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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #160299
Title: BIOPROCESSING OF OILS AND FATS TO HIGHER VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS

Author
item Foglia, Thomas
item Ashby, Richard - Rick
item Solaiman, Daniel
item Haas, Michael
item Piazza, George
item Marmer, William

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/7/2003
Publication Date: 2/26/2004
Citation: Foglia, T.A., Ashby, R.D., Solaiman, D., Haas, M.J., Piazza, G.J., Marmer, W.N. 2004. Bioprocessing of oils and fats to higher value-added products [abstract]. IV International Soybean Processing and Utilization Congress. p.754-758.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fats and oils were once the primary sources of aliphatic carbon compounds used by industry. Despite their ready availability and competitive price the non-food use of fats and oils continues to decline in almost all applications. To reverse these trends, our laboratory is evaluating the application of biocatalysis and biomimicry (chemical reactions that mimic enzyme reactions) to fats and oils. The goal of the research is to expand current uses and to identify new uses of fats and oils in higher-value added applications. Particular areas of research in which we are exploring and developing include: the lipase-catalyzed synthesis of structured and nutraceutical triacylglycerols and simple fatty esters (biodiesel); the biocatalytic oxygenation of fatty acids; the microbial production of biodegradable polymers and surfactants from fat and oil substrates; and the direct conversion of soy oil in flaked soybeans into biodiesel.