A scientific team from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, has developed a pioneering method that converts plastic bottle waste into a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease, according to a recent study.

The research demonstrates, for the first time, that a biological process can be engineered to transform plastic waste into a therapeutic compound. Specifically, the scientists have succeeded in producing L-DOPA—a key drug in the treatment of this neurodegenerative disease—from post-consumer PET plastic.

The process is based on the use of genetically modified bacteria, in this case Escherichia coli, capable of converting plastic waste into molecules of pharmaceutical interest. In the first phase, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most widely used plastics in food packaging, is broken down into its basic chemical components, primarily terephthalic acid. Subsequently, these molecules are transformed into L-DOPA through a series of biological reactions induced by the microorganisms.

Approximately 50 million tons of PET are generated globally each year, a material derived from fossil resources whose management continues to pose significant challenges. Researchers argue that current recycling systems are not entirely efficient and continue to contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and the environment.

In this context, the new technique offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional pharmaceutical production methods, which rely heavily on fossil raw materials. Furthermore, it allows for the valorization of the carbon contained in plastic waste, transforming it into high-value-added products instead of losing it through incineration or disposal.

Beyond the pharmaceutical sector, the authors suggest that this technology could lay the foundation for the development of a bio-upcycling industry capable of producing a wide range of compounds, such as fragrances, flavorings, cosmetics, and industrial chemicals.

The team has already demonstrated the feasibility of the process at a preparative scale and now plans to move toward its industrial application, focusing future work on the optimization, scalability, and environmental and economic assessment of the system.

The research was conducted within the framework of the Carbon-Loop Sustainable Biomanufacturing Hub, an initiative focused on transforming industrial waste into sustainable products, funded by UK Research and Innovation. The results have been published in the journal Nature Sustainability.

This advance reinforces the potential of biotechnology to simultaneously address environmental and health challenges, while also presenting new opportunities for waste valorization within the framework of the circular economy.

NATURE