Corn Utilization

Engineering Degradability into Corn-based Plastics

Thomas Hoye

Through this proposed project, we aim to develop a new strategy to incorporate degradable chemical entities into the backbones of polyesters,

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DDG food use

This proposal aims to identify the opportunity to develop DDGS into a human food ingredient.

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Genetic and environmental factors contributing to instability in grain durability (Year 2)

Here we propose a multifaceted approach to address grain quality challenges that are faced by Minnesota Corn Growers.

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Azospirillum brasilense inoculation to enhance corn nitrogen uptake

Paulo Pagliari

Much work has been done to test Azospirillum brasilense as seed inoculation for corn and wheat in tropical countries for the last decade.

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Adding Value to Dried Distillers Grains (DDGS)

Using his experience as a food scientist, Krishnan’s research is focused on the processes that identify applications for dried distillers’ grains (DDGS), which are produced during the ethanol process, and DDGS usage.

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Efficient range extender using E85 and thermochemical recuperation

This research will enable efficient and environmentally sound utilization of ethanol blends in internal combustion engines. Future engines may play a supporting role in electrified vehicles by serving as battery charging range extender (REx) engine-generators.

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Recovery and use of value-added corn functional ingredients

The economic value of traditional cash crops are enhanced by finding new uses in diversified products. Such applications are particularly effective in enhancing health, nutrition and disease prevention.

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Sustainable polyesters from corn as tomorrow’s plastics (Year 5)

Through their investment in the Minnesota corn check-off, farmers support the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Polymers (CSP) in their mission to develop the next generation of bioplastics made from renewable sources.

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Corn-derived Materials: Isoprene/Rubber and Toughened Poly(lactide)

In the Dauenhauer group the proposed work aims to evaluate the catalytic conversion of sugar to isoprene using thermochemical solid-acid catalysts. Glucose obtained from corn can be reacted to the intermediate itaconic acid, which is hydrogenated to 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran (3-MTHF).

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