The sheets are made from kitosan, a biopolymer derived from prawn and crab shells.

Chief researcher Asst Prof Phuriwat Leesawat said yesterday the university was applying for a patent.

The private sector will then be invited to make commercial use of the low-cost product.

The work was sponsored by the Thai Research Fund.

The school studied the making of both kitosan (also known as chitosan) film and paper.

The sheets are as efficient at absorbing facial oils as other products. They are safe and cheaper to produce, Phuriwat said.

The sheets are a made from a kitosan solution, plasticiser, absorbents and paw sa tissue. They are dried at 30 degrees Celsius.

Phuriwat said the use of simple tools and domestically available materials reduced imported chemical and material costs.

Easy decomposition makes the sheets environmentally friendly, Phuriwat said.