AI Generated Image
Scientists Just Made A Cookie Out of Recycled Plastic 'Slurry'. Welcome to 2026
Yahoo • • science
Key Points:
- Researchers at Southern Illinois University have developed µBites, cookies made from biodegradable food-grade plastic processed into edible food using cultured yeast and 3D printing technology.
- The process involves breaking down plastic and agricultural waste into carbon building blocks, which yeast then converts into nutritious ingredients like proteins, vitamins, and flavorings.
- µBites are designed for use in extreme environments such as space, disaster zones, or remote locations, with potential applications on Mars or the lunar surface.
- While safety tests indicate the cookies are free from toxins and allergens, human taste trials have not yet been conducted, and the current production system requires optimization to improve efficiency.
- Beyond cookies, the technology could be adapted to create other food products and animal feed, offering a zero-waste solution for converting plastic waste into nutrition.
