An absorbent core comprising a substrate which is folded upon itself to provide a plurality of panels has been patented. The substrate is folded to provide an absorbent core having a cross-sectional configuration selected from the group consisting of an “e”-shape, a “z”-shape, a sigma-shape and an accordion-shape; the substrate performing a first fluid handling function. One portion of at least one panel performing only a second fluid handling function different from the first fluid handling function; where at least one portion of at least one panel comprises a modifying material comprising a binding agent which is an absorbent adhesive composition of an in situ neutralizable binder composition.