Analytical Laboratory

Mission

The analytical laboratory provides support for pilot plant scale research programs by analyzing and reporting data obtained from samples generated by researchers investigating new processes/products derived from agricultural commodities.

Chromatography

HPLC

• 3 liquid chromatographs

• Detector configurations include, Ultraviolet, Visible, Refractive Index and Conductivity

GC

• 1 capillary gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector

TLC

• Quantitative thin-layer chromatography using an automated thin-layer sampler coupled with a TLC scanner that detects in the visual, ultraviolet or fluorescent mode.

Spectroscopy

• UV/VIS spectrophotometer

• Fluorometer

• Atomic Absorption Spectrometer

Elemental Analysis

• Nitrogen/Protein pyrolysis type analyzer

• Kjeldahl digestion and distillation apparatus for nitrogen/protein analysis

Current Research Programs Support by the Analytical Laboratory

• Conversion of corn to fuel ethanol

• Processes for the extraction and purification of corn proteins (zein and glutelin)

• Enzymatic wet milling of corn

• Conversion of corn fiber to ethanol

• Barley as a substrate for fuel ethanol