Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have made a breakthrough in tackling plastic pollution and reducing the use of fossil fuels in drug manufacturing. They have discovered a way to convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic into the painkiller acetaminophen using engineered Escherichia coli bacteria. The process involves degrading PET bottles into molecules, which are then fed to the bacteria, producing an organic compound that can be turned into acetaminophen. This method has a 92% yield and can be completed in 24 hours at room temperature. The researchers believe that this approach could be used to recycle other types of plastic and produce other drugs, offering a potential solution to the plastic pollution problem and reducing the reliance on fossil fuels. The study demonstrates the potential of combining natural and synthetic chemistry to drive innovation and find sustainable solutions to environmental problems. The research has been published in Nature Chemistry and could lead to a more environmentally friendly way of producing pain relief medications.
Scientists Discover Engineered E. Coli Can Convert Waste Plastic into Acetaminophen, a Widely Used Pain Reliever.
