Form 2
The Patents Act, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The patents rule, 2003
Complete Specification
(See Section 10 rule 13)
"An improved sanitary pads"
Rajesh Patil,
Department of Microbiology,
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's,
M. M. College of Arts,
N. M. Institute of Science, H. R. J. College of Commerce
, Bhavan's College, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (West), Mumbai- 400 058.
Indian National
Arati Gajanan Potphode
Department of Microbiology,
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan's,
M. M. College of Arts
N. M. Institute of Science, H. R. J. College of Commerce,
Bhavan's College, Munshi Nagar,
Andheri (West), Mumbai- 400 058.
Indian National
The following is the specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be
performed;

Field of invention,
Field of invention relates to women health and hygiene, more particularly field relates to an improved and low-cost sanitary napkin having lignin nanoparticles obtained from waste coconut coir or Cocos nucifera L,
Background of invention and prior art,
This invention relates to sanitary napkins (or sanitary pads) used to absorb and hold menstrual discharges and more particularly to such sanitary napkins provided with wings and liquid barriers,
Conventional sanitary napkins classified herein for the purpose of explanation as napkins of a first type comprise a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, a liquid-absorbent core sandwiched there between, and wings formed by sections of the top- and backsheet which outwardly extend from laterally opposite side edges of the liquid-absorbent core at a longitudinally middle portion of the liquid-absorbent core. In actual use of napkins of this type, the wings are folded back onto the outer surface of a crotch zone of the user's shorts and thereby the wings are fixed thereto with adhesive applied to rear sides of the respective wings. Thus, the napkins are advantageous in that they can be reliably fixed to the crotch zone.
Well known sanitary napkins classified as napkins of a second type include liquid barriers longitudinally extending along laterally opposite sides and adapted to be raised under the effect of elastic elements associated with the respective liquid barriers. Napkins of this type are advantageous in that the liquid barriers effectively contribute to prevent body fluids from laterally leaking.
Sanitary napkins of prior art classified as napkins of a third type comprise an upper napkin and a lower napkin dimensioned wider than the upper napkin so that the former is fixed to the latter at longitudinally opposite ends of the latter. In using napkins of this type, the lower napkin is fixed to a crotch zone of the user's shorts with adhesive applied on a rear side of the lower napkin. Thus, such composite napkins are advantageous in that the upper napkin is free from any adverse influence of deformation possibly occurring in the crotch zone of the user's shorts.

However, the napkins of the first and third types are inferior to the napkins of the second type with respect to the preventive effect against lateral leakage of body fluids because both the napkins of the first type and the napkins of the third type have no liquid barriers characterizing the napkins of the second type. The napkins of the second type are, in turn, inferior to the napkins of the first type as far as fixation of the napkin to a crotch zone of the user's shorts is concerned. In view of this, we attempted to obtain sanitary napkins having combined advantageous features of these first and second types and found that the advantageous feature of the second type cannot satisfactorily function when these two advantageous features are merely combined with one another.
Almost, all commercially prepared sanitary napkins contain absorbent gels which are made up of chemicals; Gels are most important component of the sanitary napkins,
Commercially prepared Sanitary napkins are designed mainly to provide high absorption of body fluids secreted during menstrual cycle. Many attempts are there from existing inventions are for effective dispenser and incineration machinery of sanitary napkin after use.
There have been numerous attempts for production of biodegradable sanitary napkins made up of biological materials like Ridge Guard fibre and Palmyra tree cotton. Few attempts are there for herbal production of sanitary napkins.
Existing inventions are there based on preparation of reusable sanitary pads and advance sanitary napkins which can provide high absorption capacity.
Prior art teaches lotions and gels as absorbent material as lotion to the topsheet of absorbent articles is known to provide benefits such as easier BM clean up on babies. Likewise, lotion on topsheets is known to provide for better skin health of babies, such as the reduction of diaper rash. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,148 to Duncan et al. teaches a baby diaper comprising a hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheet wherein a portion of the topsheet is coated with a discontinuous film of oleaginous material. A major disadvantage of the diapers disclosed in the Duncan et al. reference is that the hydrophobic and oleophobic topsheets are slow in promoting transfer of urine to the underlying absorbent cores. Since the viscosity of menses is considerably greater than urine, the problems associated with Duncan et al are more profound.
One successful attempt at overcoming the problems of Duncan is disclosed in Roe et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,968,025. Roe et al. discloses an absorbent article in which a lotion is applied to a hydrophilic topsheet

