Madison Reporter

Scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison have developed a more efficient and environmentally friendly method for producing painkillers and other valuable products from plants, rather than petroleum. The breakthrough, led by staff scientist Steven Karlen and published in the journal ChemSusChem, offers a promising avenue for creating essential medicines and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Karlen explains, "We did the R&D to scale it and make it realizable." The research builds on a patented technique for manufacturing paracetamol, the active ingredient in Tylenol, using biomass from poplar trees. The team successfully converted poplar biomass into crystallized paracetamol and other high-value products, demonstrating the versatility of the process.

The innovation not only streamlines the production of paracetamol but also opens the door to manufacturing various drugs, pigments, textiles, and biodegradable plastics with a combined market value exceeding $1.5 billion. Karlen envisions this portfolio supporting numerous small biorefineries that can contribute to larger hubs without oversaturating the market.

The improved process, now available for commercial licensing through the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, offers a greener alternative to traditional methods of pharmaceutical production. By utilizing compounds naturally found in poplar trees, the researchers have unlocked a sustainable source for valuable chemicals.

Research scientist Vitaliy Tymokhin played a key role in enhancing the process, ensuring that nearly all the necessary compounds are efficiently converted into valuable products. Karlen notes, "It's got a huge market and big value," emphasizing the economic potential of the new method.

The team's approach, which relies on water-based solutions and continuous reactions, is well-suited for industrial applications. By optimizing the process, the researchers were able to achieve a 90% conversion rate of raw materials to paracetamol, with the potential to reach 99% efficiency. This efficient and sustainable method aligns with efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more environmentally friendly approach to pharmaceutical production.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy's Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, this groundbreaking research paves the way for a more sustainable future in pharmaceutical manufacturing and biofuel production. The work represents a significant step towards developing innovative solutions that address both medical and environmental challenges.