Genetically modified bacteria converts PET plastic into paracetamol with 92% efficiency

A scientific breakthrough is reshaping the future of plastic waste. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom developed a method using a genetically modified bacterium to transform PET bottles, commonly used in packaging, into the active ingredient of paracetamol, one of the world’s most widely used analgesics. Detailed in the journal Nature Chemistry, the process achieves 92% efficiency, operates at room temperature, and produces nearly zero carbon emissions. This discovery promises to revolutionize plastic waste management and pharmaceutical production.

The technique combines biology and chemistry in an innovative way. The Escherichia coli bacterium, a natural inhabitant of the human gut, was modified to convert terephthalic acid, derived from PET, into para-hydroxyanilide, the core compound of paracetamol. Conducted in under 24 hours, the process uses fermentation, similar to beer production, and does not rely on artificial catalysts or extreme conditions.

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• Remarkable efficiency: 92% of processed plastic becomes paracetamol.
• Sustainability: Operates with no carbon emissions and at room temperature.
• Speed: The entire process takes less than a day.
• Chemical innovation: Uses the Lossen reaction in a biological environment.

Chemical reaction inside the bacterium

The key to success lies in the Lossen reaction, a rare chemical process previously restricted to controlled lab conditions. For the first time, scientists enabled it to occur inside E. coli in an aqueous environment, with phosphate as the sole catalyst. This compound, already present in the bacterium’s growth medium, transforms hydroxamate into an amine, a fundamental structure in many drugs, including paracetamol. The process is so efficient it eliminates the need for heavy metals or extreme heat, reducing environmental impact.

The method stands out for its simplicity. Two genes—one from a mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) and another from a soil bacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa)—were inserted into E. coli. These genes enable the bacterium to process plastic in stages, first producing para-aminobenzoate (PABA) and then paracetamol. The entire process occurs in a single container, known as the “one-pot” method, simplifying production.

Potential for the pharmaceutical industry

Although tests were conducted on a small scale, the results are promising. The process successfully converted PET plastic into paracetamol, but researchers caution that scalability remains a challenge. Increasing the material concentration without harming the bacteria and adapting the system for industrial bioreactors are critical steps. Additionally, costs must be compared to traditional production methods.

• Lab-scale testing: Initial tests were done in small quantities.
• Industrial challenges: Scaling up requires technical adjustments.
• Cost-benefit analysis: Comparison with conventional methods is needed.
• Environmental impact: Reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

The study highlights the potential to transform plastic waste into high-value products. Stephen Wallace, the project leader, emphasizes that PET plastic, often discarded, can become a valuable raw material for medicine. The approach also lowers the pharmaceutical industry’s carbon footprint, which traditionally relies on polluting processes.

Sustainability and innovation

This discovery paves the way for a circular economy. Plastic bottles, which take centuries to decompose, can gain new life as medicines. The clean and efficient process aligns with global sustainability goals, such as reducing waste and emissions. In 2024, estimates indicated that 400 million tons of plastic were produced globally, with only 9% recycled. Innovations like this could change that landscape.

The technique also inspires other applications. Beyond paracetamol, the modified E. coli could be adapted to produce other chemical compounds from recycled plastics. This opens a range of possibilities for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries seeking sustainable raw material alternatives.

Path to large-scale production

The next steps involve larger-scale testing. Scientists plan to optimize the concentration of processed plastic and ensure bacterial stability in industrial bioreactors. Economic viability will also be assessed, considering that traditional paracetamol production relies on finite and polluting petroleum derivatives.

Conducted at the Wallace Lab, the research shows how biotechnology can turn environmental problems into practical solutions. The genetic modification of E. coli is just the beginning. Other bacteria could be engineered to convert plastics into different compounds, expanding the discovery’s impact.

• Future tests: Scaling up without compromising efficiency.
• Economic viability: Comparing costs with traditional methods.
• New applications: Potential to create other chemical compounds.
• Sustainability: Reducing reliance on fossil resources.

Global impact of the breakthrough

Transforming plastic into paracetamol could have significant implications. In regions with high plastic waste production, such as urban centers, the process could be integrated into recycling systems. Additionally, producing medicines from recycled materials may lower costs in the long term, benefiting public health systems.

The study also underscores the importance of biotechnology in addressing global challenges. The ability to use microorganisms to create valuable products from waste is a milestone for science. The Edinburgh team plans to collaborate with industries to accelerate the process’s implementation, though they acknowledge that years of development are still needed.

Future of chemical recycling

The innovation goes beyond medicine production. Chemical recycling, as demonstrated in the study, could transform how we handle plastics. Unlike mechanical recycling, which degrades material quality, chemical recycling converts plastics into useful molecules. This could reduce the volume of waste in landfills and oceans, where millions of tons of plastic accumulate annually.

The research also highlights the role of interdisciplinary collaboration. Combining chemistry, biology, and genetic engineering was essential for the project’s success. Universities and industries are now seeking partnerships to expand these technologies, aiming to create cleaner production chains.

• Chemical recycling: Transforms plastics into useful molecules.
• Waste reduction: Less plastic in landfills and oceans.
• Scientific collaboration: Combines chemistry, biology, and engineering.
• Sustainable future: Promotes cleaner production chains.