papaya.
Shagun has been developing period pads using the concept of coagulation technology since 2018.
She said:
“We couldn’t have asked for something better [than this study], because now it’s out there for people to think about and read through and understand.
“My initial motivation for using coagulation technology was to make a more comfortable pad and I also wanted it to be plastic-free.
“Natural fibre doesn’t absorb as well as plastic. So, if you try to beat plastic at absorption with natural fibre you can’t, whereas coagulation is a brand new way of doing it and it makes it possible.”
Papaya began a soft launch in India last July and the start-up plans to begin sales in the US in the next few months.
“The cool thing is that it’s not only coagulated blood, it’s antimicrobial benefits too which helps with toxic shock syndrome. And then to be plastic-free and fully compostable - it’s like magic.
“But overall what matters most of course is user comfort and you need to prioritise that otherwise the rest really doesn’t matter.”