The next acetaminophen tablet you take from a pet can be manufactured

Researchers in The University of Edinburgh has succeeded in converting some plastic waste into acetaminophen using the natural properties of common bacteria Escherichia coli ((Cola). This penetration represents a milestone with the possibility of paying more sustainable ways medicine Production, at the same time, contributes to reducing plastic pollution worldwide.

The study, led by Stephen Wallace, revealed that Cola Cells contain phosphate, which is an organic compound capable of stimulating the chemical reaction known as the rearrangement of loss. In general, this process includes rearranging the atoms of the hydroots molecules to form a new structure called ISOCYANATE, chemical medium, when interacting with water, produces the first amids. These substances are necessary in many biological processes and in drug creation.

Using artificial biology, scientists deal with bacteria to redirect their internal chemistry and convert a paet derived molecule known as the Terifike acid into the active ingredient in acetaminophen. They used the fermentation process, similar to those used to ferment the beer, to accelerate the conversion of industrial pets to the drug, and to obtain results less than 24 hours. According to the results, approximately 90 percent of the final product corresponds to acetaminophen.

More importantly, this conversion was made at room temperature and with no carbon emissions, indicating that the drug can be produced in a more suitable way to the environment.

Wallace pointed out that what was most surprising in this process was that rearranging the loss of loss occurred naturally within the living bacteria, without the need for laboratory stimuli. This means that they have benefited from the capabilities of the special microbial cells to run the desired reaction.

“The funny thing is that we did not have to teach bacteria how to do the response of the reaction: the trick was the realization that they had already to the tools, and we only had to direct them,” the researcher explained in the reported data. Written by El Pais. “We used artificial biology to build new metabolic paths within the bacteria whose chemistry is directed towards the production of the compound that we wanted. In this case, a drug.”

Sustainable drug production

Work, published in the magazine natureIt can be the first documented case of the production of acetaminophen from plastic waste using Cola. However, the authors emphasize that more studies will be necessary to achieve production on an industrial scale. In addition, they warn that the safety and effectiveness of the resulting drug in humans has not yet been evaluated, so future research will be needed.

Despite these restrictions, scientists emphasize that their results open new possibilities to address the problem of plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with drug manufacture.

Currently, drug production such as acetaminophen consumes thousands of tons of fossil fuels, especially oil, which greatly contributes to climate change. In turn, PET generates more than 350 million tons of waste annually, causing severe damage to the environment. Although this substance is recyclable, the current methods often lead to products that perpetuate global plastic pollution.

“This work shows that pet plastic is not just a waste product or material provided to become more than plastic: microorganisms can turn them into valuable new products, including those with treatment capabilities.”

This story was originally appeared on Wireless En español It was translated from Spanish.