Scientists have developed an antibacterial gel dressing made from durian husks

Known as the "king of fruits" in Southeast Asia, the durian has a thick husk with prickly spines. Usually

she is thrown away.However, scientists from NTU have created a soft gel similar to silicon sheets. It can be cut into bandages of various shapes and sizes. The researchers extracted high-quality cellulose from durian husks and combined it with glycerin, a byproduct of biodiesel and soap production.

Then they added organic molecules derived from baker's yeast - natural yeast phenols. This component has endowed the dressing with antibacterial properties.

Details of the work were published in the peer-reviewed journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering.

Different sizes of hydrogel patches obtainedfrom durian, which can be enlarged for surgical wounds or reduced for a typical dressing size. Credit: Nanyang Technological University.

Hydrogel patches are widely available in pharmacies,which are commonly used to close surgical wounds to minimize the formation of excess scar tissue, resulting in a softer, flatter scar. When using regular patches or gauze dressings, the patch keeps the skin hydrated rather than drying out.

The problem is that conventional hydrogelsplasters on the market are made from synthetic materials - we are talking about polymers such as polymethacrylate and polyvinylpyrrolidone. Silver or copper ions are used to impart antibacterial properties to dressings. Such synthetic materials, approved for use in biomedicine, are more expensive than newer hydrogels made from natural waste.

With the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs, the world will need many alternative ways to prevent infections, the study authors note. 

Plus, the organic gel dressing is non-toxic and biodegradable. This means it will have a lower environmental impact than conventional synthetic dressings.

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