(or a topsheet rendered to be hydrophilic). The hydrophilic topsheet aids in ensuring urine gushes are adequately absorbed into the underlying core, rather than running off into the sides of a baby diaper, for example.
There are very few attempts made in order to prevent the microbial infections which occur during the menstrual cycle as most of the sanitary napkins are directed to absorb the menstrual blood.
Hence, there is need to develop a compound that will effectively inhibit growth of pathogenic microorganisms,-and-further it is required that
In view of these problems remaining unsolved in spite of various efforts which have been attempted by the prior art, it is a principal object of the invention to provide improved sanitary napkins maintaining the advantages expected from combination of the above-mentioned first, second and third types without loss of the respective advantages, therefore it is an object of the present invention is to provide
An improved absorbent gels for the sanitary napkin gel as lignin- gelatin film.
Object of the present invention,
It is an object of the present invention to provide improved sanitary napkins having antibacterial properties against urinary tract infection and skin infection causing microorganisms.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide natural, biodegradable film, prepared from lignin nanoparticles, gelatin and glycerol; which is having good absorption capacity, and are acidic in nature so as to provide natural acidic pH for normal flora of vagina.
It is also an object of the present invention to synthesize lignin nanoparticles from agricultural waste of coconut that is coconut coir of Cocos nucifera I. variety.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide environment friendly sanitary pads upon disposal after use.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide to provide sanitary napkins which do not spread infections after disposal as it inhibits growth of pathogens even after disposal hence sanitary napkin of the invention does not requires conventional disposal machinery or incinerators.

To provide economical production of sanitary napkin, as it requires agricultural waste like coconut coir this production is cost effective and even the production protocols are less time consuming, easy to perform.
To provide absorbent polymeric material having lignin nanoparticles and lignin-gelatin-glycerol film in the layers of polymeric absorbent.
Description of drawings ad figures,
Fig 01: Prepared Lignin nanoparticles,
Fig No. 02 Prepared Lignin Gelatine glycerol film
Summary of the invention,
In the most important aspect of the invention an improved sanitary pads are provided, with an improved absorbent capacity of the thin film of gelatin-lignin nanoparticles, the said film is having an improved capacity of liquid absorption, the film is made of the gelatin -llignin nanoparticles, llignin for the purpose is obtained from the coconut coir.
In the other aspect of the invention a method for production of thin film gelatin -llignin nanoparticles by soaking gelatin provided that gelatin-lignin film is prepared to be deposited as an absorbent, gelatin lignin films are prepared by heating gelatin in the water for 10 minutes adding few drops of alcohol and stirred for 10 minutes at 100 °C , then lignin nanoparticles solution is mixed with gelatin solution by mixing it vigorously up to 10 minutes , the polymer obtained is poured in tray and left for curing , thus gelatin lining film is obtained, ratio of gelatin -lignine is mixed in the proportion of 100;10 to 10;100 w/w.
Detailed Description of the Invention,
In one of the aspect of the invention it is provided that Lignin nanoparticles prepared form coconut coir of Cocos nucifera L variety of plant, and are used to prepare lignin-gelatin-glycerol film, which is further used for the production of sanitary napkins.
In the most important aspect of the invention it is provided that a method for synthesis of llignin nanoparticles from waste coconut coir is provided for the purpose coconut coir is collected from Coastal region of Maharashtra, India that is Cocos nucifera L ,

