Scientists developed a method to turn plastic bottles and agricultural waste into edible, protein-rich 3D-printed cookies called µBites.
The multi-step process uses heat to break down plastic and plant matter, then engineered yeast converts the carbon into proteins and fats.
Lab tests confirm the cookies are free of toxins, but human taste tests are still pending approval.
The research aims to address global hunger and plastic pollution, with potential use for astronauts, submariners, and disaster victims.
Skepticism remains over whether people will accept food derived from plastic slurry as a substitute for natural, whole-food solutions.
Scientists at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have developed a way to convert discarded plastic bottles and agricultural waste into edible, protein-rich cookies in a breakthrough they believe could one day feed astronauts, submariners, or disaster victims. The findings were presented Monday by Sandhya Jayasekara, a graduate research assistant on the team led by associate professor of microbiology Lahiru Jayakody, at the American Chemical Society’s fall meeting in Chicago.
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