Southern Illinois University researchers turn plastic waste into edible biscuits

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have developed a method to transform plastic waste and agricultural byproducts into edible, protein-rich biscuits. The project, known as “µBites,” was conducted as part of NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge to create sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions where traditional supplies are limited.

The process utilizes polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic commonly used in beverage bottles. Through a method called oxidative hydrothermal dissolution, the plastic is broken down using heat, water, and oxygen into smaller carbon-rich molecules. Specially engineered yeast strains then metabolize these molecules, converting them into biological ingredients such as proteins, fats, acids, and vitamins.

The resulting nutrient-dense mixture is combined with starch, fiber, and sweeteners before being processed through a 3D printer to create the final biscuits. Beyond space exploration, the technology aims to address global food insecurity and plastic pollution by creating a circular system for recycling waste into sustenance. While the conversion has been successful in laboratory settings, researchers are currently awaiting institutional approval to conduct human taste tests.