塑料瓶变止痛药着实“脑洞大开”

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the innovative process of recycling chlorinated plastics into high-value products, specifically transforming waste plastic bottles into acetaminophen (pain reliever) through a biological method, highlighting the potential for sustainable resource recovery and green pharmaceuticals [2][3][5][7]. Group 1: Plastic Waste and Environmental Impact - Global plastic production reaches 414 million tons annually, with 42% used for packaging, leading to significant environmental pollution as these products have a short lifespan of about 12 minutes but can persist in the environment for 450 years [2][3]. - Most plastic waste ends up in landfills or incineration, causing soil and air pollution, and even when recycled, it often becomes low-value products that eventually contribute to further waste [3][7]. Group 2: The "Losen Rearrangement" Process - The "Losen Rearrangement" is a chemical reaction discovered in 1872, which has now been adapted to convert waste plastics into valuable pharmaceuticals, achieving a conversion rate of 92% [4][5]. - The process involves breaking down PET plastic bottles into key components, which are then transformed into acetaminophen using genetically modified E. coli bacteria, demonstrating a novel approach to recycling [5][6]. Group 3: Industrial Application and Challenges - The research is not just theoretical; pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca are collaborating to scale this technology for industrial use, aiming to convert plastic waste into high-value drugs and fibers [7]. - Key challenges include increasing the efficiency of bacterial consumption of raw materials, enhancing bacterial resilience to high concentrations of inputs, and ensuring the economic viability of the process compared to traditional methods [7]. Group 4: Broader Applications of Plastic Recycling - Beyond pharmaceuticals, other technologies are emerging to convert mixed waste plastics into fuel with over 95% efficiency, significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact [8][9]. - Recycled plastics are also being utilized in construction materials, offering durability and longevity compared to traditional materials, thus addressing both waste management and resource sustainability [9].