Scientists convert plastic bottles into vanilla flavouring for first time

June 16, 2021: Scientists have found a way to turn plastic bottles into vanilla flavors using genetically engineered bacteria.

Researchers say this is the first time that profitable chemicals have been “improved” by post-consumer plastic waste and could be a valuable way to tackle the global plastic waste crisis. Since plastics currently lose about 95% of their value after a single use, being able to produce more valuable materials than waste can help tackle plastic pollution and move towards a more circular economy.

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh used engineered microorganisms, Escherichia coli, to convert biograde polyethylene terephthalate polymer (PET) plastics into vanillin, which are widely used in many industries. It is found in food and cosmetics as well as in the formulation of herbicides, antifouling agents and cleaning products.

Vanilla usually comes from the extract of vanilla beans and the characteristic of vanilla is responsible for the taste and smell. It is an expensive substance and its demand is growing rapidly, with an estimated market value of $724 by 2025. Vanillin can also be made synthetically, with 85% of the world’s vanillin produced from petrochemicals in a two-step process.

Mutant enzymes were already developed to break down plastic bottles into basic units, which scientists used to convert into vanilla. The study, published in the journal Green Chemistry, found that the process of converting plastics into vanes produced a mild reaction and did not produce any harmful wastes. “This is the first instance of a biological system being used to cycle plastic waste into a valuable industrial chemical and has very interesting implications for the circular economy,” said researcher Joanna Sadler.

Stephen Wallace, who also worked on the initiative, added: “Our work challenges the notion of having a plastic waste disposal and instead demonstrates its use as a new carbon resource. Is where the high-value products come from. “

The global plastic crisis has had serious economic and environmental impacts, with 50 million tons of PET plastic waste generated each year.

Stay tuned to BaaghiTV for latest news and Updates!