the presence of a reducing agent such as ascorbic acid. Marine adhesion -DOPA is a key compound in the formation of marine adhesive proteins, such as those found in mussels. It is believed to be responsible for the water-resistance and rapid curing abilities of these proteins. -DOPA may also be used to prevent surfaces from fouling by bonding antifouling polymers to a susceptible substrate. The versatile chemistry of L-DOPA can be exploited in nanotechnology. For example, DOPA-containing self-assembling peptides were found to form functional nanostructures, adhesives and gels. Side effects and adverse reactions The side effects of -DOPA may include: Hypertension, especially if the dosage is too high Arrhythmias, although these are uncommon Nausea, which is often reduced by taking the drug with food, although protein reduces drug absorption. -DOPA is an amino acid, so protein competitively inhibits -DOPA absorption. Gastrointestinal bleeding Disturbed respiration, which is not always harmful, and can actually benefit patients with upper airway obstruction Hair loss Disorientation and confusion Extreme emotional states, particularly anxiety, but also excessive libido Vivid dreams or insomnia Auditory or visual hallucinations Effects on learning; some evidence indicates it improves working memory, while impairing other complex functions Somnolence and narcolepsy A condition similar to stimulant psychosis Although many adverse effects are associated with -DOPA, in particular psychiatric ones, it has fewer than other antiparkinsonian agents, such as anticholinergics and dopamine receptor agonists. More serious are the effects of chronic -DOPA administration in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, which include: End-of-dose deterioration of function "On/off" oscillations Freezing during movement Dose failure (drug resistance) Dyskinesia at peak dose (levodopa-induced dyskinesia) Possible dopamine dysregulation: The long-term use of -DOPA in Parkinson's disease has been linked to the so-called dopamine dysregulation syndrome. Clinicians try to avoid these side effects and adverse reactions by limiting -DOPA doses as much as possible until absolutely necessary. The long term use of L-Dopa increases oxidative stress through monoamine oxidase led enzymatic degradation of synthesized dopamine causing neuronal damage and cytotoxicity. The oxidative stress is caused by the formation of reactive oxygen species (H2O2) during the monoamine oxidase led metabolism of dopamine. It is further perpetuated by the richness of Fe2+ ions in striatum via the Fenton reaction and intracellular autooxidation. The increased oxidation can potentially cause mutations in DNA due to the formation of 8-oxoguanine, which is capable of pairing with adenosine during mitosis. History In work that earned him