Mountain of waste can help cut superbugs

Fast-growing waste in the EU could soon be helping to combat hospital superbugs, according to scientists at York University.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jun 2010, 13:45 BST
Updated 21st Jun 2010, 13:45 BST

Researchers in the chemistry department have discovered how to transform a chemical compound used in LCD televisions, into an anti-microbial substance that destroys infections such as Escherichia coli and some strains of Staphylococcus aureus.

The York research team had earlier found a method of recovering the chemical from TV screens and using it to help parts of the body regenerate.

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It could also be used in pills and dressings that are designed to deliver drugs to particular parts of the body. The research will be showcased by Dr Andrew Hunt at a conference in Washington. He said: "The influence of LCDs on modern society is dramatic. It is estimated that 2.5 billion LCDs are approaching the end of their life, and they are the fastest growing waste in the European Union.

"But we can add significant value this waste. By heating then cooling it and then dehydrating it with ethanol we can produce a material that has great potential for use in biomedicine."

The research has enhanced the substance chemically so it could destroy bacterial infections such as E.coli. The next steps will be to test the new substance to see how it measures up to other compounds on the market and secure approval from regulatory agencies.

Related topics:York