![\"L-DOPA](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/shutterstock_2245939183-1-750x500.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBioengineered E.coli provide an eco alternative to creating L-DOPA from terephthalic acid, suggests study.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic set for landfill could be transformed into L-DOPA, a key medicine for Parkinson\u2019s disease, according to research from the University of Edinburgh.<\/p>\n
The innovative study showed that once the plastic is broken down into terephthalic acid, engineered E. coli\u00a0bacteria can convert the molecules into L-DOPA.<\/p>\n
The new technique offers a sustainable approach that helps address the challenge of recycling fossil fuel-based PET, of which current processes are not fully efficient, the team noted.<\/p>\n
This project highlights the potential of biology to reshape the way we think about waste. Turning plastic bottles into a Parkinson\u2019s drug isn\u2019t just a creative recycling idea, it\u2019s a way of redesigning processes that work with nature to deliver real-world benefits\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Liz Fletcher, Director of Impact and Deputy CEO at the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC), said: \u201cThis project highlights the potential of biology to reshape the way we think about waste. Turning plastic bottles into a Parkinson\u2019s drug isn\u2019t just a creative recycling idea, it\u2019s a way of redesigning processes that work with nature to deliver real-world benefits.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy demonstrating that a harmful material can be converted into something that improves human health, the team is proving that sustainable, high-value applications of biology are both practical and effective.\u201d<\/p>\n
The team plan to further optimise the process and enhance scalability of the technology so it can be advanced towards industrial application.<\/p>\n
The research was published in Nature Sustainability<\/a>.<\/p>\n An earlier promising development in the neurological therapy landscape includes the MHRA last November<\/a> giving the green light to Eisai and Biogen\u2019s antibody drug Leqembi IV maintenance as an additional treatment option for Alzheimer\u2019s.<\/p>\n More recently, researchers showed it is possible to utilise waste bread as a feedstock<\/a> for E. coli to generate naturally-produced hydrogen gas. The findings suggest the technique could offer a sustainable alternative for pharmaceutical bioproduction.<\/p>\n