Center for Crops Utilization Research

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Starch Biosynthesis and Corn Fractionation Technologies

Overview

Another research team is working on corn extraction using ethanol. The ethanol can be used to extract protein and oil from corn, while further drying the alcohol. This process is less energy intensive than current processing procedures. Also being investigated is the potential use of multiple-enzyme solutions to speed the steeping step in traditional corn processing. This technology will enhance the separation of starch and protein from other kernel constituents. Fundamental investigation has developed analytical methods for understanding and controlling strarch biosynthesis, structure and functionality.

Related efforts center on the development of an economic-engineering computer model for the sequential extraction process. This model will be used to predict the target yields of extraction products and processing costs. Computer modeling is a highly cost effective alternative to production-scale testing. By using a computer to simulate the processing environment, any number of processing scenarios can be tested, the highest-cost steps can be identified, and the sensitivity of the overall model can be examined with respect to different price structures.