In a breakthrough that feels equal parts science fiction and environmental magic, researchers have figured out how to turn plastic waste into paracetamol (known in the US as Acetaminophen) the common pain reliever, using engineered bacteria.
At the heart of the discovery is E. coli, a humble microbe better known from high school biology than high-tech innovation.
Scientists found that it can perform a complex chemical reaction (one usually done in labs with harsh conditions), powered only by natural phosphate.
With a bit of bioengineering, the bacteria digest PET plastic—the same stuff used in water bottles—and convert it into a key chemical, which they then transform into paracetamol.
No toxic solvents. No heavy metals. Just a smart, sustainable process that turns trash into medicine.
Even more exciting? Up to 92% of the plastic gets converted, offering a glimpse into a future where waste is no longer just a problem, but a powerful resource.
A pill made from plastic waste might sound like a fantasy, but with the help of a few microscopic allies, it’s becoming a fascinating reality.
Read the technical paper on the journal Nature.
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