New technique converts PET into paracetamol

GLASGOW, United Kingdom (EFE).— Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a pioneering technique that allows plastic waste to be converted into paracetamol using genetically modified bacteria . The discovery, published in Nature Chemistry, promises innovations in waste management and drug manufacturing.

The team managed to get the Escherichia coli bacteria to transform terephthalic acid, a component derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) found in bottles and containers, into the active ingredient of the well-known pain reliever and antipyretic. "This work demonstrates that PET plastic is not just waste or a material destined to become more plastic," explained Stephen Wallace, professor of chemical biotechnology and senior author of the study.

The conversion was completed in less than 24 hours using a fermentation process similar to that of beer, with a 90% efficiency, rising to 92% under optimal conditions. The process takes place at room temperature and with minimal carbon emissions.

“Microorganisms can transform it into valuable products, including medicines,” Wallace added.

Currently, more than 350 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually , much of it derived from PET. Traditional recycling methods, whether mechanical or chemical, typically produce new plastics or low-value materials with high energy and environmental costs. This new process offers a chemical "upcycling" alternative.

“Biological engineering has enormous potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, foster a circular economy, and generate sustainable products,” said Ian Hatch, consulting director at Edinburgh Innovations, the organization that supported the project.

The study also received financial support from the EPSRC and the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

The team used a chemical reaction known as the "Lossen rearrangement," which has never before been induced in living cells. The necessary enzyme was activated by compounds naturally present within bacteria. This innovation represents a significant advance in the use of biological processes for industrial purposes.

Although the technique is not yet ready for large-scale implementation, scientists are confident that this is an initial step toward more sustainable drug production. They also believe the method could be adapted in the future to other types of plastic waste and to the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds.

Drug Research

Scientists create paracetamol from plastic waste using modified bacteria.

Medicinal plastic

Researchers managed to transform PET waste using genetically modified bacteria and advanced biochemical processes.

Future medicines

Scientists claim that this method could be applied to the synthesis of other drugs from various plastics.