Researchers have made an exciting discovery: bacteria can help turn plastic waste into painkillers. This breakthrough could lead to a more sustainable way of producing essential medications.
In a recent study, scientists found that E. coli can create paracetamol (or acetaminophen) using materials derived from plastic bottles. Professor Stephen Wallace from the University of Edinburgh explained that most paracetamol today comes from oil. This new approach merges chemistry and biology, allowing us to tackle plastic waste while producing medicine more sustainably.
The research, published in Nature Chemistry, highlights a process called Lossen rearrangement. This chemical reaction, previously unseen in nature, can occur safely around living cells. The team used polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—a type of plastic found in many food containers—and transformed it into a new substance through eco-friendly methods.
When they introduced this new material to a harmless strain of E. coli, the bacteria turned it into a compound known as p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which is essential for bacterial DNA synthesis. Normally, E. coli produces PABA using other resources, but in this experiment, they were genetically modified so they had to rely on the PET-based material.
This method offers a dual benefit: it helps eliminate plastic waste and produces biological materials. Wallace commented, “It’s a way to effectively clean up plastic waste.”
Further modifications were made to the E. coli—adding genes from mushrooms and soil bacteria—allowing the bacteria to turn PABA into paracetamol. Remarkably, they accomplished this within 24 hours, achieving up to a 92% yield with low emissions.
While this is a promising step, more work is required for large-scale production. Wallace noted, “For the first time, we have a method to convert plastic waste into paracetamol, combining both biology and chemistry.”
This research has the potential not just to address medical needs, but also to reduce plastic in our environment. According to the EPA, Americans generated over 292 million tons of plastic waste in 2018, highlighting the incredible potential impact of such innovations.
In the age of sustainability, this discovery reflects a growing interest in using biotechnology to solve environmental problems. As user discussions on social media intensify around climate change and plastic pollution, advancements like this could spark new hope.
For those interested in further reading, you can check the full study in Nature Chemistry here.