Microwave Assisted Glycolysis: A Chemical Solution to Textile Waste Management

   

Piles of discarded clothes wait to be sorted at a textile-recycling factory in Taiwan.

    Every year, millions of tons of clothing are discarded, nearly three quarters of which end up being incinerated or dumped into landfills which end up as microplastics polluting our oceans. The solution to this is a newly developed chemical-processing technique that can break down fabrics into reusable materials. A recent Nature article highlights the discovery.

    Recycling is a tricky process; Much of it involves physically separating waste into raw materials. Recycling of textiles becomes even trickier. Many fabrics are made of a mixture of materials such as cotton and polyester which mechanical recycling methods often struggle to separate into products that can be used again. When separation is possible, the quality of the product is often low and not worth reusing. 

    A newly developed chemical process called microwave assisted glycolysis can break up large chains of molecules called polymers into their smaller, monomer units, with the help of heat and a zinc oxide (ZnO) catalyst. For pure polyester fabrics, the reaction converts the polyester into BHET (Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate) with 90% yield. The main advantage of this technique though, is its ability to process textiles that have mixed composition. The researchers tested fabrics containing a blend of cotton, polyester, nylon or spandex. Like polyester, spandex was broken down into its monomer units called MDA (4,4′-methylenedianiline). Both MDA and BHET products of the reaction can be used directly to make new clothing. Cotton and nylon on the other hand, were found to not be affected by the treatment and could thus be recovered intact. 

Overview of the chemical recycling process.

    Another significant advantage of microwave assisted glycolysis is its relatively low reaction time. The reaction takes only 15 minutes which is significantly lower than other processing techniques which can take days to break down the same materials. Dionisios Vlachos, co-author of the study and professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Delaware, states that he believes reaction conditions can be further optimized to bring reaction times down to the order of seconds. With further developments, the researchers estimate that 88% of clothing worldwide could be recycled.

Sources

Andini, Erha, et al. “Chemical recycling of mixed textile waste.” Science Advances, vol. 10, no. 27, 5 July 2024, https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado6827.

Kudiabor, Helena. “‘Chemical Recycling’: 15-Minute Reaction Turns Old Clothes into Useful Molecules.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 4 July 2024, www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02210-1. 

Is Ozempic The New Miracle Weight-Loss Drug?

     A “miracle” drug has been gaining widespread popularity online among those trying to lose weight. This drug, known as Ozempic, is FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, but has not been approved for weight loss. Despite this, many people are turning to the drug in hopes of losing some weight, a trend that has raised concern about its safety. An article published in the New York Times, “What is Ozempic and Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?” discusses the debate over this drug and its uses. 

Image showing the injectable drug "Ozempic"

    The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which works by imitating a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which is produced in the intestines. GLP-1 works by regulating blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon release, making it an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes. This signals to the body that the stomach is full, reducing appetite and helping individuals feel satisfied more quickly, leading them to consume less and ultimately lose weight. Although Ozempic is only approved for people with Type 2 diabetes, another drug, Wegovy, has been approved by the FDA for weight loss in adults with obesity, particularly those who also suffer from high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or other related conditions.

Image showing the mechanisms of GLP-1

    Despite FDA instructions, some doctors have been prescribing Ozempic for off-label use as a weight-loss aid. However, there is disagreement among medical professionals. Some argue that the evidence is insufficient to support prescribing the drug to people who do not meet the FDA-approved criteria, while others believe it could be an effective solution for weight loss.

    The potential side effects of Ozempic include nausea, dehydration, fatigue, malaise, and bowel issues, making it important for doctors to carefully monitor patients on the medication. Another concern is the cost—without insurance, Ozempic can cost around $900 a month, making it unaffordable for many. Additionally, there has been a shortage of the drug due to its increasing popularity, which has made it difficult for people with diabetes to access it and receive the crucial help they need from the medication.

    In summary, Ozempic and similar drugs are at the center of a heated debate. The long-term effects of these drugs for people without diabetes remain uncertain, which raises concerns. However, given the seriousness of obesity as a health issue, some doctors see it as a promising weight-loss treatment. The debate continues, with key questions still to be answered: Is it safe for non-diabetics? Does the obesity crisis justify broader use? Should these drugs be reserved only for those with diabetes? Hopefully, future research will provide clearer answers to these important questions.