Spirulina cube 2 (IMAGE) University of Washington Caption A team led by researchers at the University of Washington has developed new bioplastics that degrade on the same timescale as a banana peel in a backyard compost bin. These bioplastics are made from powdered blue-green cyanobacteria cells, otherwise known as spirulina. Here UW materials science and engineering doctoral students Mallory Parker (center) and Tim Liao (right), compare bioplastic cubes made from spirulina. Credit Mark Stone/University of Washington Usage Restrictions For use with appropriate credit License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.