How E.coli could be used to make paracetamol
Scientists have discovered that a strain of common faecal bacteria, E.coli, can convert plastic waste into the drug paracetamol.
This finding could lead to innovative new recycling methods for plastic, addressing concerns about microplastics and their health impacts.
The process involves E.coli 's metabolic chemicals, specifically a chemical reaction called Lossen rearrangement, which can remediate polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic.
Researchers successfully produced paracetamol from plastic-derived molecules using E.coli with a 92 per cent yield, marking the first time this has been achieved from a waste product.
This technique offers a potential general strategy for upcycling plastic waste and could pave the way for manufacturing other useful nitrogen-containing organic chemicals.
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Beta-Alumina Solid Electrolyte (BASE): This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. This specialized material allows sodium ions to pass through while generating electricity, acting as the core mechanism of the fuel cell. Porous Nickel-Based Foam Cathode: Assists the electrochemical reactions required to produce power efficiently. During operation, sodium ions migrate through the solid electrolyte, generating electricity as the sodium fuel is consumed. This design eliminates the need for heavy, pressurized hydrogen tanks, offering a lighter and more practical alternative to traditional fuel cells. The simplicity of the system also reduces manufacturing complexity, potentially lowering production costs and improving scalability. MIT Sodium Fuel Cell Explained Watch this video on YouTube. Dive deeper into energy with other articles and guides we have written below. Environmental Impacts and Sustainability One of the most compelling aspects of this technology is its potential environmental benefits. The sodium-based fuel cell produces water and sodium hydroxide as byproducts. Sodium hydroxide reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda. This reaction offers two notable environmental advantages: Carbon Capture: The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. The process could contribute to reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, aiding efforts to combat climate change. Ocean Deacidification: By neutralizing excess carbon dioxide, the technology could help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification, a growing environmental concern. However, the localized distribution of these byproducts raises questions about their long-term environmental impact. Further research is essential to evaluate and mitigate any unintended ecological consequences, making sure that the technology aligns with broader sustainability goals. Advantages Over Existing Energy Systems The sodium-based fuel cell offers several distinct advantages compared to current energy storage and generation technologies: No Pressurized Storage: Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Unlike hydrogen fuel cells, the sodium-based system does not require high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, significantly reducing weight and cost. Dynamic Weight Reduction: As the sodium fuel is consumed during operation, the system becomes progressively lighter. This feature mirrors the fuel consumption dynamics of conventional jet engines, enhancing efficiency and performance in aviation applications. These advantages position the sodium-based fuel cell as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, particularly for long-range electric flights. Its lightweight design and high energy density could enable electric aircraft to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance. Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite its potential, the sodium-based fuel cell faces several technical and practical challenges that must be addressed to enable widespread adoption: Low Power Density: The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. The current prototype achieves a power density of only 40 W/kg, far below the levels required for commercial aviation. Enhancing power density is critical to making the technology competitive with existing systems. Thermal Management: Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Maintaining the molten sodium at operational temperatures requires advanced thermal management systems, adding complexity and potential inefficiencies to the design. Environmental Concerns: While the carbon capture potential is promising, the localized impact of byproducts such as sodium bicarbonate needs thorough evaluation to ensure ecological safety. Overcoming these challenges will require significant advancements in materials science, engineering, and environmental research. Collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and government will be essential to accelerate the development and deployment of this promising technology. Applications and Commercialization Efforts The sodium-based fuel cell holds significant promise for the aviation industry, particularly for long-haul electric flights. Air travel accounts for approximately 10% of global transportation emissions, making it a critical target for decarbonization. By offering a lightweight, high-energy alternative to existing technologies, this innovation could play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and operational costs in the aviation sector. To bring this technology to market, a startup named Propel Aero has been established. Led by experienced clean-tech innovators, Propel Aero aims to refine the sodium-based fuel cell and scale it for commercial use. While the path to commercialization is fraught with challenges, the involvement of dedicated industry players underscores the technology's potential to transform electric aviation. As research and development efforts continue, the sodium-based fuel cell could emerge as a cornerstone of the next generation of sustainable aviation technologies. Its unique combination of high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits positions it as a compelling solution for the future of air travel. Media Credit: Ziroth Filed Under: Technology News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
