June 24, 2025, 1:13 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Painkillers from Trash? Scottish researchers have discovered a method to almost completely convert conventional plastic into acetaminophen. FITBOOK explains the details of this groundbreaking discovery and whether the popular medication could be produced from old soda bottles and similar materials in the future.
Paracetamol is one of the world’s best-selling pain relievers. It is well-tolerated, fast-acting, and suitable for children and, in urgent cases, for pregnant women. Less known is that paracetamol is made from crude oil, a fossil fuel with limited availability. Crude oil is also needed for plastic production, of which there is no shortage—especially in landfills. Same material, different product. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh wanted to find out if a method could be developed to use discarded plastic for paracetamol production instead of tapping new resources. They have now succeeded—with a very special “helper team.” The study was recently published in the journal “Nature Chemistry.”1
Overview
What and Why Was Investigated
The researchers aimed to integrate a specific chemical reaction, the so-called Lossen rearrangement, into the metabolic network of E. coli bacteria. The goal was to control the growth of certain bacterial strains and to produce a specific medical product—in this case, paracetamol—directly from a plastic bottle derivative. The overarching aim of the study was to enable chemical transformations in living systems and use them to upgrade plastic waste.
Lossen Rearrangement – Researchers Use Well-Known Chemistry Trick
The Lossen rearrangement is a chemical reaction known for 150 years, where a specific molecule is converted into an amine. Amines are versatile compounds used in the production of medications and other useful products. However, this process is quite complex and energy-intensive, requiring high temperatures and additional toxic chemicals.
Paracetamol from Plastic – Thanks to Bacteria
To bypass the complex process, the researchers took an unusual approach. They broke down plastic, specifically polyethylene terephthalate (PET), into the smallest terephthalic acid molecules and introduced them to a harmless, genetically modified E. coli bacterial strain. These microorganisms, naturally found in the human gut flora, were able to produce an organic acid—specifically an amine called PABA—from the broken-down plastic intermediate. By adding two more genes from fungi and soil bacteria, the bacteria were finally able to convert PABA into pure paracetamol with a yield of 92 percent.
Also interesting: Can Paracetamol Ward Off a Cold?
Little Effort, Big Benefit
The fermentation process can be likened to brewing beer, according to a university statement.2 Moreover, the Lossen rearrangement carried out by the bacteria takes less than 24 hours, is completely non-toxic, and can be conducted at room temperature. Since the bacteria do all the work, the process is nearly emission-free and thus cost-effective. The question remains: Will part of the 350 million tons of plastic waste produced annually soon be converted into pain-relieving paracetamol?
There Is Such a Thing as Too Much! Study Reveals Optimal Number of Sets in Strength Training
Researchers Discover Method to Produce Acetaminophen from Plastic
Brad Pitt on His Alcohol Problem: “I Was at Rock Bottom!”
Significance of the Results and Conclusion
This work is a milestone in integrating synthetic chemistry into living systems (bacteria). The Lossen rearrangement even allows the conversion of plastic waste into the active ingredient paracetamol. This opens new pathways for the sustainable production of complex molecules directly from biological or recycled raw materials. Particularly relevant is its applicability to PET, one of the most common plastic wastes worldwide. This work thus provides a solid foundation for future developments in the bio-upcycling industry.
However, further developments are needed before factories can produce paracetamol from plastic on a commercial scale, it concludes. But research like this shows that the combination of natural and synthetic chemistry still holds many exciting solutions. Science is just beginning to discover what bacteria, microorganisms, and the like can do for us.