Sunday Times E-Paper

Durian: Smelly fruit leftovers used to make bandages

Source : CBBC Newsround

cientists have discovered a solution to a food waste problem by turning discarded durian fruit into antibacterial gel bandages.

Durian is a tropical fruit found in Southeast Asia and the husk – the outer shell – isn't eaten so it can generate a lot of waste.

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have discovered that the fruits' husks can be used to make a soft gel which can be cut into bandages of various shapes and sizes.

"In Singapore, we consume about 12 million durians a year, so besides the husk and the seeds and this causes environmental pollution," said Professor William Chen from the NTU.

The fruit's husks, which make up half of the durian, are usually thrown away or burnt, which adds to the environmental waste.

The scientists use a low-cost process to take cellulose – the main substance in the walls of plant cells – to create a soft gel sheet which can be cut into bandages. They also add a substance, known as natural yeast phenolics, which make the bandage deadly to bacteria.

These bandages are better than regular bandages, at keeping the wound area cooler and moist, which helps speed up healing. cheaper too because usually bandages are made from more expensive materials like silver or copper ions which normally

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2021-09-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-09-26T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytimes.pressreader.com/article/283171496679074

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