A fundamental understanding of soy protein characteristics, properties and performance is needed as well as the identification of the features differentiating soy from other sources of proteins for effective use and increased demand of soy protein in industrial applications. The overall intent of this effort was to facilitate the discussion of soy protein with researchers from academia, government laboratories and industry, create an awareness of individual research needs and potential coordination of efforts to solve common fundamental challenges. This was accomplished through a soy protein workshop conducted in conjunction with the USB Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) meeting held March 2024 in Detroit, MI. The workshop focused on soy protein product research presentations, discussions of the issues encountered in developing industrial products with soy protein, fundamental properties associated with those challenges and identify approaches needed to better understand the underlying problem or effect. It also built on the existing knowledge base for soy protein with current uses in wood adhesives and food products and explores how soy protein can be advantageously modified for these and other new use opportunities. The project increased communication opportunities and furthered interactions among the soy protein researchers through additional virtual on-line discussions throughout the year to facilitate researcher engagement, collaborations and build a stronger soy research community.
The Soy Protein Workshop was the primary objective of this project and intended to provide a forum for researchers to discuss issues encountered in developing industrial products with soy protein. The 2024 workshop was conducted as an in-person event in conjunction with the USB Technical Advisor Panel (TAP) meeting held March 4-8 in Detroit, MI. The meeting was also broadcast as a Microsoft Teams meeting for those not able to attend the TAP meeting. A recording of the event was made, and presentation slides were archived. There were a total of 42 registered in-person attendees and 16 participants on-line. The attendees represented industrial (e.g., commercial product producers and soy processors), academic, national laboratory, and USB management and directors among other interested parties. The workshop agenda included three topical presentations and discussions from Dr. Chuck Frihart (USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Lab) – “A Realistic View of Protein Structure”, Dr. Chris Hunt (USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Lab) – “Getting Better Bonding From Soy”, and Prof. Bill Chirdon (University of Louisiana at Lafayette) – “Review of Strategies to Enhance the Water Resistance of Protein Glues”. The 3-hour event was well received by the participants and produced lively discussion with each topic.
To explore new topics and facilitate engagement of the soy protein research community, two additional virtual discussion sessions were conducted. In December, a presentation by Dr. Mila Hojilla-Evangelista of the USDA-ARS on alternate plant proteins titled “Cuphea, Coriander, Camelina, Pennycress: Assessing Novel Protein Sources for Value-added Uses and Markets”. This presentation and discussion provided insight into properties of other plant proteins and involved 26 participants. A second virtual on-line discussion was held in July with a presentation by Anuj Seth of Modern Meadow on their innovations for biomaterials in developing a soy protein and bio-polymer technology platform called Bio-AlloyTM. This presentation and discussion involved 26 participants. A third virtual discussion was pursued, however, a presentation on the desired topic area of protein films and coatings was not able to be coordinated.