This project aims to add value to fiber-rich soybean byproducts like soybean meal and okara through extrusion processing. By optimizing extrusion conditions like temperature, pressure, and shear force, the insoluble fiber in these byproducts can be partially converted into more beneficial soluble fiber. Extrusion can also deactivate antinutritional compounds naturally present in soybeans. The resulting products will have enhanced nutritional value and functionality, with potential applications as animal feed, food additives, and fermentation substrates. This research can boost the profitability of soybean farmers and processors by transforming underutilized byproducts into higher-value ingredients.

In the current project, our focus is on utilizing the extrusion process to transform the fiber-rich byproduct of soybean into products with a higher soluble fiber content. Such products serve as precursors to high-value items. Concurrently, we will assess the extrusion's efficacy in deactivating antinutritional factors. The project encompasses two primary objectives: Objective 1 Upcycling soybean meal with twin-screw extrusion cooking; Objective 2 Upcycling okara with twin-screw extrusion cooking.

This project will discern the compositional shifts in soybean meal and okara and gauge the conversion efficacy from insoluble to soluble fiber. This project will also explore the impact of high pressure and temperature on antinutrient deactivation.

Tech advancements addressing insoluble fiber and antinutrients in soybean byproducts can boost profits for farmers and processors. Enhanced soybean fiber can be used for animal feed, food ingredients, and microbial substrates. With every ton of soybean oil yielding 4.5 tons of meal, and soy milk processing producing 1.1 tons of wet okara, there's huge potential to repurpose this fiber. If half of soybeans produce such byproducts, 2.7 million tons in North Dakota will be impacted in 2022. Even a $1 profit increase per ton could add $2.7 million in earnings. Thus, utilizing soybean meal's value can greatly benefit North Dakota's soybean farmers.