Scientists have developed a groundbreaking method to convert plastic waste into paracetamol, offering a sustainable solution for waste management and drug production, benefiting both the environment and human health.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria to transform terephthalic acid, derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, into paracetamol, a common pain reliever. This process, published in the journal Nature Chemistry in 2025, uses a fermentation method similar to brewing beer, achieving a 90% conversion rate within 24 hours, and up to 92% in optimized conditions. The procedure operates at room temperature and produces minimal carbon emissions.
The study's lead author, Stephen Wallace, highlighted that PET plastic can be transformed into valuable products, including medicines, using microorganisms. The team employed a chemical reaction called the "Lossen rearrangement," previously not induced in living cells. The enzyme responsible was activated by naturally occurring compounds within the bacteria.
This innovation addresses the global plastic waste crisis, where over 350 million tons of plastic, much of it PET, are generated annually. Unlike traditional recycling methods that often produce lower-value materials, this approach represents a step towards "upcycling," converting waste into pharmaceuticals with a lower carbon footprint and higher added value. The research was supported by the UK's EPSRC and the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.
While not yet industrially applicable, the researchers believe this marks the beginning of a new era in sustainable drug production. The method could be adapted for other plastic waste and the synthesis of various medicines. This research aligns with other initiatives at the University of Edinburgh, such as using plastic waste and glass fibers to create construction materials, and a similar process developed at the University of Manchester in December 2024, which used genetically modified bacteria to convert plastic waste into bioplastics and therapeutic proteins, including insulin.
This advancement demonstrates the potential of biotechnology to transform plastic waste into valuable products, contributing to a circular and sustainable economy. This innovation offers a promising path toward reducing environmental pollution and improving access to essential medicines.