Scientists turn plastic waste into protein cookies; food can tackle hunger and feed space crews

The technology could also potentially be used in places such as submarines and future human settlements on the Moon or Mars (American chemical society photo) Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU Carbondale) are working on a technology that turns plastic waste from a water bottle into part of a cookie. For this, they programmed yeasts to convert material from plastic waste and agricultural waste into proteins, fats, acids, vitamins and flavouring molecules.The protein-rich cookies have been named 'µBites', pronounced 'microbites'. According to the American Chemical Society, the main materials used to make them include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, the type commonly used for soda and water bottles, along with discarded corn stalks and leaves.Researchers of the project say the approach could also help address plastic waste, apart from food shortages. Lahiru Jayakody, an associate professor at SIU Carbondale, said the team was initially looking at ways to turn plastic waste into more valuable products. “We thought, why not focus on making food? Because plastic is carbon and food is carbon,” he explained.The research was presented at the fall meeting o...