Scientists from the University of Edinburgh in the UK have made a big breakthrough. They have used a common bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli) to turn plastic into paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen), a medicine used to treat pain and fever.

The plastic used in this research is called polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is commonly found in bottles and packaging. Normally, paracetamol is made using fossil fuels. But in this new method, researchers used waste plastic to make the medicine. This could help reduce plastic pollution and also lower the need for fossil fuels in drug production.

According to a news release from the University of Edinburgh, the process has many benefits:

  • Quick turnaround: Results can be seen in just 24 hours.
  • Compact setup: The process can be done in a small lab.
  • Energy efficiency: It works at room temperature, so there is no need for heating or cooling.

Biotechnologist Stephen Wallace, who led the study, said, “This work demonstrates that PET plastic isn't just waste or a material destined to become more plastic – it can be transformed by microorganisms into valuable new products, including those with potential for treating disease.”

Experts believe this method shows how chemistry and biology can work together. They hope this will help in creating "microbial factories" that make useful products while also cutting down on waste, pollution, and fossil fuel use.

The research was published in Nature Chemistry and supported by the UK’s EPSRC and the biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. Ian Hatch, Head of Consultancy at Edinburgh Innovations (EI), said, “We are bringing in exceptional companies like AstraZeneca to work with Stephen and others at the university to translate these cutting-edge discoveries into world-changing innovations.”

He added, “Engineering biology offers immense potential to disrupt our reliance on fossil fuels, build a circular economy and create sustainable chemicals and materials.”

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