Bacteria: From Waste to Medicine

Scientists have recently engineered E. coli bacteria to perform an extraordinary task: converting plastic waste into paracetamol, a common painkiller. This breakthrough highlights the versatility of E. coli in biotechnology.

E. coli, a bacterium found in human and animal intestines, has been a cornerstone of scientific research for decades. It's widely used in laboratories to test new ideas because it grows quickly and is easy to work with. Professor Stephen Wallace from the University of Edinburgh has also used E. coli to turn plastic waste into vanilla flavor and sewer waste into perfume.

Beyond the lab, E. coli plays a crucial role in industry. Genetically modified versions are used in large tanks to produce various products, including insulin for diabetes treatment and chemicals for fuels and solvents. Its adaptability and efficiency make it an invaluable tool in both research and production.