ARS | Publication request: VALUE-ADDED BIOPRODUCTS FROM AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES AND RESIDUES

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: March 13, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: A variety of new, value-added bioproducts are being developed to enhance the competitiveness of American agriculture and improve the U.S. balance of trade. A novel enzymatic process is under development for the conversion of corn fiber to fermentable sugars. Enzymatic treatment is an attractive alternative to chemical hydrolysis, because even mild acid hydrolysis generates fermentation inhibitors. In collaboration with Illinois State University, genetically improved fermentation strains were developed for production of the valuable carotenoid, astaxanthin, from fuel ethanol stillage residues. Astaxanthin is an expensive pigment required in the diet of farm raised salmon. Stillage was also used in the production of alternan and pullulan. These unique biopolymers have potential food and industrial applications, especially as domestic replacements for imported gums and petroleum derived plastics. A novel, general system was developed for the sequential, directional cloning of DNA sequences. This system was used to construct biosynthetic pathways for production of the valuable carotenoids, lycopene and beta-carotene, in a recombinant fungus. The general method for multiple gene cloning will have broad applications for producing new bioproducts in recombinant microorganisms and transgenic crops.