09/05/2026
SIU Carbondale is making national headlines after Forbes featured university researchers who are developing technology capable of turning plastic bottles and agricultural waste into protein-rich cookies.
The project, called µBites, uses a process that breaks down PET plastic — commonly used in water and soda bottles — along with agricultural waste such as leftover corn stalks and leaves. Engineered yeasts then help transform the broken-down materials into proteins, fats and other components that can ultimately be 3D-printed into cookie form.
Led by SIU associate professor Lahiru Jayakody, the research grew out of work for NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, which sought new ways to produce food for astronauts on long-duration space missions. Researchers say the technology could eventually have applications beyond space, including addressing food shortages and reducing plastic waste.
The project has drawn widespread attention, with SIU reporting coverage from Forbes, The Guardian, CNET, Popular Science, NewsNation and numerous other outlets around the world.
For full story; please visit: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2026/08/24/cookies-made-from-plastic-bottles-could-ease-food-shortages-feed-nasa-crews-in-space/
