A team of scientists from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland has unveiled a novel approach to biologically refine plastic bottles and similar waste into valuable feedstock for the food and chemical industries. The findings appear in a science publication affiliated with the ACS Center for Science, highlighting a practical step toward turning everyday plastic refuse back into usable materials.
The researchers engineered a strain of Escherichia coli to take up polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, and convert it into adipic acid. Adipic acid plays a key role in multiple industrial pathways, including nylon production, certain medicines, and flavors. It is also used as the food additive E355, known for imparting a sour note in various products.
The proposed recycling route combines biology with chemical processing. In the first stage, the modified microbes secrete enzymes that cleave terephthalic acid, the main building block of PET, transforming it into muconic and adipic acids. In a subsequent step, a different microbial system metabolizes the muconic acid into the targeted raw material—adipic acid—ready for industrial use.
Early experiments demonstrated that the microbial system could convert up to 79% of terephthalic acid into adipic acid under the tested conditions. This level of efficiency suggests a viable path to reclaiming plastic components that would otherwise accumulate in landfills.
Proponents of this approach argue that it could reduce reliance on fossil fuels, since adipic acid is typically derived from hydrocarbon feedstocks that require substantial energy input. By diverting PET waste into a biotechnological supply chain, the method aligns with broader goals of circular economy strategies in North America and beyond.
In context, this work builds on prior advances in enzymatic plastic breakdown, where researchers have identified and engineered enzymes capable of cleaving polymer bonds. The ongoing refinement of enzyme systems and microbial catalysts continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in recycling, potentially enabling more sustainable pathways for reusing plastic materials in the near future. [Attribution: ACS Center for Science and related institutional reports]