POET funds starch to ethanol research collaboration with Iowa State University
A research collaboration with Iowa State University (ISU) into starch for ethanol production is receiving funds from POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world. Through the collaboration with POET research, ISU researcher Dr Jay-Lin Jane is hoping to find starches to further improve the efficiency of POET’s patent-pending "BPX process".
BPX is a raw starch hydrolysis that converts starch to sugar and then ferments to ethanol without the use of heat. It is utilized in 20 of POET’s 22 ethanol production facilities where its benefits include reduced energy costs, increased ethanol yields, increased nutrient quality in the feed co-products (dried distillers' grains with solubles), significant reduction in VOC emissions, and improved DDGS flowability and anti-caking properties.
Dr Jane is an expert in the biosynthesis of starch and the chemical, physical, and enzymatic modification of starch. Her research extends into studying the internal structures of starch granules, and their industrial utilization in both biofuels and biodegradable plastics.
The best starch needs to break down more easily. Dr Jane has found that starches with certain molecular and granular structures work best:
energy :: sustainability :: biomass :: bioenergy :: biofuels :: ethanol :: corn :: starch :: enzymatic hydrolysis ::
The research collaboration received additional support through a grant from the Grow Iowa Values Fund, which seeks to create high quality jobs through business development and expansion.
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 22 production facilities in the United States with six more in construction or under development. The company produces and markets more than 1.2 billion gallons of ethanol annually.
References:
POET: POET funds starch to ethanol research collaboration with Iowa State University - February 20, 2008.
Dr Jay-Lin Jane page at Iowa State University, with bibliography.
BPX is a raw starch hydrolysis that converts starch to sugar and then ferments to ethanol without the use of heat. It is utilized in 20 of POET’s 22 ethanol production facilities where its benefits include reduced energy costs, increased ethanol yields, increased nutrient quality in the feed co-products (dried distillers' grains with solubles), significant reduction in VOC emissions, and improved DDGS flowability and anti-caking properties.
Dr Jane is an expert in the biosynthesis of starch and the chemical, physical, and enzymatic modification of starch. Her research extends into studying the internal structures of starch granules, and their industrial utilization in both biofuels and biodegradable plastics.
Our collaboration with Dr. Jay Lin Jane is intended to extend the performance of our patent-pending BPX process to provide a greater yield of ethanol per bushel of corn without the need for cooking. By understanding the starch structure and methods of processing starch, we expect to be able to target further increases in ethanol yield per bushel, reductions in energy required and improvements to the quality of distillers grains. - Dr. Mark Stowers, Vice President of Research & Development at POETThere are differences between the starches in different lines of corn. Starches are made different, and Dr Jane is trying to identify which lines of corn starches are more easily hydrolyzed by the enzyme and the mechanism of enzyme hydrolysis of uncooked cornstarch. Hydrolyzing the cornstarch is breaking down starch to glucose.
The best starch needs to break down more easily. Dr Jane has found that starches with certain molecular and granular structures work best:
energy :: sustainability :: biomass :: bioenergy :: biofuels :: ethanol :: corn :: starch :: enzymatic hydrolysis ::
Some starches are loosely packed in the granule and can be hydrolyzed easily. While others, especially those with different crystalline structures, will be difficult for the enzyme to hydrolyze. - Dr Jay-Lin JaneOnce the right starches are found, POET will use that knowledge to further optimize its BPX process.
The research collaboration received additional support through a grant from the Grow Iowa Values Fund, which seeks to create high quality jobs through business development and expansion.
POET, the largest ethanol producer in the world, is an established leader in the biorefining industry through project development, design and construction, research and development, plant management, and marketing. The 20-year old company currently operates 22 production facilities in the United States with six more in construction or under development. The company produces and markets more than 1.2 billion gallons of ethanol annually.
References:
POET: POET funds starch to ethanol research collaboration with Iowa State University - February 20, 2008.
Dr Jay-Lin Jane page at Iowa State University, with bibliography.
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