Improving Ethanol Production Efficiency: Optimization of Corn-Based Feedstock Energy Conversions

Improving Ethanol Production Efficiency: Optimization of Corn-

Based Feedstock Energy Conversions

Project Progress as of 01st Oct. 2007

Project No. 06-102

Principal Investigator:

Dr. David S. Jackson Dept. Food Science and Technology, UNL.

Progress during the last year

• Development of standard yeast fermentation methods for starch and corn

• Evaluation of different yeast types to determine which produce the most ethanol

• Improvement of traditional corn fermentation methods

• Corn dry milling and fractionation studies to improve fermentation processes

• Four publications (posters) at two professional meetings

Graduate student Manjusha Kasinadhuni’s poster presented at 2007 AACC International Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. Oct. 7-10.

Graduate Student Matthew Dickey’s poster presented at 2007 AACC International Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX. Oct. 7-10.

Current Research Activities Determining how the initial activity (health) of

yeast can be improved just prior to fermentation. Optimization of corn dry fractionation (using

milling equipment acquired from USDA/ARS). Determining the best mixture of corn bran, germ,

and endosperm (starch), obtained from dry fractionation, necessary to maximize ethanol production while minimizing the amount of bran and germ that is used in the fermentation.

Preparing DDGs from the mixtures above for analysis as animal feed components.