In an aspect of the invention a method for production of llignin nanoparticles is provided by treating coconut coir with the standard alkali metal ion solution at an elevated temperature for the predetermined time followed by incubation , it is rinsed with same alkali standard solution and filter and washed with distilled water, filtrate is further incubated for at an elevated temperature for 24 hrs, filtrate can be neutralized by an standard acid and pH is adjusted between 4-7 , the was treated with alcohol and ethanol allowed to evaporate further pH is adjusted below 3, then solids are dried , thus nanoparticles obtained is used for making improved sanitary pads,
In an aspect of the invention alkali metal solution is used is sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide etc,
Further, alcohol is used for the purpose is obtained from lower alcohol includes C1-C3 alcohols, temperature for the incubation is adjusted up to 90 °C
1 gm of coconut coir was treated with 20 ml of 2M NaOH solution and was kept at 90°C for 1.5hrs. After completion of incubation period sample was washed with 0.1M NaOH solution and filtered with nylon cloth followed by washing with distilled water. After that filtrate was incubated at 50°C for 24 hrs.
Upon completion of incubation period sample were filtrated so as to collect filtrate and solid residues was discarded. Collected filtrate was neutralized with concentrated HCL for adjustment of pH to 5.5. Immediately after neutralization filtrate was treated with 3 volumes of 95% ethanol.
Sample was again filtered with the help of nylon cloth for collection of filtrate and a solid residue was discarded. Ethanol was allowed to evaporate and pH was adjusted to 1.5. At pH 1.5 solid particles was settled and collected, further washed with HCL to adjust pH 2.0. These solid particles are dried and used as lignin nanoparticles making gel film.
The zeta potential and particle size of lignin nanoparticles distribution of LNP has been analysed using dynamic light scattering which is recorded using Anton Paar Litesizer 500.
Prepared lignin nanoparticles were tested for antibacterial activity. Sterile Muller and Hinton agar plate with volume of 20ml were used for agar well diffusion method. Various concentrations of Lignin nanoparticles were used like 2000, 1900, 1800, 1700, 1600, 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1100, 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 mg/L for determination of Minimum inhibitory concentration.

The obtained minimum inhibitory concentrations for respective organism were used for determining antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method.
In an another important aspect of the invention it is provided that gelatin-lignin film is prepared to be deposited as an absorbent, gelatin lignin films are prepared by heating gelatin in the water for 10 minutes adding few drops of alcohol and stirred for 10 minutes at 100 °C , then lignin nanoparticles solution is mixed with gelatin solution by mixing it vigorously up to 10 minutes , the polymer obtained is poured in tray and left for curing , thus gelatin lining film is obtained, ratio of gelatin -lignine is mixed in the proportion of 100;10 to 10;100 w/w.
Alcohol drops used for soaking gelatin includes polyol glycerine, triglycerides, dihydroxy alcohols, or combination,
4gm of gelatin were mixed in 75ml water and were left to soak for 10 minutes. Later it was heated at 100°C till gelatin dissolved completely in water. 5 drops of glycerol were added and stirred for another 10 minutes at 100°C. The required amount of lignin solution was added to the gelatin solution and stirred vigorously for 10 more minutes. Later, the polymer mixture was poured on a plastic-coated tray and left to cure. Adopting this methodology gelatine-lignin films in the proportion 90:10 and 80:20 (w/w) were prepared.
Thus, Prepared Lignin-gelatine-glycerol film was tested for Thus, water absorption at pH 2, pH 4 and pH 6 were done. Samples of 80:20 and 90:10 starch: lignin films and 90:10 gelatine: lignin film were weighed and placed in the different solutions. The weights of the samples were monitored at the end of the first 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 180 minutes. The percentage increase in weight was tabulated and that was taken as a measure of the water absorption of the film.
The pH of LNP suspension was adjusted to 3 and 11 by using HCI and NaOH respectively. For multilayer deposition process positively charged cotton fabrics were immersed into sequential solutions alternatively for 5 min periods.
Prepared Lignin-gelatine-glycerol film was tested for Thus, water absorption at pH 2, pH 4 and pH 6 were done. Samples of 80:20 and 90:10 starch: lignin films and 90:10 gelatine: lignin film were weighed and placed in the different solutions. The weights of the samples were monitored at the end of the first 30

