An ARS processing technique could find a new home for soapstock, a gummy byproduct of edible oilseed refineries that typically ends up in livestock feed. Scientists developed techniques for converting the soapstock into a thin, biodegradable film that could prove ideal for coating seeds, encapsulating chemicals or other applications. A rich store of triglycerides, phospholipids and other substances in the material makes it biodegradable and soluble in water and oil. The scientists' studies indicate such features control the release rate of fungicides encapsulated in soapstock and applied with water. The scientists are also exploring ways to refine the soapstock film into a packaging material for peppers, grapes and other fresh produce that perishes easily. Another possible use for the soapstock: in hair styling gel. Finding new ways of recycling soapstock is a top priority of oilseed processors. Soapstock stems from an oil extraction and refinery process commonly used on seedmeal of cotton, safflower and sunflowers. Cottonseed mills, for example, generate 60 to 120 million pounds of soapstock annually. Mixing it into feedstuffs is a standard disposal method. But because of the presence of gossypol, a harmful toxin, in soapstock from cottonseed, there's a limit to the amount of soapstock that can be added to feed. Scientists are now seeking patent protection on their process for refining soapstock and removing its gossypol and other impurities.
Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA
Sam Kuk/Amy Ballew, (504) 286-4552.

By growing alfalfa, midwest farmers may soon reap more than hay. From this staple forage crop, researchers produced lactic acid yields as high as 60 percent with a new nonchemical treatment. Lactic acid is commonly used in foods as a flavoring or preservative, but new markets are being developed for its use in biodegradable plastics. The current U.S. market for lactic acid is about 50,000 tons, but more than half is imported. The researchers used hot water to pretreat the alfalfa fiber before adding hydrolytic enzymes and a Lactobacillus bacteria that ferments five- and six-carbon sugars. The alfalfa fiber, from which lactic acid is made, is left after juice is extracted from freshly cut herbage to make other high-value products, including food- and feed-grade proteins, and nutritionally valuable substances called carotenoids. The cooperative research with the University of Wisconsin has also produced industrially valuable enzymes from transgenic alfalfa. The products range in value from $1,000 to $2,000 per acre annually.
U.S. Dairy Forage Research Center, Madison, WI
Richard G. Koegel, (608) 264-5149.