Absorbent structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent structure may comprise first and second substrate material layers and a mixture of superabsorbent particles and adhesive disposed between the first and second substrate material layers. The superabsorbent particles may be disposed in an amount greater than 400 gsm, and the adhesive may be disposed in an amount less than 5%, by weight, of the weight of the superabsorbent particles, and the adhesive forms a three-dimensional mesh network comprising network adhesive filaments with the superabsorbent particles immobilized within the mesh network, and the network adhesive filaments extending substantially throughout a three-dimensional space defined by the network adhesive filaments and the superabsorbent particles.