Sri Lankan-Born Scientist Leads Research Turning Plastic Waste Into Food Ingredients

Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are developing an innovative method to convert discarded plastic into protein- and fat-based food ingredients, with Sri Lankan-born scientist Lahiru Jayakody among those leading the research.

Jayakody, a microbiologist and associate professor at the university, is working with a research team that uses genetically engineered microbes to break down components of plastic and convert them into proteins and fats.

The technology has already been used to develop µBites, a cookie-like product made with ingredients derived from plastic waste.

The process focuses on chemicals obtained from polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which is widely used in plastic bottles. Microbes break down the PET-derived chemicals, after which the resulting proteins and fats are combined with starch, fibre and sweetener. The mixture is then shaped into cookies using a 3D printer before being baked.

Jayakody emphasized that the research is not about making people consume plastic. Instead, the plastic is broken down into its basic chemical components and biologically transformed into food ingredients, rather than remaining as plastic or microplastics.

The project began in 2021, when the researchers were initially exploring ways to transform discarded plastic into materials such as nylon for use in textiles. The work has since expanded into exploring how plastic waste could potentially be converted into useful nutritional ingredients while addressing the growing global plastic waste problem.