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Plastic waste upcycling for edible food production

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2026-08-26 10:46 UTC → 2026-09-19 01:45 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, supported by a NASA-led Deep Space Food Challenge, have developed a method to transform PET plastic waste and agricultural leftovers into edible, protein-rich cookies known as ‘µBites’ or ‘AµBites’. The process utilizes oxidative hydrothermal dissolution—employing heat, water, and oxygen—to break down plastic and biomass into carbon-rich chemical compounds. Specialized yeast strains, modified using CRISPR technology, then consume these compounds to produce essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and flavoring molecules like vanilla. Researchers have also demonstrated the ability to convert ethylene glycol from the plastic into beta-carotene. The resulting mixture is combined with starch and fiber before being shaped via 3D printing. While the technology is currently in the experimental stage with production costs estimated at approximately $60 per kilogram, it is intended to address food security in resource-limited environments. Potential applications include long-duration space missions, such as Mars or Moon expeditions, as well as use in submarines, disaster zones, and global food relief efforts. While safety data has been collected, the research team is currently seeking institutional approval for human taste testing. Future development goals include using microbes to produce all primary ingredients, such as starches and sweeteners, to establish a fully circular production cycle.

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