Engineered Bacteria Turn Plastic Waste into Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a pioneering method to convert waste plastic into a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, shows how bacteria can transform post-consumer plastic bottles into L-DOPA, a frontline medication for managing the neurological condition.

The researchers engineered Escherichia coli to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in food and drink packaging, into terephthalic acid, which is then transformed into L-DOPA. According to Professor Stephen Wallace of the School of Biological Sciences, the approach demonstrates how waste materials can be repurposed into valuable products. “If we can create medicines for neurological disease from a waste plastic bottle, it's exciting to imagine what else this technology could achieve,” he said.

The findings suggest a more sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production. Researchers report that the method could help reduce plastic waste, with potential applications beyond medicine, including the production of chemicals and cosmetics. While further work is needed to scale up the process for industrial use, the study highlights the potential of genetic engineering to support sustainable manufacturing and address both environmental and health challenges.

For more information, read the article from the University of Edinburgh.