2024
Overcoming processing bottlenecks: A single-step enzymatic process to maximize soybean value
Contributor/Checkoff:
Category:
Industrial
Keywords:
EnzymesIndustrial UsesIntact proteinProcessing co-productsProcessing technology
Parent Project:
This is the first year of this project.
Lead Principal Investigator:
Lu-Kwang Ju, The Ohio State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Project Code:
24-106-D-B-2-A
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
Institution Funded:
Brief Project Summary:
The objective is to develop a new, simpler, solvent-free, enzyme-based soy processing method that maximizes overall soybean value. It has lower capital requirement and can increase soy utilization and value to the farmers by expanding processing beyond traditional infrastructure, addressing the current crush facility bottlenecks due to increased biodiesel demand.
Information And Results
Project Summary

Project Objectives

Project Deliverables

Progress Of Work

Final Project Results

The objective of this project is to develop a new, simpler, solvent-free, enzyme-based soy processing method that expands soy processing beyond traditional infrastructure and maximizes overall soybean value. The three groups of proposed activities are to (1) improve enzyme production, (2) advance enzymatic soy processing technology, and (3) perform preliminary technoeconomic analysis. For improving enzyme production, we completed 11 batches of experiments that included 106 solid-state fermentations (SSF). With these SSF experiments, we studied the following factors’ effects on enzyme production: spore source, soy hull source, supplementary nutrients, nutrient medium pH, ambient temperature, ambient relative humidity, and SSF scale. In addition, we improved the method for real-time monitoring of pH and temperature in SSF, developed chemically defined media for better production of spores as inoculum for SSF, and revised the SSF protocol for improving reproducibility of SSF performance. For advancing enzymatic soy processing (ESP) technology, we completed 18 batches of experiments that included 226 ESP reaction systems. With these ESP experiments, we studied the effects of processing factors and designs to improve dissolution of cell-wall carbohydrate and reduce protein migration to the aqueous hydrolysate. We also determined the oil, protein, and carbohydrate distributions in an ESP system that showed successful separation of product streams, and we confirmed that oil bodies were intact in the top cream layer collected after ESP. For preliminary technoeconomic analysis, we completed the process flow diagrams and determined the capital expenditures and operating expenses required for both enzyme production and enzymatic soy processing. We also estimated the revenue generation from the process. We benefited much from the market data and insights provided by Mr. Dwight Rust of Omni Tech International.

Benefit To Soybean Farmers

The new soy processing method being developed in this project aims to maximize the overall value of soybean. In addition, the new process has a low capital requirement and offers higher possibility for farmer cooperatives. Further, it can increase soy utilization and value to the farmers by expanding soy processing beyond traditional infrastructure, addressing the current crush facility bottlenecks due to increased biodiesel demand.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.