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Genetically Modified E. Coli Turns Plastic Waste into Paracetamol

6/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a groundbreaking breakthrough, researchers have harnessed genetically modified E. coli to transform PET plastic waste into paracetamol, slashing carbon emissions. This fermentation process, akin to brewing beer, yields 90% pure paracetamol in less than a day. Remarkably, it also unveiled a new chemical reaction, the Lossen rearrangement, happening within living cells.

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Story summary

In a groundbreaking breakthrough, researchers have harnessed genetically modified E. coli to transform PET plastic waste into paracetamol, slashing carbon emissions. This fermentation process, akin to brewing beer, yields 90% pure paracetamol in less than a day. Remarkably, it also unveiled a new chemical reaction, the Lossen rearrangement, happening within living cells.