Southern Illinois University researchers create cookies from plastic waste

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have developed a method to transform PET plastic waste and agricultural leftovers into protein-rich, edible cookies known as ‘µBites’. The project, part of a NASA-led Deep Space Food Challenge, utilizes genetically engineered yeast to convert carbon-rich waste into essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, vitamins, and flavoring molecules like vanilla.

The process involves oxidative hydrothermal dissolution, which uses heat, water, and oxygen to break down plastic and biomass into smaller chemical compounds. These compounds are then consumed by programmed yeast strains. The resulting mixture is combined with fiber and starch, then extruded through a 3D printer to create the final product.

While the technology aims to address plastic pollution and food security in resource-limited environments—such as deep-space missions, submarines, or disaster zones—the cookies are still in the experimental stage. Researchers are awaiting institutional approval for formal human taste tests, though preliminary assessments indicate a pleasant aroma. Current production costs are estimated at approximately $60 per kilogram.