Compositional Analysis of
Defatted Syrup from a Corn
Ethanol Dry-Grind Process as a Feedstock for Biobased Products
- Publication date
- Publisher
Abstract
A characterization study
was conducted on defatted corn syrup (DCS) from an ethanol dry-grind
process and its potential as feedstock for biobased products and biofuel
is evaluated. Analyses included total solids, ash content, total protein,
amino acids, inorganic elements, starch, total carbohydrates, lignin,
organic acids, glycerol, and presence of functional groups. Total
solids content was 37.4% (±0.4%) by weight, and the mass balance
closure was 101 (±0.5%). Total carbohydrates [27% (±5%)
wt of dry solids] were composed of starch (6.3%), soluble monomer
carbohydrates (12%), and nonstarch carbohydrates (9.3%). Hemicellulose
components (structural and nonstructural) were xylan (6%), xylose
(1%), mannan (1%), mannose (0.4%), arabinan (1%), arabinose (0.4%),
galatactan (3%), and galactose (0.4%). On the basis of measured physical
and chemical components, a biochemical conversion route and subsequent
fermentation to value-added products is a good possibility. Though
less promising as a feedstock for liquid transportation fuels, DCS
has the potential to meet current United States demand (20–30
million kg per year) for succinic acid. Finally, even without any
form of hydrolysis, DCS could also potentially meet global demand
for histidine (360,000 kg per year)