DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTION OF ANTIOXIDANTS FROM CORN DISTILLERS` GRAINS

Dry-grind ethanol production converts corn starch to biofuel but leaves protein and phytochemicals concentrated in low-value distillers' grains (DGs). Developing value-added uses of DGs has been an acute priority identified by corn commodity groups and biofuel industries. The demand for naturally-derived antioxidant preservatives for food, feed, and pet food remains strong. Our goal is to develop an enabling and economically feasible technology to produce high-performance peptide and phenolic antioxidants from DGs and establish an effective extension program for the dissemination and adoption of this innovative technology. Our objectives are to: 1) sequentially extract peptide and phenolic antioxidants from corn DGs and outreach to stakeholders especially antioxidant producers; 2) evaluate antioxidant performances in food, pet food, and feed systems and outreach to antioxidant end-users; 3) conduct economic analysis of the new process and outreach to technology adopters and other stakeholders. Critical parameters for antioxidant production using DGs will be optimized. Antioxidant performances will be tested in various practical systems, and economic feasibility of the technology will be warranted through systematic economic analysis. The technology will be disseminated to stakeholders through collaboration with our industry partners and extension activities. This integrated project will lead to the development and application of innovative technology that uses and adds value to the agricultural origin materials and enhance the economic viability of fuel ethanol.