Scientists use bacteria to turn plastic waste into paracetamol
10 months ago
- #biotechnology
- #sustainability
- #plastic-recycling
- Bacteria (E coli) can convert plastic waste into paracetamol (acetaminophen).
- The process involves a Lossen rearrangement, a chemical reaction now found to be biocompatible.
- Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic bottles is converted into Paba, a substance essential for bacterial growth.
- Genetically modified E coli can further convert Paba into paracetamol with high efficiency (up to 92% yield).
- This method offers a sustainable alternative to current oil-based paracetamol production and helps clean up plastic waste.
- The process combines chemistry and biology, enabling a pathway not possible with either discipline alone.