minutes, 60 minutes and 180 minutes. The percentage increase in weight was tabulated and that was taken as a measure of the water absorption of the film.
The pH of LNP suspension was adjusted to 3 and 11 by using HCI and NaOH respectively. For multilayer deposition process positively charged cotton fabrics were immersed into sequential solutions alternatively for 5 min periods.
a. Anionic lignin nanoparticle solution
b. Distilled water
c. Cationic lignin nanoparticle solution
d. Distilled water
This deposition cycle is considered as one cycle depositing 2 layers and is repeated until 10 and 16 multilayer lignin nanoparticle film formation.
Lignin-gelatin-glycerol film is providing antibacterial activity against various urinary tract infections, skin infection causing bacterial species staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Porteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella paratyphi B, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, yeast species like Candida albicans and fungal species Aspergillus niger.
Lignin-gelatin-glycerol film is providing good absorption capacity and good antioxidant potential. Due to good antioxidant potential, it will provide nourishment to skin.
This lignin-gelatine-glycerol film is made up of agricultural waste and it is free from harmful chemicals and is biodegradable, furthermore it requires minimum cost of production.
Use of lignin nanoparticles prepared from Coocos nucifera plant is itself an innovative feature. Further the production method reported previously consists of acid and alkali treatment with sonication this invention provides successful production without treatment of sonication; is also an innovation.
Previous documents showing film formation with silver nanoparticles, glycerol and gelatin, where in this invention film is prepared with lignin nanoparticles in combination with gelatin glycerol.
Both purified lignin nanoparticles and prepared film of lignin are showing antibacterial activity against bacterial species like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Porteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella paratyphi B, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes,

klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, yeast species like Candida albicans and fungal species Aspergillus niger; this suggests that lignin nanoparticles are not losing their antibacterial potential even after making combination with glycerol and gelatine.
Furthermore, the prepared lignin-gelatine-glycerol film is having good absorption capacity and that is of great importance for making sanitary napkin.
Test status (give details of testing and results thereof).
Lignin nanoparticles were prepared and purified from waste coconut coir of Cocos nucifera L Table 1.

Concentration of LNP (mg/ml )
Name ot organisms 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 Blan
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 k
Staphylococcus aureus 33 31 26 9 1 - - - - - UC
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa 24 7 UC
Porteus vulgaris 56 26 6 1 - - - - - - UC
Cfu/0.1

Salmonella
ml typhimurium 61 47 19 7 1 UC

Salmonella paratyphi A 30 7 1 - - - - - - - uc

Salmonella paratyphi B 21 20 03 - - - - - - - uc

Escherichia coli 43 38 21 20 09 07 - - - - uc

Streptococcus pyoge nes 60 45 23 8 3 - - - - - uc

Klebsiella pneumoniae 57 32 28 11 5 1 - - - - uc

Proteus mirabilis 24 11 5 - - - - - - - uc
Prepared lignin nanoparticles were tested for determination of antibacterial activity. Table No. 01 showing results for determination of Minimum inhibitory concentration.
Minimum inhibitory concentration for Pseudomonas aeruginosa is found to be 600 mg/ml; for Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella paratyphi B and Proteus mirabilis it is 800mg/ml; for Proteus vulgaris it is 1000mg/ml; for Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, S. pyogen it is 1200mg/ml; and for Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae it is 1400 mg/ml.
Key- cfu- colony forming unit, UC- uncountable
Table No. 02 Results of determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration
After determination of Minimum inhibitory concentration, the respective concentration i.e 600mg/ml for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 800mg/ml for Salmonella paratyphi A, Salmonella paratyphi B and P. mirabillis; lOOOmg/ml for P. vulgaris, 1200mg/ml for 5. pyogen, 1400 mg/ml for E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were used for agar well diffusion method. Table No. 02 is showing results for Agar well diffusion method.

