A groundbreaking study from the University of Edinburgh reveals that genetically modified E. coli bacteria can convert plastic waste into paracetamol, offering a sustainable production method for this widely used painkiller.

The research specifically targets polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic that generates over 350 million tons annually and is notoriously difficult to recycle, often ending up in landfills or oceans.

This innovative approach merges traditional chemistry with engineering biology, potentially fostering a circular economy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

The study, published in *Nature Chemistry*, highlights a unique chemical reaction called Lossen rearrangement that can occur safely within living cells, a process previously only observed in laboratory settings.

The research demonstrated that this rearrangement, typically requiring harsh conditions, can occur spontaneously in E. coli with the aid of phosphate, showcasing the bacteria's potential for complex chemical transformations.

The conversion process achieves an impressive efficiency of up to 92% in under 24 hours, underscoring its practical application for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Current paracetamol production heavily relies on fossil fuels, starting with phenol derived from crude oil, which contributes to climate change and environmental damage.

This new method could significantly lessen the pharmaceutical industry's dependence on oil-derived medications, promoting a cleaner and greener approach to drug production.

Future efforts will focus on scaling this process for industrial applications and conducting life cycle assessments to evaluate its environmental impacts.

Despite the promising results, scaling this method for industrial use poses challenges, as noted by chemist Dylan Domaille from the Colorado School of Mines.

Collaboration with companies like AstraZeneca is underway to further develop these innovations in sustainable chemicals and materials.

The research emphasizes the importance of sustainable healthcare practices and the need to support initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste.