The device which may be attached inside or outside the pancreas/abdomen during surgery addresses leaks of pancreatic juice or pancreatic effluent (PE) after resection by redirecting and inactivating PE. Specifically the PE enzymes (proteases) are inactivated. Redirection is through an internal biodegradable self powered self eliminating drain with increasing gradient and then targeting or inactivating the effluent with active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) such as-protease inhibitors which are contained in graduated micro-encapsulated particles (GMEPs) coated with pH and time release shells which the device locates at optimum locations in the pancreas/abdomen. Another iteration is redirecting PE by containing the device within a mesh filled with GMEP comprising protease inhibitors (antiprotease) to inactivate PE before flowing out via openings in the mesh into the abdominal cavity as an inactivated innocuous fluid.

A water-dispersible fluid absorber such as a sanitary pad includes a water-dispersible top layer; a water-dispersible absorbent layer; a leakproof layer of a polyvinyl alcohol; and a water-dispersible bottom layer. The leakproof layer is bonded to the top layer and the bottom layer by ultrasonic welding. A method of manufacturing a water-dispersible fluid absorber such as a sanitary pad includes assembling a water-dispersible top layer, a water-dispersible absorbent layer, a leakproof layer of a polyvinyl alcohol and a water-dispersible bottom layer; and bonding the leakproof layer to the top layer and the bottom layer by ultrasonic welding. A further water-dispersible fluid absorber includes a cellulose-based super absorbent material, an alginate-based super absorbent material, a chitosan-based super absorbent material, and/or a polyethylene glycol-based super absorbent material. A further water-dispersible fluid absorber comprises a thick portion formed to create a raised area under the perineum. A further water-dispersible fluid absorber includes a pressure sensitive adhesive arranged in a plurality of portions.

Disclosed is an absorbent article with biocompostable properties, such as a baby diaper, adult incontinence product, or a feminine hygiene pad. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a biocompostable absorbent sanitary article with a high degree of biocompostability. The sanitary article comprises, in one embodiment, at least a top layer, a back layer, and absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core includes a superabsorbent polymer, and wherein at least the superabsorbent polymer is biocompostable.

Described herein is a disposable diaper that is substantially bio based and/or biodegradable. The diaper comprises a biodegradable top sheet, a biodegradable super absorbent core and biodegradable water resistant outer layer that is liquid impervious and a breathable bottom sheet, wherein the top sheet is configured for transmission of bodily fluids to the super absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises a first and second layer comprising pulp fibres. The diaper is either manufactured of wholly or partially renewable resources, at the same time can substantially decompose in a compost site, and substantially biodegrade in a conventional landfill.

A system for treating used hygienic articles including soiled or swollen superabsorbent materials (SAMs). The portion of the article including the soiled or swollen SAM is treated with a chemical which restructures or degrades the soiled or swollen SAM so that the products of the reaction are easily disposable in a method alternative to trash disposal and landfilling, including through municipal treatment where the products of the reaction do not clog a standard toilet or standard plumbing. Hygienic articles include baby diapers, adult diapers, incontinence pads, menstrual pads, or any other article which includes one or more SAMs.

Disclosed is an absorbent article with biocompostable properties, such as a baby diaper, adult incontinence product, or a feminine hygiene pad. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a biocompostable absorbent sanitary article with a high degree of biocompostability. The sanitary article comprises, in one embodiment, at least a top layer, a back layer, and absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core includes a superabsorbent polymer, and wherein at least the superabsorbent polymer is biocompostable.

Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for delivering a therapeutic substance to the tympanic membrane of an ear of a subject, including a reservoir configured to contain the therapeutic substance and a delivery interface by which the therapeutic substance is delivered to the tympanic membrane.

An enzyme-degradable system for undergarments and feminine hygiene articles works to decompose the undergarments and feminine hygiene articles upon being triggered by bodily fluids, such as urine. The undergarment or feminine hygiene article comprises an absorbent core, an inner sheet of biodegradable material, and an outer sheet of biodegradable material. The core includes at least one of the following: a cellulose material, a wood pulp, a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources (polylactic acid plasticPLA), and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The inner and outer sheets comprise a plant based cellulosic nonwoven material. The cellulase enzyme decomposes the absorbent core, the inner sheet, and the outer sheet upon contact with a bodily fluid. The cellulase enzyme may include DIS-1018 Cellulose-AN, a pH buffer, and additives. Fasteners made from a resilient, biodegradable material help secure the undergarments and feminine hygiene articles to the body.

Disclosed is an absorbent article with biocompostable properties, such as a baby diaper, adult incontinence product, or a feminine hygiene pad. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a biocompostable absorbent sanitary article with a high degree of biocompostability. The sanitary article comprises, in one embodiment, at least a top layer, a back layer, and absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core includes a superabsorbent polymer, and wherein at least the superabsorbent polymer is biocompostable.

Disclosed is a moisture-retaining body having a water-absorbing surface, having a structure in which, from a water-absorbing surface side, a water-permeable layer having water disintegrability and water permeability, a moisture-retaining layer having water disintegrability, water absorbability, and water retainability, a water-repellent layer including a water-soluble film and dots of a dot-like water-repellent resin with a diameter of 5 ?m to 150 ?m dispersed on a surface side of the water-soluble film facing the moisture-retaining layer, and a support layer having water disintegrability are sequentially laminated, as a moisture-retaining body which is quickly dissolved or decomposed by coming into contact with a large amount of water when dumped in a flush toilet or the like while being prevented from being dissolved or decomposed by retained moisture.