# Southern Illinois University plastic-to-food research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260901-southern-illinois-university-plastic-to-food-research > Updated: 2026-09-14T22:18:18.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3. Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have developed a method to convert plastic waste and agricultural scraps into edible food through 3D printing. The process, part of NASA’s ‘Deep Space Food Challenge’, uses oxidative hydrothermal dissolution to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and biomass, such as corn stalks, into small carbon molecules. Genetically engineered yeast strains then consume these molecules to synthesize essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, and vitamins. Specific yeast strains have been modified to produce flavorings like vanillin and precursors like beta-carotene. These components are combined with fiber, starch, and sweeteners to create a dough for 3D printing. The resulting products, referred to as ‘µBites’ or ‘microbites’, have been described as edible, protein-rich cookies or biscuits. These are intended to support food security in resource-limited environments, such as long-duration space missions, submarines, or disaster zones. While team members found the biscuits palatable during development, the product remains in an experimental stage and has not been authorized for commercial consumption. Although initial data suggests the product is safe and free of heavy metals or toxic chemicals, researchers are currently awaiting health authority approval to conduct broader human taste trials. ## Claims - Researchers are attempting to develop upcycling technologies to turn plastic into more valuable products. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A research team from Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale developed edible cookies from plastic bottles. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The research was conducted as part of the NASA Deep Space Food Challenge to develop food for space exploration. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The process uses Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a carbon source. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Researchers reprogrammed various yeast strains to convert PET and agricultural waste into proteins, vitamins, and flavorings. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Researchers at Southern Illinois University developed a method to turn plastic waste into edible cookies. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The research was conducted as part of the NASA Deep Space Food Challenge. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The process uses engineered yeast to convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and agricultural waste into proteins, vitamins, and flavorings. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-14: Southern Illinois University scientists develop protein biscuit from recycled plastic Researchers at Southern Illinois University have created an experimental protein biscuit by using genetically engineered yeast to convert PET plastic and agricultural waste into food ingredients. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-illinois-university-scientists-develop-protein-biscuit-from-recycled-plastic ### 2026-09-02: Southern Illinois University researchers turn plastic waste into edible cookies Southern Illinois University researchers have developed a way to upcycle PET plastic and agricultural waste into protein-rich, edible cookies for potential use in space exploration. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-illinois-university-researchers-turn-plastic-waste-into-edible-cookies ### 2026-08-28: Southern Illinois University researchers turn plastic waste into 3D-printed food Southern Illinois University researchers have created ‘µBites’, 3D-printed snacks made from recycled plastic and agricultural waste using genetically engineered yeast to produce proteins and vitamins. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/southern-illinois-university-researchers-develop-edible-snacks-from-recycled-plastic --- Cite as: Southern Illinois University plastic-to-food research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260901-southern-illinois-university-plastic-to-food-research