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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #163805
Title: NEW BIOBASED PRODUCTS USING CORN ZEIN

Author
item PARRIS, NICHOLAS
item DICKEY, LELAND

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/15/2004
Publication Date: 7/12/2004
Citation: Parris, N., Dickey, L.C. 2004. New biobased products using corn zein. Meeting Abstract.228th American Chemical Society National Meeting, August 22-26, 2004, Philadelphia, PA. p.18 Technical.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Ethyl alcohol produced by fermentation of corn is an important and growing constituent of renewable liquid fuels in the United States. In order to support expansion of the corn ethanol process, profitable markets must be identified for new non-starch co-products derived from corn. Zein, a prolamine, is a hydrophobic, alcohol-soluble protein extracted from corn or corn gluten meal. Zein proteins can be used to form characteristically hard and glossy coatings on pharmaceutical tablets and candies. New markets for zein are severely limited because of its current cost. Scientists and engineers at our Research Center estimate the cost of ethanol extraction of zein/oil mixtures from ground dent corn to be significantly lower than commercial zein. In this presentation we will report on novel non-food applications of zein and zein/oil mixtures as a coating, adhesive, ground cover and delivery system.