Science
Researchers use gene-edited yeast to turn plastic waste into 3D-printed cookies
While Southern Illinois University scientists await approval to taste their "Bites," experts express skepticism about the method's commercial viability.
The short version
- Scientists at Southern Illinois University Carbondale used CRISPR gene-editing to reprogram yeast strains to consume PET plastic and agricultural byproducts.
- The processed plastic is turned into a slurry of proteins, fats, and acids, which is combined with other ingredients to 3D print cookies named "Bites."
- The research team has not yet tasted the cookies as they await university approval to eat them.
- Outside experts argue the method is not a viable commercial solution to the global plastic waste crisis due to high production costs and scale.
Key facts
- A research team led by microbiologist Lahiru Jayakody at Southern Illinois University Carbondale used CRISPR gene-editing to engineer yeast to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic.[Slashdot]
- The PET plastic is broken down using a process called oxidative hydrothermal dissolution, which uses heat, water, and oxygen to reduce the plastic into digestible pieces.[Slashdot]
- The yeast consumes the plastic and agricultural biomass, producing a slurry of proteins, fats, acids, and vanilla flavorings that is combined with fiber, starch, and sweetener to 3D print cookies called "Bites."[Slashdot]
- Producing the cookies is currently expensive, costing approximately $60 per kilogram.[Slashdot]
- Jason Hallett of Imperial College London and other experts have noted that the process cannot serve as a commercial solution to managing the world's 400 million tons of annual plastic waste.[Slashdot]
What remains uncertain
- The taste and safety of the cookies remain unverified firsthand because the researchers are awaiting university approval to consume them.[Slashdot]