Scientists in Singapore Transform Fruit Leftovers into Antibacterial Bandages

Durian husk and petri dish containing cellulose hydrogel sheet made out of durian husk with yeast phenolics are seen in Singapore September 16, 2021. (Reuters)
Durian husk and petri dish containing cellulose hydrogel sheet made out of durian husk with yeast phenolics are seen in Singapore September 16, 2021. (Reuters)
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Scientists in Singapore Transform Fruit Leftovers into Antibacterial Bandages

Durian husk and petri dish containing cellulose hydrogel sheet made out of durian husk with yeast phenolics are seen in Singapore September 16, 2021. (Reuters)
Durian husk and petri dish containing cellulose hydrogel sheet made out of durian husk with yeast phenolics are seen in Singapore September 16, 2021. (Reuters)

Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore are tackling food waste by turning discarded durian husks into antibacterial gel bandages.

The process extracts cellulose powder from the fruit’s husks after they are sliced and freeze-dried, then mixes it with glycerol. This mixture becomes soft hydrogel, which is then cut into bandage strips.

“In Singapore, we consume about 12 million durians a year, so besides the flesh, we can’t do much about the husk and the seeds and this cause environmental pollution,” said Professor William Chen, director of the food science and technology program at NTU. The fruit’s husks, which make up more than half of the composition of durians, are usually discarded and incinerated, contributing to environmental waste.

Chen added that the technology can also turn other food waste, such as soy beans and spent grains, into hydrogel, helping limit the country’s food waste.

Compared to conventional bandages, the organo-hydrogel bandages are also able to keep wound areas cooler and moist, which can help accelerate healing.

The researchers say using waste materials and yeast for the antimicrobial bandages is more cost effective than the production of conventional bandages, whose antimicrobial properties come from more expensive metallic compounds like silver or copper ions.

A durian wholeseller, Tan Eng Chuan, said he goes through at least 30 crates of durians a day during durian season - as much as 1,800 kg. Being able to use the parts of the fruit that are ordinarily discarded, he said, was an innovation that would make enjoying it “more sustainable”.



Nationwide Theater Tour Kicks off in Al-Baha with 'Baher' Play

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Nationwide Theater Tour Kicks off in Al-Baha with 'Baher' Play

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Theater enthusiasts in Al-Baha turned out in strong numbers for "Baher," a play inspired by maritime heritage and the traditions of ancient sailors and pearl diving.

According to SPA, the event is held from April 3 to 5 as part of the Theater and Performing Arts Commission's nationwide theater tour.
The tour will continue in Jubail (April 17-19), Dammam (April 24-26), and Al-Ahsa (May 1-3), reflecting the commission's efforts to revitalize theater across the Kingdom, T