Julian Brown, the 21-year-old inventor who gained widespread attention for his “Plastoline” technology—a process he claims converts plastic waste into usable fuels like gasoline and diesel—has resurfaced after a concerning period of silence on social media. His mother, Nia Brown, confirmed to DailyMail.com that her son is “safe,” following a cryptic video posted by Julian on July 9 where he stated he was “under attack.” The brief update has brought a measure of relief to his 1.8 million followers on Instagram, who had expressed widespread concern for his well-being.
A Disappearance That Sparked Online Speculation
Julian Brown’s last social media activity on July 9 consisted of a disquieting video and accompanying caption. In the video, a visibly troubled Brown stated, “I can’t go into too much detail, but there is some very, very odd stuff going on. I’m certainly under attack right now.” He urged his followers to “keep me in your prayers, please,” adding, “something is happening.” This post, which quickly went viral, ignited a flurry of speculation across online platforms, with many fans expressing fears for his safety and even suggesting foul play related to his groundbreaking invention. Some social media users speculated that powerful industries might be targeting him due to the disruptive nature of Plastoline.
The silence that followed, nearly three weeks without further communication, only fueled these concerns. The Atlanta Police Department, however, confirmed to Newsweek that they were not investigating any missing persons report under Julian Brown’s name, adding to the mystery surrounding his sudden withdrawal from the public eye.
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Mother Offers Reassurance Amidst Ongoing Secrecy
The recent confirmation from Nia Brown, Julian’s mother, has provided the first concrete update on his status since his alarming post. “I can confirm Julian is safe, but in the best interest of his security, I’m not able to provide any more information,” Nia Brown told DailyMail.com. This statement, while reassuring, leaves many questions unanswered. The nature of the “attack” Julian referred to, the reason for his prolonged silence, and the specific security concerns remain undisclosed, keeping the veil of secrecy firmly in place. Newsweek’s attempts to reach Nature Jab, the company founded by Julian Brown to commercialize his technology, for further comment were unsuccessful.
The Genesis of “Plastoline”: A Vision for Waste Transformation
Julian Brown, originally from metro Atlanta, developed “Plastoline” using skills he honed in high school welding classes and his subsequent profession as a welder. He shared with Forbes that his motivation stemmed from witnessing the vast global plastic issue and the apparent lack of practical solutions. “What motivated me was seeing the large plastic issue at hand throughout the world and not seeing any obvious solutions that were effective enough to make a difference,” Julian explained. His invention, a solar-powered microwave pyrolysis reactor, converts various forms of plastic waste into usable fuels, including gasoline, diesel, and even jet fuel. This process involves heating plastic in the absence of oxygen, breaking it down into liquid hydrocarbons.
Brown’s work has garnered significant attention, not just for its environmental implications but also for its potential economic disruption. His company, Nature Jab, and his online persona, @naturejab, have cultivated a substantial following, showcasing his experiments and progress from his backyard lab. He has used platforms like TikTok and Instagram to demonstrate his prototypes, often powered by solar panels and constructed from salvaged materials, emphasizing an accessible, open-source approach to innovation.
Challenges and Commitment: A History of Dedication
Brown’s journey has not been without its perils. He recounted a severe incident in 2024 on his GoFundMe page, where he sustained second-degree burns requiring surgery after an explosion during an experiment. Despite this setback, his commitment to his invention remained unwavering. “At the same time, I had to find a new safe plot of land to move my operations to,” he wrote. “I currently drive 4 hours to and from every time I wish to work on or operate my machine. This shows my true commitment to the cause.”
Julian Brown, the young inventor who created tech that turns plastic into gasoline, hasn’t been seen in over two weeks. pic.twitter.com/XkVPt81gJU
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) July 28, 2025
Brown has been raising funds on GoFundMe for further upgrades to his invention, having collected over $30,000 to date. He also received a $100,000 grant from Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, a testament to the recognition his innovative work has received. His long-term vision, as he told Bold Journey in March 2025, is to eliminate plastic waste by converting it into valuable energy. “As long as I am around,” he stated, “there will be no such thing as plastic waste — only untapped energy.”
As Julian Brown’s mother assures his safety, the exact circumstances surrounding his recent digital silence and his claims of being “under attack” remain a subject of intense curiosity and concern. The episode highlights the unique challenges and potential risks faced by innovators whose breakthroughs threaten established industries, particularly in the high-stakes realm of energy and environmental solutions.
