Recycling of Rapid Antigen LFIA Tests (COVID-19)

The Covid-19 pandemic marked Europe and the world with the accumulation of huge amounts of waste, also in the field of disposable medical devices, including rapid antigen (LFIA) tests, which ensure a fast, selective and reliable diagnosis of infected persons or virus carriers in various environments. After use, rapid antigen LFIA tests are sent for incineration. Burning one million rapid tests using nano-gold for markings wastes 0.1 gram of gold and 5,000 kg of plastic used for casings. The waste is extraordinary, so is the production of CO2. The current recycling technology of rapid antigen LFIA tests does not allow the separation of individual components. As part of the project, recycling will be developed for each component separately (nano-gold, plastic), and the recycled materials will be used as a secondary resource in further processing/use. Based on these facts, the project contributes to the relief of the environment and indirectly affects the reduction of CO2 emissions.

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.

The main goal of the project is the collection and processing of used rapid antigen LFIA tests (COVID-19) and the establishment of a model for their processing with the aim of reusing them for different purposes. The project content follows the long-term goal of the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy, which includes reducing waste disposal in landfills and increasing the reuse and recycling of waste. Project goal: Develop a process and innovative technology for dismantling and recycling rapid tests into high-quality secondary raw materials (gold and plastic) for independent processing or incorporation into new products.