Conference Speakers

Jeffrey Bates, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, University Of Utah

Jeff Bates received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of Utah. During that time, he worked in research and discovered that research was something he wanted to do in his professional career. Jeff received a doctoral degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Utah, where his dissertation work was in hydrogel materials that could be used in chemical sensing applications. Because of a disclosure of my dissertation work, he was approached by a NGO in Guatemala to develop a superabsorbent polymer that was also biodegradable and could be used in feminine hygiene products. That request was the beginning of his interest in exploring the use of biological materials for consumer products. Jeff has two startups, Shero LLP and a materials consulting firm called Utah Materials Research. Through consulting, his group has developed a ski wax alternative, color-changing roof shingles, drug delivery contact lenses, ultrasound gel materials, several products for cell phone screen protection, among others. Jeff has worked as a professor in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Utah for the past 4 years.

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Wednesday 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Bio-Innovation in Nonwovens III

Uses of Biomaterials and Biodegradable Materials in Feminine Hygiene Products

Current feminine hygiene products are made from synthetic polymer materials that take centuries to degrade in landfills. In addition, many of those synthetics polymers deliver toxins to the body when in contact with mucous membranes. We have developed a list of plant-based materials that degrade within six months and can be used to replace each of the materials that exist in current feminine hygiene products. Several companies have worked hard to develop biodegradable and even organic options for feminine hygiene products, but they each have their limitations. We have leveraged our expertise in super absorbent polymers to create a final product that is absorbent, thin, comfortable, completely biodegradable, and plant-based.

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