Engineers create 3D-printed food from waste for space travel

工程師利用廢棄物 3D 列印太空旅行食物

更新於: 2026年9月14日 上午02:30

Engineers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are tackling the challenge of long-duration space travel with a project called µBites.

南伊利諾州大學卡本代爾分校的工程師們正透過一項名為µBites的計畫,致力於克服長途太空旅行的挑戰。

nounengineer
verbtackle

This innovative technology converts plastic waste and agricultural biomass into nutrient-dense, 3D-printed cookies.

這項創新技術能將塑膠廢棄物與農業生物質轉換為營養豐富的3D列印餅乾。

adjectiveinnovative
verbconvert
nouncookie

Genetically programmed yeasts then transform these molecules into proteins, fats, and vitamins.

最後,這些生物質會被混合成泥狀物,並3D列印成可食用的形狀。

verbtransform

Funded by NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge, the project aims to provide sustainable nutrition for missions to Mars or the Moon, where resupply is impossible.

除了太空應用之外,這項技術也為地球上的救災需求及全球糧食不安全等問題提供了潛在的解決方案。

adjectivesustainable
nounmission

While the team has successfully created cookies with a pleasant aroma, they are currently waiting for approval to begin human taste tests.

這項突破代表了將廢棄物循環再利用為重要資源的巧妙途徑,也證明了未來的食物可能正是由我們今日丟棄的廢料所列印而成。

adverbsuccessfully
nouncookie
adjectivepleasant
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What is the primary goal of the µBites project?

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正確答案

To provide sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions

What role does yeast play in the food production process?

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正確答案

It consumes carbon-rich breakdown products and synthesizes them into nutrients

Which material is mentioned as a source of plastic waste used in the process?

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正確答案

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

What is the current status of the µBites project as of late 2026?

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正確答案

Researchers are waiting for approval to conduct human taste tests

How could this technology be applied on Earth?

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正確答案

It could help address food insecurity in disaster relief zones

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