ARS | Publication request: RAW STARCH DIGESTION OR NON-COOKING BREAKDOWN OF STARCH PRIOR TO FERMENTATION

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 22, 2004
Publication Date: July 1, 2005
Citation: Robertson, G.H., Wong, D. 2005. Raw starch digestion or non-cooking breakdown of starch prior to fermentation. Fuel Ethanol Workshop and Trade Show, June 28, 2005, Kansas City, MO. Paper No.8:1.

Technical Abstract: Raw starch digestion can reduce energy use in conventional fuel ethanol fermentation by replacing the cooking liquefaction and saccharification steps with low temperature digestion of starch by enzymes. Evidence for its use in beverage fermentations dates to pre-Christian Egypt. The possibility has been considered for fuel ethanol since the 1940's but a number of factors have impeded adoption by industry. This presentation will provide an overview to the prior research (bench to pilot), quanitify the energy savings possibilities, summarize the many raw-starch digestion enzymes identified since the 1980's, describe limitations and opportunities, and indicate significant recent progress in the development of process technology and biocatalytic resources that may make this alternative approach a reality.