Johor Bahru, October 2024 – A team of innovative researchers from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has successfully garnered the Silver Medal Award at the 26th Industrial Art & Technology Exhibition and Competition (INATEX) 2024 for their pioneering work on a natural, child-friendly toothpaste formulation made from pineapple-based ingredients.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham from the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD), the award-winning project, titled “New Formulation of Pineapple-Based Child-Friendly Toothpaste,” highlights the team’s commitment to creating sustainable, health-conscious products for children. The toothpaste, branded as AnanaShine, utilizes enzymes from pineapple (Ananas comosus) and pectin, offering a natural, gentle, and effective solution for children’s oral hygiene.
AnanaShine: A Breakthrough in Natural Oral Care AnanaShine is formulated with natural pineapple enzymes (specifically bromelain) and pectin, which provide a gentle yet thorough cleaning while being safe for children to swallow. It offers a pleasant flavor, making brushing more enjoyable for young users. The toothpaste is designed to remove stains, prevent cavities, and encourage longer brushing times in children while using eco-friendly ingredients that align with sustainability goals.
The product addresses the growing consumer demand for natural, fluoride-free toothpaste options that avoid the harshness of chemical-based formulations. By isolating key components from pineapple waste, the project also emphasizes the importance of waste reduction and eco-consciousness in the production of personal care products.
Collaborative Efforts for Innovation The project team, consisting of Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Jusoh, Assoc Prof Ts ChM Dr Nik Ahmad Nizam Nik Malek, Nurul Ashikin, Azman Omar, and Tssri Paulla Md Noor, collaborated with Lembaga Perindustrian Nanas Malaysia (Pineapple Industry Board of Malaysia) to commercialize the toothpaste. This innovation reflects UTM’s broader strategy to drive research and development in bioproducts for industrial application.
Market Potential and Future Prospects With rising parental awareness of children’s dental health and a growing preference for natural products, AnanaShine has the potential to capture a significant portion of the child oral care market, projected to grow by 2.08% CAGR globally by 2028. The project’s success not only demonstrates UTM’s ability to create cutting-edge products but also showcases Malaysia’s ability to leverage local agricultural resources, such as pineapples, for innovative solutions.
UTM continues to be at the forefront of research and innovation, with its multidisciplinary teams consistently delivering projects that cater to societal needs while promoting sustainability. The Silver Medal win at INATEX 2024 is a testament to the university’s commitment to developing bioproducts that improve health outcomes and contribute to eco-friendly consumer habits.
For more information about the project, please visit the Institute of Bioproduct Development (IBD) at UTM or contact the project lead, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Rosnani Hasham.