Name of organism Zone of inhibition (mm)

Set A Set B Set C Mean

Staphylococcus aureus
16 15 16 15.66
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 17 16 16 16.33
Porteus vulgaris ' 7 8 7 7.33
Salmonella typhimurium 18 18 18 18
Salmonella paratyphi A 16 16 16 16
Salmonella paratyphi B 8 8 8 8
Escherichia coli 8 8 8 8
Streptococcus pyogenes 16 15 16 15.66
Klebsiella pneumoniae 15 15 15 15
Proteus mirabilis 8 8 8 8
Table No. 02 Results of determination of antibacterial activity by Agar well diffusion method
The results of agar well diffusion method is showing satisfactory results as it is showing zone of inhibition surrounding the bacterial colony, it suggests that Lignin nanoparticles are effective in inhibiting growth of pathogens of urinary tract infection, skin infection and gastrointestinal tract infection.
Prepared Lignin-gelatine-glycerol film was tested for moisture content and results of it are tabulated in table no. 03

Sample Mi
(Initial weight of the film) Mf
(Final weight of dried sample) Moisture Content
Gelatin + Glycerol Film 52.3 50.5 3.8%
LNP +Gelatin + Glycerol Film 46.1 44.7 3.0%
Gelatin Film 45.8 44.5 2.8%

Gelatin+ LNP Film
49.8 47.9 3.8%
Table No. 03 Determination of moisture content
Water absorption and swelling test showed impressive property of Lignin- gelatine - glycerol film. Table No. 04 showing results for same.

PH 2 4 6
Mi (Initial weight of the film) in gm 0.523 0.461 0.498
Weight after 30 min 1.021 0.997 0.981
% Of swelling 95.21% 116.26% 96.98%
Weight after 60 min 1.098 1.351 1.611
% Of swelling 109.94% 193.05% 96.98%
Weight after 180 min 1.210 1.521 1.781
% Of swelling 131.35% 229.93% 257.63%
Weight after 24 hrs No change No change No change

Table No. 04 Results for water absorption and swelling test
Lignin- gelatine- glycerol film is showing extraordianry water absorption capacity and is showing increasing percentage even at different pH ranges and for different time intervals. This is an very important propery of this invention.
In the other aspect of the invention it is found that sanitary napkins are eco-friendly; it is biodegradable and also cost effective one, the cost involved in the same is as discussed in table 1,
Table5.

For preparation of single sanitary napkin
Requirement Volume or Quantity Prize (Rs.)
Coconut Coir 1gm 0.02
Bamboo pulp 10 gm 0.05
NaOH 2.2 gm 0.029
HCI 1ml 0.01
Ethanol 5 ml 0.045
Gelatine 5 ml 0.575
Glycerol 1drop 0.06
TOTAL COST 0.789

The complete product formation requires the basic requirement cost of about Rs. 0.789/-, which is remarkably lower one as compares to other market products,
Product is nontoxic for user and mainly it is antibacterial in nature and product is produced from agricultural waste.
In an aspect of the invention it is provided that saniatry pads of he present invention are bio-degradable as conventional incinerators of sanitary napkins may emit dioxins and furans which are harmful for ecosystem, when non-eco-friendly sanitary napkins are decomposed but the present invention is not at all producing dioxins and furans when sanitary napkins are degraded.
In any accidental case if the invented product if enters into uterus then also it is not harmful and not causing any infection further as it is antibacterial and is made-up of natural components.
Examples
1.0 process for preparing lignin nanoparticles,
1.0 gm of coconut coir was treated with 20 ml of 2M NaOH solution and was kept at 90°C for 1.5hrs. After completion of incubation period sample was washed with 0.1M NaOH solution and filtered with nylon cloth followed by washing with distilled water. After that filtrate was incubated at 50°C for 24 hrs.
Upon completion of incubation period sample were filtrated so as to collect filtrate and solid residues was discarded. Collected filtrate was neutralized with concentrated HCL for adjustment of pH to 5.5. Immediately after neutralization filtrate was treated with 3 volumes of 95% ethanol.
Sample was again filtered with the help of nylon cloth for collection of filtrate and a solid residue was discarded. Ethanol was allowed to evaporate and pH was adjusted to 1.5. At pH 1.5 solid particles was settled and collected, further washed with HCL to adjust pH 2.0. These solid particles are dried and used as lignin nanoparticles making gel film.
2.0 process for preparing gelatin-lignine film,

