In rural West Michigan, a brilliant young scientist, Mark Deremer, develops a genetic modification software which creates hypothetical microorganisms in order to capitalize on the burgeoning fields of bioengineering and environmental technology. Desperate to save their struggling company, the first-ever plastic-eating microbes are set loose on the county landfill, untested and hungrier than they ever could have imagined. The bacteria have already begun to affect the locals in fundamental ways when a pharmaceutical conglomerate pushes industrial-scale production. In addition to his own demons, Mark must face disease, corruption, and an unstable CEO to undo what has been done.