Scientists from the University of Illinois and Michigan Technological University developed a “food generator” concept that converts plastics to edible protein.
The researchers envisage a system in which individuals deposit plastic garbage or non-edible biomass into a slot. The waste goes into processing reactors where heat is used to break it down. The byproduct is then put into a tank with a bacterial population, which feasts on it. The cells are then dried down into a powder and stored for subsequent use.
The resulting foods contain all the required nutrition, are nontoxic, provide health benefits and also allow for personalization.
This groundbreaking development has the potential to provide safe and sustainable nutrition, while at the same time, help deal with the problem of plastic waste and environmental harm caused by large-scale farming practices.
What do you think? How excited do you feel about munching on some plastic bottles? And, what kind of impact could this technology have on our world? Let us know in the comments below.