Washington (Web Desk) — Scientists at Southern Illinois University in the US state of Illinois are working on a unique experiment to make plastic waste usable, attempting to use substances derived from plastic in food production in the future.
Instead of directly adding pieces of plastic to food, researchers have developed a biologically modified form of baker’s yeast. Using this yeast, they are attempting to break plastic waste down into smaller components and obtain substances that could potentially be used in food production.
During the experiment, scientists have also prepared biscuits using material obtained from plastic waste. The project has been named “U Bites,” a name derived from the concept of “Microbites,” which are microorganisms that break down plastic.
According to scientists, food and waste management is a major challenge for humans staying in space for long periods. Continuously transporting food and essential supplies from Earth can be difficult and expensive, so systems are being developed that make maximum use of available resources through recycling and reuse.
According to Southern Illinois University Associate Professor Lahiru Giacody, the biggest challenge in this project is not developing the technology but preparing people to accept such food. If this food reaches the market in the future, consumer confidence and willingness to eat it will be extremely important.
Researchers are also working to make the taste, aroma and overall quality of the food acceptable to consumers, experimenting with ingredients such as baker’s yeast and vanilla flavors.
However, scientists say that successfully converting plastic into a usable substance is not enough. Before such food can be offered to ordinary consumers, further scientific research and the necessary regulatory requirements concerning its safety, nutritional value and quality must be completed.