Recycle LCD screen into biocide

Old, broken LCD screens are a burden on e-waste, but scientists have treated them into harmful microbial killers thanks to the Polyvinyl-alcohol component (PVA) in the display.

In the world today, there are more than two billion LCD screens are gradually broken. Their final role is to participate in the e-waste community, one of the factors that exacerbates environmental pollution. In LCD monitors there are many toxic substances such as lead, cadium, and mercury.

Only a few screens are extracted into precious metals by people in developing countries, sold for income.

Researchers are currently looking for different ways to recycle e-waste, including LCD screens. In many laboratories, they try to find the usefulness of e-waste or use certain ingredients to turn algae into biofuel.

PVA in LCD monitors can kill many harmful bacteria.

New research by the Department of Chemistry, York University has found a way to turn old, broken LCD screens into substances that can destroy many infectious bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus auresus and some dangerous bacteria. Other insurance. The factor in the LCD screen helps it kill Polyvinyl-alcohol bacteria (PVA).

The head of the research team, Andrew Hunt, performed the following process: cooling and heating PVA, splitting water with ethanol. They then added a little silver molecule to enhance the antimicrobial properties of the material. The final product can be used as a hospital solution to reduce bacterial infection.

In addition, the researchers mentioned the ability to use them in drugs and bandages specially designed to transmit into different parts of the human body.

However, Hunt and his colleagues need to study more carefully, especially to ensure the proper use of silver molecules for human health treatment applications. If successful, this method will contribute to reducing the rapid increase of industrial waste.

Source: Discovery