Scientists 3D-print edible cookies from upcycled plastic bottles

Researchers at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale have developed a process to turn plastic bottles into edible, 3D-printed cookies, a project funded by NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge. The team, led by microbiologist Lahiru Jayakody, presented their work at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting in Chicago Source: The Guardian. The cookies, dubbed "µBites," are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic used in water bottles, which is broken down and fed to genetically engineered yeasts that convert it into proteins, vitamins, and flavorings Source: gizmodo. The resulting slurry is mixed with starch and 3D-printed into cookie shapes Source: The Guardian. The researchers have not yet tasted the cookies, awaiting institutional approval for human testing, but report they "receive high marks on aroma" Source: The Guardian. Currently, production costs about $60 per kilogram, though scaling up is expected to reduce costs Source: gizmodo. The team envisions applications in disaster zones, submarines, and long-duration space missions, as well as a broader solution to plastic waste and food scarcity Source: The Guardian. Jayakody noted that "global food demand is expected to rise 35% to 56% by the year 2050, and about 30% of the world population will be at risk of hunger" Source: The Guardian. While the concept may face public skepticism, the researchers remain optimistic about the role of microbes in addressing future food challenges Source: gizmodo.