Bacteria help convert plastic waste into painkillers

In a new study, scientists at the University of Edinburgh (Sweden) have discovered that common bacteria can convert plastic waste into the over-the-counter painkiller acetaminophen.

Recyclable plastic water bottles in St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. (Illustrative image: Getty Images/VNA)

Acetaminophen – the main ingredient in the popular painkiller Tylenol, also known as paracetamol in some countries – is often made from fossil fuels.

According to a publication in the journal Nature Chemistry, the new method – developed with the support of pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca – transforms a molecule from a common plastic, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), into the active ingredient of Tylenol.

PET is a durable, lightweight plastic commonly used to manufacture water bottles and food packaging. Each year, the world generates over 350 million tons of PET plastic waste.

The conversion of PET plastic into acetaminophen takes place at room temperature and is completed in less than 24 hours, using a fermentation process similar to that used for brewing beer, with virtually zero carbon emissions.

Professor Stephen Wallace of the University of Edinburgh, the lead researcher, stated: "This study demonstrates that PET plastic is not just waste or a raw material for creating more plastic products. PET can be transformed by microorganisms into high-value products, including those with potential therapeutic effects."

However, scientists say more research is needed before PET can be used to produce acetaminophen on a commercial scale.

According to VNA

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/vi-khuan-giup-chuyen-hoa-rac-thai-nhua-thanh-thuoc-giam-dau/20250707084734287