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A Biocompatible Lossen Rearrangement in Escherichia Coli
- On June 23, scientists at the University of Edinburgh reported that genetically engineered E. coli converted broken-down PET plastic into paracetamol, a widely used painkiller.
- The team applied synthetic biology to guide bacteria already equipped to convert terephthalic acid from PET into para-aminobenzoic acid and subsequently into paracetamol.
- This microbial process occurs at room temperature with nearly no carbon emissions and achieves conversion rates reaching 92 percent, though only limited product quantities have been produced so far.
- Stephen Wallace emphasized that this approach enables biology to perform new chemical reactions but highlighted the need for extensive safety and regulatory testing before commercial use.
- While this method could lower plastic pollution and fossil fuel dependence, experts caution that scaling beyond proof-of-concept remains challenging and stress reducing plastic waste at its source.
61 Articles
61 Articles
A biocompatible Lossen rearrangement in Escherichia coli
Nature has evolved an exquisite yet limited set of chemical reactions that underpin the function of all living organisms. By contrast, the field of synthetic organic chemistry can access reactivity not observed in nature, and integration of these abiotic reactions within living systems offers an elegant solution to the sustainable synthesis of many industrial chemicals from renewable feedstocks. Here we report a biocompatible Lossen rearrangemen…
The production of drugs could be revolutionized by the discovery: a bacterium can make a painkiller from plastic. However, the process would have to be refined.
E. coli can turn plastic into painkillers, chemists discover
Scientists have found a way to use the bacteria E.Coli to convert plastic waste into a popular painkiller, a study said Monday, though outside experts doubted the technique would make a dent in the fight against plastic pollution. Paracetamol, which is one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide, is made from the derivatives of fossil fuels, often by Asia-based subcontractors using cheap, polluting methods that contribute to climate change. Th…
Medical Xpress
E.coli can turn plastic into painkillers, chemists discover
Scientists have found a way to use the bacteria E. coli to convert plastic waste into a popular painkiller, a study said Monday, though outside experts doubted the technique would make a dent in the fight against plastic pollution.
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