PINEAPPLE-POWERED 'ANANASHINE' TOOTHPASTE: SAFE, SUSTAINABLE AND KID-FRIENDLY

By Shaidathul Suhana Ros

JOHOR BAHRU, April 8 (Bernama) -- What if brushing your teeth could help save the planet and keep your smile sparkling? That’s the idea behind 'AnanaShine,' an innovative new toothpaste developed by researchers at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) that’s made entirely from pineapple.

Designed with children in mind, AnanaShine is fluoride-free, ensuring it’s safe even if your little one accidentally swallows a bit too much during brushing, according to the university’s Institute of Bioproduct Development director Associate Professor Dr Rosnani Hasham@Hisam.

It’s a playful, natural alternative to the usual toothpaste, one that harnesses the power of pineapple's unique properties to keep teeth healthy, white and shiny, she noted.

That’s why AnanaShine is more than just a toothpaste but also a sustainable, eco-friendly solution, says Rosnani, who is attached to UTM’s Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Energy Engineering.

Rather than throwing away leftover pineapple, the toothpaste uses every part of the fruit, from the crown to the flesh, helping to reduce food waste.

The result is a product that not only supports local pineapple farmers in Johor but also promotes an environmentally-conscious approach to oral care.

"The pineapple is rich in bromelain, an enzyme that helps break down plaque and protein residue while being gentle on tooth enamel. It’s also packed with antioxidants and malic acid, which naturally brighten teeth," she explained.

To make brushing even more enjoyable for kids, Rosnani said that AnanaShine features a natural pineapple flavour, giving children a fruity taste that they’ll love.

Plus, it contains sorbitol and glycerine, which help keep lips and the mouth hydrated, making the entire brushing experience even more comfortable.

AnanaShine has already made waves in the innovation space, winning a silver medal at the 2024 Industrial Arts and Technology Exhibition (INATEX) held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre here last October.

With the backing of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM), the UTM team is also working to bring the product to a wider audience, aiming to partner with industry leaders to introduce AnanaShine to health-conscious parents across the country.

The product not only meets oral safety standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) set by the Ministry of Health, but also sets a new benchmark for sustainability in everyday products.

By making brushing fun, safe and eco-friendly, AnanaShine is changing the way we think about oral hygiene, one pineapple at a time.

-- BERNAMA