Scientists have engineered a strain of yeast that can break down PET plastic and agricultural waste, turning them into edible ingredients. The process yields proteins, fats, vitamins, and even vanilla flavoring, which are then used to 3D-print small cookies named µBites. The work was supported in part by NASA's Deep Space Food Challenge, which seeks innovative ways to produce food for astronauts on long missions.
The system offers a dual benefit: it helps reduce plastic pollution while creating a nutritious food source. The yeast ferments the waste materials into a biomass that can be formulated into a dough-like paste, then printed into cookies with a controlled nutrient profile. The researchers note that the approach could also be adapted for use on Earth, providing a way to upcycle plastic waste into food in resource-limited settings.
While the cookies are not yet ready for human consumption outside of testing, the proof-of-concept demonstrates a viable route to circular food production. The team emphasizes that the technology is still in early stages, but the ability to generate both macronutrients and flavor compounds from waste streams marks a significant step toward self-sustaining food systems in space and on Earth.