Description:

Scientists in Singapore are tackling food waste by turning discarded durian husks into antibacterial gel bandages. The team behind the invention says the technology can also be applied using other food waste, such as soybeans and spent grains.

Transcription:

Scientist in Singapore have found a use for discarded durian husk...turning them into bandages. William Chen: In Singapore, we consume about 12 million durians a year, so beside the flesh, we can’t do so much about the husk and the seeds, and this causes environmental pollution, all these kinds of things. We have developed a cellulose extraction technology to sort of take the cellulose out of this durian husk and then convert them into antimicrobial hydrogel- based bandages for his medical applications. Cellulose powder is first extracted from the husk after they are freeze-dried. After mixing with glycerol, it becomes soft hydrogel. Tracy Cui: Once the hydrogel is solidified, we just need to take it out from the mold. The material is then cut into bandage strips. William Chen: The advantage of this hydrogel- based bandage is that it's moist - so they would prevent the wound from drying up. So one of the applications, useful application maybe for people or folks with skin condition like eczema. Researchers say it is cheaper to make bandages from discarded materials. The technology can also be used on other food waste such as soybeans and spent grains. A durian wholesaler says it is sustainable to reuse the discarded fruit husks. He can go through as much as 1, 800 kg. Of the fruit a day during durian season. Tan Eng Chuan: Then we don't have to use the garbage truck to dispose of them, which is less sustainable. If their can make something with these, it will be very environmentally friendly. Description: Scientists in Singapore are tackling food waste by turning discarded durian husks into antibacterial gel bandages. The team behind the invention says the technology can also be applied using other food waste, such as soybeans and spent grains. 

Question: 

1. What did a scientist in Singapore have found a use for discarded durian husk? 

2. Bring up the procedure of making bandages out of durian husks.

3. What is the advantage of hydrogel-based bandage?