DEVELOPMENT OF THE RECYCLING PROCEDURE FOR RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS

Rebeka Rudolf; Darja Feizpour; Žiga Jelen; Peter Majerič; Tilen Švarc; Matej Zadravec; Timi Gomboc; Aleksandra Kocijan

doi:10.17222/mit.2023.1063

Rebeka Rudolf University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia
Darja Feizpour Institute of Metals and technology, Lepi pot 11, 1000 Ljubljana https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0866-6424
Žiga Jelen University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia
Peter Majerič University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia
Tilen Švarc University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia
Matej Zadravec University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia
Timi Gomboc
Aleksandra Kocijan Institute of Metals and Technology, Lepi pot 11, Ljubljana, Slovenia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17222/mit.2023.1063

Keywords: rapid antigen tests, recycling, characterization, nanogold, plastic

Abstract

The article presents the problem of rapid antigen tests when they become mass waste after use. Based on this, the hypothesis was made that rapid antigen tests can be recycled. Rapid antigen tests, which were used in the Covid-19 epidemic to quickly detect infections in the population or to confirm the presence of the Sars-Cov 2 virus in patients, were intended to limit the spread of the epidemic. To confirm the hypothesis of recycling for rapid antigen tests, the LFIA-REC ATP 150 project was prepared, which was selected for co-financing by the Norwegian Fund.

Rapid antigen tests consist of a sample and conjugate pad, detectable or nitrocellulose membranes and absorbent pads and a plastic case. The function of the sample pad is to evenly absorb the sample (mucus, blood) and lead it to the conjugate pad with a steady flow. Gold nanoparticles (labels) are deposited on the conjugate pad. The key is that the gold nanoparticles are conjugated with capture molecules capable of binding to potentially present antibodies or virus in the sample.

The scope of the research problem thus required the inclusion of various characterization techniques that must be applied to the individual material in the rapid antigen test to subsequently develop an efficient recycling process for the rapid antigen tests. The result of the research presented in this paper represents a newly developed algorithm of characterization techniques, which includes a recommended description of the preparation of samples of key materials from rapid antigen tests. This algorithm successfully achieved the characterization of gold nanoparticles from rapid antigen tests. Based on the developed algorithm, the final part of the project will validate the recycling process of rapid antigen tests, so that they can be recycled, i.e. gold nanoparticles or plastic used in new products. The paper presents the algorithm of characterization techniques with a description of the preparation of material samples from rapid antigen tests.

Author Biographies

Rebeka Rudolf, University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia

Second affiliation:

Zlatarna Celje d.o.o., Kersnikova ul. 19, Celje, Slovenia

Žiga Jelen, University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia

Second affiliation:

Znanstveno in inovacijsko središče Pomurje, Lendavska ulica 28, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Peter Majerič, University of Maribor, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Maribor, Smetanova ul. 17, Slovenia

Second affiliation:

Zlatarna Celje d.o.o., Kersnikova ul. 19, Celje, Slovenia

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DEVELOPMENT OF THE RECYCLING PROCEDURE FOR RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS

Abstract

Author Biographies

References

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