FemTech-Fibers: Lactid-releasing for a healthy vaginal environment

Abstract

Worldwide, almost one third of women of childbearing age suffer from bacterial vaginosis (BV). This is when the sensitive microbiome of the vagina becomes unbalanced. Such a disorder of the vaginal flora can cause many health problems. This study has laid the technical basis for the development of a panty liner that supports the health of the vaginal environment and can prevent BV. Three different lactide loaded textiles were manufactured for these panty liners. In artificial vaginal secret, the lactide is hydrolyzed into lactic acid and lactate, causing the pH to decrease from above 4.6 to a range of 3.0 - 4.0 within 3 hours.