Scientists turn plastic bottles and corn waste into protein-rich cookies

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have created protein-rich cookies called µBites using PET plastic from bottles and discarded corn stalks. Programmed yeasts convert processed waste into proteins, fats, acids and flavouring molecules. The NASA-linked project aims to develop sustainable food for resource-limited environments, including future deep-space missions. The innovation addresses both plastic pollution and food scarcity challenges.