Full Breakdown
Plastic-Derived Cookies: Microbial Upcycling for Space and Earth
8/24/2026, 8:01:09 PM
µBites: Turning Plastic Waste into Edible Cookies
Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have engineered a portable system that converts polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic and agricultural residues into protein-rich “µBites” cookies. Oxidative hydrothermal dissolution breaks the feedstocks into carbon-rich molecules, which engineered yeast ferment into proteins, fats, vitamins and flavor compounds such as vanillin and ?-carotene. The slurry is mixed with fiber, starch and sweetener, extruded via a 3D printer and microwaved into disc-shaped cookies. The work was presented at the American Chemical Society’s Fall 2026 meeting in Chicago (August 23-27).
Background & Context
The project is part of NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, which funds technologies that could sustain crews on long-duration missions where resupply is impossible. Upcycling plastic into food tackles planetary waste while providing a potential food source for future missions.
Data & Statistics
- The system converts more than 50 % of carbon from waste feedstocks into edible product; researchers aim for “nearly 100 %” with future iterations.
- Analyses show µBites are free of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, allergens and pathogens.
- Production cost is about $60 kg?¹, with expectations of reduction as yeast efficiency improves.
- Global food demand is projected to rise 35 %–56 % by 2050, and roughly 30 % of the world’s population could face hunger (Jayakody).
Official Statements & Responses
Lahiru Jayakody, associate professor of microbiology at SIU Carbondale, described the system as “tunable and portable,” noting its suitability for submarines, disaster-relief vehicles and extraterrestrial habitats. He said the equipment can operate in extreme environments and is designed for zero-waste operation, with only about 10 % of carbon potentially released as waste gas. The team is conducting simulated digestive studies and third-party analyses to secure approval for human taste trials.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Converting (biodegradable) food-grade plastic into food is feasible,”
- “We have comprehensively analyzed the food products we created in the lab, as well as through accredited third-party laboratories, to ensure µBites cookies are free from toxic chemicals, heavy metals, allergens, and food pathogens,”
- “With future iterations and R&D efforts, we could recirculate the unconverted carbon to achieve nearly 100 percent conversion,”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Taste testing: Safety analyses are complete, but institutional sign-off for human taste tests is pending. Sensory panels have reported pleasant aroma and willingness to eat the cookies, yet no formal flavor evaluation has been published.
- Microgravity performance: The 33-step workflow is portable, but operation in microgravity remains an unresolved technical hurdle.
- Cost and scalability: Current production cost ($60 kg?¹) may limit near-term adoption; the team plans to improve yeast conversion efficiency to lower expenses.
What’s Next
Future work will focus on recirculating unconverted carbon, integrating starch, fiber and sweetener production directly via microbes, and adapting the hardware for microgravity. Jayakody projects µBites could be ready for public consumption within a few years, offering a closed-loop food source for disaster zones, submarines and potential lunar or Martian colonies.
