Painkillers Can Be Made From Paper Waste Instead of Crude Oil, New Study Shows

A group of scientists from the University of Bath has found a way to create painkillers from a chemical found in pine trees, which is also a waste product from the paper industry.

According to the study conducted by scientists at the university's Department of Chemistry and Institute for Sustainability, painkillers could undergo a significant transformation in their production process.

The researchers have discovered a groundbreaking method of creating common painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen from a compound found in pine trees instead of crude oil products.

Painkillers Shifting Away From Crude Oil Products

The pharmaceutical industry often relies on chemical precursors derived from crude oil to manufacture various medications. However, this presents a sustainability challenge as the world moves towards achieving net zero emissions.

Recognizing this issue, the team sought an alternative approach using biorenewable resources. Through their research, the scientists claim to have successfully converted β-pinene, a turpentine component, which is a waste by-product from the paper industry, into widely produced painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen.

These painkillers are manufactured on a large scale, with annual production exceeding 100,000 tonnes. The researchers also successfully synthesized other valuable precursor chemicals from turpentine, including 4-HAP (4-hydroxyacetophenone), which is utilized as the precursor of drugs such as beta-blockers, and the asthma inhaler drug, salbutamol.

These significant advancements could replace crude oil-based products in the chemical industry, promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Biorefinery Model

Dr. Josh Tibbetts, a Research Associate in the Department of Chemistry at the University, emphasized the need to move away from oil-based pharmaceutical production due to its environmental impact and price volatility.

He noted that relying on oil extraction contributes to rising CO2 emissions and exposes the industry to unpredictable price fluctuations.

"Using oil to make pharmaceuticals is unsustainable - not only is it contributing to rising CO₂ emissions, but the price fluctuates dramatically as we are greatly dependent on the geopolitical stability of countries with large oil-reserves, and it is only going to get more expensive," said Tibbetts.

In contrast, the "biorefinery" model proposed by the researchers aims to utilize waste chemical by-products from the paper industry to produce a range of valuable and sustainable chemicals, which can be employed in various applications, including perfumes and paracetamol.

One notable aspect of the study is the use of continuous flow reactors instead of large reactors to create separate batches of products. This approach allows for uninterrupted production and simplifies the scaling-up process.

The team noted that although the current process may be more expensive than oil-based feedstocks, consumers may be willing to pay a slightly higher price for entirely plant-derived pharmaceuticals with a reduced environmental impact.

The shift towards sustainable and biodegradable alternatives aligns with the increasing global focus on environmentally friendly practices and conscious consumerism. The study's findings were published in the journal ChemSusChem.