The new technology, as noted by the authors of the study, opens a sustainable pathway for reusing carbon.
A study published by Nature.com has shown that an innovative method allows for the production of a drug for Parkinson's disease from waste plastic bottles. It is based on the use of bacteria capable of converting recycled plastic into L-DOPA – a key medication for treating this neurological disorder.
Scientists note that for the first time, a natural biological process has been applied to transform plastic waste into a therapeutic agent. To achieve this, specialists modified E. coli bacteria so that they could convert widely used plastic – polyethylene terephthalate (PET), used in food and beverage packaging – into L-DOPA.
First, PET waste, with an annual production volume of approximately 50 million tons, is broken down into basic chemical components – terephthalic acid molecules. Then, these compounds undergo a series of biochemical reactions with the help of genetically modified bacteria and are transformed into L-DOPA. According to the researchers, this production method is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional pharmaceutical methods that rely on limited fossil fuel resources.
The team of scientists emphasizes the urgent need to develop new recycling technologies for PET – a durable and lightweight plastic made from oil and gas. Existing disposal methods remain insufficiently effective and continue to contribute to environmental pollution.
The new technology, as noted by the authors of the study, opens a sustainable pathway for reusing carbon contained in plastic waste, which would otherwise end up in landfills, be incinerated, or enter the environment. Furthermore, this development could serve as the foundation for the growth of an entire biorecycling industry, allowing for the creation of not only medications but also a wide range of other products – from flavorings and perfumes to cosmetics and industrial chemicals.
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