October 05, Colombo (LNW): A Sri Lankan scientist based in the United States and his research team have developed an unusual food technology that could turn plastic waste and discarded plant material into protein-rich, edible cookies.
The project, supported by NASA, is being led by microbiologist Dr Lahiru Jayakody of Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Researchers have developed the concept, known as “µBites”, as a possible way of converting materials normally regarded as waste into a source of nutrition.
The process combines polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the plastic widely used in bottles, with agricultural waste such as leftover corn plant material. Rather than using the waste directly as food, scientists first break it down into simpler chemical compounds.
This is achieved through a high-temperature and high-pressure treatment involving water and oxygen. The resulting compounds can then be processed by specially selected microorganisms, including bacteria or yeast.
These microorganisms consume the broken-down waste and transform it into biomass containing valuable nutrients, including proteins, fats and sugars. The biomass is subsequently combined with ingredients such as fibre, starch and flavouring to create a printable food mixture.
Using a 3D food printer, the material is deposited in precise layers to form individual cookies before being baked. Researchers currently estimate that producing one kilogram of µBites costs about US$60, although further development could potentially improve the economics of the process.
The research has particular relevance to space exploration. Supplying astronauts with adequate food during extended missions is a major logistical challenge, especially for future journeys to Mars, where resupply from Earth would be impractical.
Researchers believe the technology could eventually allow certain waste materials generated during a space mission, including discarded plastic packaging, to be processed and incorporated into new food products. Such a system could help reduce the amount of waste requiring storage while also contributing to the onboard food supply.
The idea could extend beyond spacecraft. The researchers say similar technology might eventually prove useful in submarines, remote facilities and disaster-hit areas where transporting or storing conventional food supplies can be difficult.
Dr Jayakody has also highlighted the wider implications of the research amid growing concerns over food security and the anticipated rise in global food demand over the coming decades. If the technology can be made safe, affordable and scalable, it could provide an unconventional means of addressing both waste management and nutrition.
Human testing is expected to be considered once the necessary institutional approvals are obtained. Preliminary assessments have so far produced an encouraging sensory result, with researchers reporting that the experimental cookies have a pleasant aroma.
While µBites remain at the research stage, the project illustrates how advances in biotechnology and food printing could potentially transform waste streams into useful resources — even in places as challenging as deep space.
