Would you believe us if we told you that some amazing scientists are now turning plastic bottles and corn waste into vanilla-flavoured edible cookies? Sounds fake, right? But it’s true! Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale have come up with this idea to fight plastic pollution and global food shortages. Here’s everything you need to know about these fascinating cookies!
Scientists Are Turning Plastic Bottles Into Vanilla Cookies!
Researchers at SIU Carbondale, United States, have actually programmed yeasts to convert material from plastic waste and agricultural waste into proteins, fats, acids, vitamins and flavouring molecules to make cookies out of waste plastic bottles. According to The Times of India, these protein-rich cookies have been named ‘uBites’ and are pronounced as “microbites”.
These cookies are made using polyethene terephthalate (PET) plastic, which is commonly used in soda and water bottles, along with discarded corn stalks and leaves. The researchers are apparently working on this idea to not just fight plastic pollution but also food shortages, which have become a common problem globally.
How Are Plastic Bottles Turned Into Cookies?
Now, let’s talk about how the scientists are actually making this happen. According to The Times of India, PET contains carbon-rich molecules. The researchers are breaking them down into smaller pieces along with corn material. These pieces are then given to specially programmed yeasts, including baker’s yeast, to rebuild the material from the waste into food-related compounds.
The yeast can produce proteins, fats and other acids. These ingredients are then combined with other materials to make the cookies. The researchers are also adding fibre, starch and sweetener to the mixture before putting it through a 3D printer. The printer then forms the mixture into cookies. How cool is that?
Scientists Are Adding Vanilla Flavour To The Cookies
Not just that, but the team is also working to make the cookies more appealing. Reportedly, the baker’s yeast has been programmed to produce vanilla flavouring from plant biomass to give that extra flavour to the cookies. According to the researchers, the cookies have also passed safety testing and are considered safe to eat. However, the team is awaiting certain approvals before carrying out formal tests.
For now, the researchers have only smelled the cookies. As per a report by The Times of India, the goal is to make these cookies into a food that people choose to eat, rather than food which can only be eaten in emergencies.
They are thinking of introducing these cookies in space, where astronauts have limited access to fresh supplies from Earth. The project is still in its initial stages, and if everything goes as planned, the cookies might be ready for public consumption soon!
Also Read: UK’s Iconic Ben’s Cookies Makes India Debut; THIS City Gets First Bite Of Chunky, Gooey Cookies
Are you also wondering how these plastic bottle cookies would taste, just like us?
Cover Image Courtesy: @Web3Reunion/X
FAQs
What is a cookie?
A cookie is a small, sweet baked food. It is usually made with flour, sugar and other flavouring ingredients.