Center for Crops Utilization Research

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(515) 294-0160 or ccur@iastate.edu.

About CCUR's Research Programs

Forty-eight CCUR scientists from 20 academic departments and 40 graduate students are actively involved in more than 50 research projects. CCUR-affiliated faculty have earned international reputations by pioneering a variety of degradable plastics, industrial adhesives, and novel construction materials from agricultural resources. CCUR has fostered linkages with 17 other institutions to coordinate national and regional initiatives.

The research has targeted a range of topics. CCUR has actively assisted the development of several new soybean lines having improved oils and flavor; produced improved soy protein ingredients, soyfoods, and oils for applications and consumer tests; and developed low-cost oil processing technologies. Technology transfer initiatives expanded these industries in Iowa through the establishment of three new processing plants.

Fundamental scientific investigation has developed analytical methods for understanding and controlling starch biosynthesis, structure, and functionality. Other work has identified processing characteristics and value-added traits. Near-infrared systems for monitoring grain quality and value-added traits were developed and have been adopted by over 100 grain elevators and processing plants in the Iowa NIR network.

Eleven US patents have been awarded to Center faculty and another 11 are pending. Over 265 scientific publications were authored by CCUR scientists over the past five years. CCUR has conducted numerous market analysis projects and studies that have provided strategic planning to various public agencies and companies, and has provided national leadership in developing agriculture-based industrial products to substitute for nonrenewable resources. CCUR scientists annually attract $2.5 million in grants and contracts from federal and state agencies, industry, and commodity boards.

CCUR regularly works with other Iowa State University Centers of Excellence. These include the ISU Plant Sciences Initiative, the Center for Designing Food for Improved Nutrition (CDFIN) (food product development and nutrition); the Agricultural Chemical Products Laboratory (ACPL) (basic chemistry); United States Department of Energy, Ames Laboratory (industrial product development); Center for Advanced Technology Development (CATD) (technology transfer); and the Midwest Agribusiness Trade Research and Information Center (MATRIC) (marketing and export opportunities).