A Sri Lankan scientist and his research team in the United States have developed protein-rich, edible 3D-printed cookies using plastic waste and discarded plant material, as part of research supported by NASA.
The research, led by Sri Lankan microbiologist Dr. Lahiru Jayakody of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, uses microorganisms to convert waste-derived materials into nutritious biomass that can then be used to produce the cookies.
Named “µBites,” the cookies are produced using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, commonly used in water and soft drink bottles, together with discarded corn plant material and other forms of biomass.
The process begins with a technique known as Oxidative Hydrothermal Dissolution, in which plastic and plant waste are combined with water and oxygen under high temperature and pressure. This process breaks down the waste into smaller compounds that can be consumed by microorganisms.
Specially prepared strains of bacteria or yeast are then introduced to the resulting compounds. These microorganisms consume the waste-derived material and convert it into a nutrient-rich biomass containing proteins, fats and essential sugars.
The resulting paste is then mixed with fibre, starch and flavourings before being fed into a 3D food printer. The mixture is printed layer by layer into the shape of cookies before being baked into a solid edible product. The current production cost of the µBites is estimated at around US$60 per kilogram.
One of the key potential applications of the technology is in long-duration space missions, including future missions to Mars, where maintaining sufficient food supplies for astronauts presents a significant challenge.
The technology could potentially allow plastic packaging and other suitable waste generated aboard spacecraft to be processed and transformed into material that can be used to produce nutritious food.
Beyond space exploration, the technology could also have applications in environments where access to conventional food supplies is limited, including submarines and areas affected by natural disasters.
Dr. Jayakody has also pointed to its potential role in addressing future food-security challenges as global food demand continues to increase towards 2050.
The research could therefore offer a new approach to addressing two major global challenges simultaneously, plastic pollution and food insecurity.
Further testing involving humans is expected to proceed subject to institutional approval, while researchers have reported that tests conducted so far found the cookies to have a pleasant aroma. (Newswire)
The post Sri Lankan scientist leads NASA-backed research turning plastic waste into 3D-printed cookies appeared first on Newswire.