Turning Plastic Into Painkillers
- inquiries800
- Jul 28
- 1 min read
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a way to turn plastic waste—like food containers and water bottles—into painkillers. By using specially engineered bacteria, genes from mushrooms, and soil microbes, they broke down PET plastic and transformed it into acetaminophen, the active ingredient in common painkillers like Tylenol. The process is fast, efficient, and works at room temperature, which limits its environmental footprint. Currently, acetaminophen relies on petroleum to be produced, but this eco-friendly alternative creates close to zero harmful emissions in its process. While it’s still in the early stages, this breakthrough offers a powerful double win: cutting down on plastic pollution and finding a cleaner, greener way to produce everyday medicine.
Image via Good News Network
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