A Survey for Industrial Uses of Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

Abstract

The increase in demand for corn ethanol has caused an increase in distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), which is a byproduct of ethanol production. DDGS is a cheap byproduct and is primarily used for livestock feed filler. DDGS contains oils and proteins from corn and in this research we showed that corn oil and proteins could be extracted with ethanol. Zein protein is the main protein in DDGS and has been shown to have good adhesive properties. This protein was used as a binder in biocomposites with the DDGS after extractions and soy protein isolate (SPI). Mechanical properties and water resistance of the composites were studied. A wood adhesive was also prepared using the zein and cellulose nano-fibrils (CNF) as the adhesive reinforcement. Rheological tests were performed to study the flow property of the adhesive. This research demonstrated the potential of DDGS to be used as a raw material for multiple value-added industrial uses.