One of the major contributions of our project to society is raising awareness about Parkinson's disease while presenting innovative solutions to meet the rising demand for L-DOPA, a crucial drug for treatment. By leveraging synthetic biology to enhance L-DOPA production through plant-based methods, we not only offer a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical synthesis but also aim to reduce its environmental footprint.
Furthermore, our outreach initiatives, aimed at educating the public on the importance of biotechnology and health issues, help bridge the knowledge gap between scientific advancements and everyday life. By consulting experts in education and incorporating their advice, as well as providing engaging and unforgettable educational programs, the project strives to make synthetic biology more accessible and inclusive.
Our educational initiatives reach diverse communities, addressing key topics like Parkinson’s disease and synthetic biology. Tailored educational activities cater to specific audiences, ensuring that different segments of society gain valuable insights into synthetic biology and its applications.
To reduce variables and accelerate the experimental timeline, we have selected tobacco as our expression platform. Tobacco does not contain the enzymes required to convert tyrosine to levodopa, preventing product loss through natural growth. Furthermore, using tobacco for production and experimentation is only a few weeks, making it suitable for multiple engineering cycles and gradual improvements in experimental design. Finally, yield is analyzed through HPLC.