4gm of gelatin were mixed in 75ml water and were left to soak for 10 minutes. Later it was heated at 100°C till gelatin dissolved completely in water. 5 drops of glycerol were added and stirred for another 10 minutes at 100°C. The required amount of lignin solution was added to the gelatin solution and stirred vigorously for 10 more minutes. Later, the polymer mixture was poured on a plastic-coated tray and left to cure. Adopting this methodology gelatine-lignin films in the proportion 90:10 and 80:20 (w/w) were prepared.
3.0
Deposition of gelatine-lignin film on cotton for making improved sanitary pads,
The pH of lignin nanoparticles LNP suspension was adjusted to 3 and 11 by using HCI and NaOH respectively. For multilayer deposition process positively charged cotton fabrics were immersed into sequential solutions alternatively for 5 min periods.
The pH of LNP suspension was adjusted to 3 and 11 by using HCI and NaOH respectively. For multilayer deposition process positively charged cotton fabrics were immersed into sequential solutions alternatively for 5 min periods.
a. Anionic lignin nanoparticle solution
b. Distilled water
c. Cationic lignin nanoparticle solution
d. Distilled water
This deposition cycle is considered as one cycle depositing 2 layers and is repeated until 10 and 16 multilayer lignin nanoparticle film formation.

We Claim
1. An improved sanitary pads comprises charged cotton having multilayer of deposited thin film of gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film as an absorbent, wherein lignin nanoparticle is obtained from coconut coir of Cocos nucifera L,
2. An improved sanitary pads according to claim 1 wherein gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film gelatine-lignin films in the proportion 90:10 and 80:20 (w/w).
3. An improved sanitary pads according to claim 1 wherein gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film is having atleast two layers of gelatin-lignin nanoparticles.
4. A method for production of gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film as an absorber for sanitary pads comprises
(i) heating gelatin in the water for 10 minutes adding few drops of alcohol and stirred for 10 minutes at 100 °C,
(ii) lignin nanoparticles solution is mixed with gelatin solution by mixing it vigorously up to 10 minutes,
(iii) polymer obtained in step (ii) is poured in tray and left for curing,
(iv) gelatin-lignin nanoparticles lining film is obtained,
(v) ratio of gelatin -lignine is mixed in the proportion of 100;10 to 10;100 w/w.
5. A method for production of gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film as an absorber for sanitary pads according to claim 5 wherein alcohol includes polyol glycerine, triglycerides, dihydroxy alcohols, or combination,
6. A method for production of gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film as an absorber for sanitary pads according to claim 4 and 5 alcohol is glycerine.
7. A method for production of gelatin-lignin nanoparticle film as an absorber for sanitary pads according to claim 4 wherein ratio gelatine-lignin films in the proportion 90:10 and 80:20 (w/w).
8. A method for production of lignin nanoparticles from waste of coconut coir comprises
(i) treating coconut coir with the standard alkali metal ion solution at an elevated temperature for the predetermined time followed by incubation ,

(ii) it is rinsed with same alkali standard solution and filter and washed with distilled water, filtrate is further incubated for at an elevated temperature for 24 hrs,
(iii) Filtrate can be neutralized by an standard acid and pH is adjusted between 4-7, the was treated with alcohol and ethanol allowed to evaporate
(iv) pH is adjusted below 3, then solids are dried , thus nanoparticles obtained is used for making improved sanitary pads,
9. A method for production of lignin nanoparticles from waste of coconut coir according to claim 8
wherein alkali metal ion solution includes sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide.
10. A method for production of lignin nanoparticles from waste of coconut coir according to claim 8
wherein elevated temperature is up to 100 °C,