Engineered Bacteria Transform Plastic Waste into Paracetamol, Marking Breakthrough in Sustainable Chemistry
This innovative approach uses genetically modified E. coli strains to metabolize compounds derived from depolymerized plastic materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Through a carefully designed synthetic pathway, the microbes convert these intermediates into paracetamol with high specificity.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between waste management and pharmaceutical production,” said one of the lead researchers. “Using bacteria to directly turn plastic waste into a life-saving drug demonstrates how synthetic biology can support both health and sustainability.”
How It Works
The process begins with the chemical breakdown of PET or other plastic polymers into monomeric or oligomeric units. These compounds are then fed to engineered E. coli, which are equipped with biosynthetic genes that catalyze a multi-step transformation into paracetamol.
While traditional paracetamol production relies on petroleum-derived intermediates, this new method replaces fossil-based raw materials with waste-derived carbon sources, reducing environmental impact and resource consumption.
Broader Impact & Future Potential
This development is more than just a novel lab experiment—it signals a new direction in circular economy thinking. By upcycling low-value or hard-to-recycle plastics into high-value pharmaceutical compounds, the approach provides an innovative path forward for the global plastic waste crisis.
The research team is currently working on scaling up the process using bioreactors and improving yield through strain optimization. If successfully commercialized, this technology could transform both pharmaceutical supply chains and plastic recycling industries.
A Step Toward Circular Biomanufacturing
This study reinforces the growing role of synthetic biology in enabling sustainable materials management. It aligns with global trends encouraging greener production methods, reduced dependency on petrochemicals, and integrated solutions that combine environmental stewardship with industrial innovation.
Source:
Tosin Thompson, Researchers turn plastic into paracetamol, Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), June 23, 2025.