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Development of Polyampholyte Cellulose-Based Hydrogels for Diapers with Improved Biocompatibility
Beatriz Simões1,2, Rafael C Rebelo1, Sara Ledesma3,4
1CEMMPRE, ARISE, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima-Polo II, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 25, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed sustainable, cellulose-based hydrogels as alternatives to non-biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in personal care products. These eco-friendly hydrogels show promising absorption and biocompatibility, offering a greener future for hygiene products.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Non-biodegradable superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in personal care products (PCPs) present environmental and health challenges.
- Cellulose offers a biocompatible, biodegradable, and hydrophilic alternative for sustainable material development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize cellulose-based hydrogels as sustainable alternatives to conventional SAPs.
- To evaluate the absorption capacity and performance of these novel hydrogels compared to commercial SAPs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized allyl cellulose (AC) derivative and copolymerized it with SAP monomers.
- Investigated and optimized monomer ratios, crosslinking density, and cellulose-to-monomer ratio.
- Characterized hydrogels and compared their absorption capacity and retention with commercial SAPs.
Main Results:
- Cellulose-based hydrogels demonstrated significant absorption capacity (~15 g/g) in synthetic urine.
- Achieved high centrifuge retention capacity (12.5 g/g), comparable to commercial SAPs.
- Exhibited excellent biocompatibility and outperformed commercial diaper SAPs in key metrics.
Conclusions:
- Developed promising, sustainable cellulose-based hydrogels as alternatives to conventional SAPs.
- These hydrogels offer reduced health risks and increased bio-based content in PCPs.
- Further optimization could revolutionize the hygiene product industry towards environmental sustainability.
