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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania » Eastern Regional Research Center » Dairy and Functional Foods Research » People & Locations » Rafael Garcia

Rafael A Garcia (PhD)
Dairy and Functional Foods Research
Chemical Engineer

Phone: (215) 836-3743
Fax: (215) 233-6795

(Employee information on this page comes from the REE Directory. Please contact your front office staff to update the REE Directory.)

Projects
Reclaiming Value from Coproducts of Dairy Food Manufacture
In-House Appropriated (D)
  Accession Number: 441397

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon Reprint Icon will take you to the publication reprint.)
Bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria using ice cream by-product as the fermentation substrate - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Effect of higher pH on physical and functional properties of edible films made from calcium caseinates - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Passive separation of waste ice cream Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Plumier, B.M., Lee, C., Liang, C. 2023. Passive separation of waste ice cream. International Dairy Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idairyj.2022.105570.
Flocculation performance and mechanisms of heme-removed and methylated bovine hemoglobin Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Liang, C., Garcia, R.A., Qi, P.X., Lee, C. 2022. Flocculation performance and mechanisms of heme-removed and methylated bovine hemoglobin. Separation and Purification Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2022.121017.
Influence of methylation and polymerization on flocculant properties of bovine blood Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lee, C., Garcia, R.A., Bumanlag, L.P., Liang, C. 2022. Influence of methylation and polymerization on flocculant properties of bovine blood. ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c06126.
Adaptation of an artificial bait to an automated aerial delivery system for landscape-scale brown treesnake suppression Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., McAuliffe, T., Bumanlag, L.P., Siers, S., Kimball, B. 2021. Adaptation of an artificial bait to an automated aerial delivery system for landscape-scale brown treesnake suppression. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02567-8.
Enhancing biosludge dewaterability with hemoglobin from waste blood as a bioflocculant Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ghazisaidi, H., Garcia, R.A., Tran, H., Yuan, R., Allen, D. 2020. Enhancing biosludge dewaterability with hemoglobin from waste blood as a bioflocculant. Polymers. 12(11):2755. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112755.
Simultaneous adsorption of acidic and basic dyes onto magnetized polypeptidylated-hemoglobin composites Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Essandoh, M., Garcia, R.A., Palochik, V.L., Gayle, M.R. 2020. Simultaneous adsorption of acidic and basic dyes onto magnetized polypeptidylated-hemoglobin composites. Separation and Purification Technology. 255(117701):1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117701.
Enhancement of protein flocculant properties through carboxyl group methylation and the relationship with protein structural changes Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Qi, P.X., Essandoh, M., Bumanlag, L.P. 2020. Enhancement of protein flocculant properties through carboxyl group methylation and the relationship with protein structural changes. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology. 0(0):1-12. https://doi.org/10.1080/01932691.2020.1793163.
Influence of methylation on the effectiveness of meat and bone meal protein as a bioflocculant Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Essandoh, M., Garcia, R.A., Neiman, C., Strahan, G.D. 2020. Influence of methylation on the effectiveness of meat and bone meal protein as a bioflocculant. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 122:55-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbp.2020.03.009.
Effect of long term cold storage and microwave extraction time on the physical and chemical properties of citrus pectins Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Fishman, M., Chau, H.K., Hotchkiss, A.T., Garcia, R.A., Cooke, P.H., White, A.K. 2019. Effect of long term cold storage and microwave extraction time on the physical and chemical properties of citrus pectins. Food Hydrocolloids. 92:104-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.12.047.
Chemical and enzymatic protein cross-linking to improve flocculant properties Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Essandoh, M., Garcia, R.A., Nieman, C.M. 2018. Chemical and enzymatic protein cross-linking to improve flocculant properties. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 6(10):12946-12952. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b02395.
Efficient removal of dyes from aqueous solutions using a novel hemoglobin/iron oxide composite Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Essandoh, M., Garcia, R.A. 2018. Efficient removal of dyes from aqueous solutions using a novel hemoglobin/iron oxide composite. Chemosphere. 206:502-512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.182.
Practical Limitations of the Dilute Acid Hydrolysis Method for Solubilizing Meat and Bone Meal Protein - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Essandoh, M., Garcia, R.A., Nieman, C.M., Bumanlag, L.P., Piazza, G.J., Zhang, C. 2017. Practical Limitations of the Dilute Acid Hydrolysis Method for Solubilizing Meat and Bone Meal Protein. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. 5(12):11652-11659.
Removal of straw lignin from spent pulping liquor using synthetic cationic and biobased flocculants Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Lora, J., Wayman, L.I., Garcia, R.A. 2017. Removal of straw lignin from spent pulping liquor using synthetic cationic and biobased flocculants. Separation and Purification Technology. doi:10.1016/j.seppur.2017.07.042.
The relationship between extent of hemoglobin purification and the performance characteristics of a blood-based flocculant Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Bumanlag, L.P., Piazza, G.J. 2017. The relationship between extent of hemoglobin purification and the performance characteristics of a blood-based flocculant. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 97(14):4822-4826. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.8352.
Solubilization of meat & bone meal protein by dilute acid hydrolysis for the production of bio-based flocculant - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhang, C., Garcia, R.A., Piazza, G.J. 2017. Solubilization of meat & bone meal protein by dilute acid hydrolysis for the production of bio-based flocculant. Journal of Food and Bioproducts Processing. 102:362-366.
Methylation of hemoglobin to enhance flocculant performance - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Essandoh, M., Garcia, R.A., Strahan, G.D. 2017. Methylation of hemoglobin to enhance flocculant performance. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology. doi: 10.1002/jctb.5197.
Flocculation of wheat straw soda lignin by hemoglobin and chicken blood: Effects of cationic polymer or calcium chloride Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Lora, J., Garcia, R.A. 2016. Flocculation of wheat straw soda lignin by hemoglobin and chicken blood: Effects of cationic polymer or calcium chloride. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology. doi: 10.1002/jctb.5061.
Properties of starch-polyglutamic acid (PGA) graft copolymer prepared by microwave irradiation - Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and rheology studies Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Xu, J., Solaiman, D., Ashby, R.D., Garcia, R.A., Gordon, S.H., Harry O Kuru, R.E. 2016. Properties of starch-polyglutamic acid (PGA) graft copolymer prepared by microwave irradiation - Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and rheology studies. Starch. 69(3-4). Article 1600021. https://doi.org/10.1002/star.201600021.
The effect of chicken blood and its components on wastewater characteristics and sewage surcharges - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Nieman, C.M., Haylock, R.A., Rosentrater, K.A., Piazza, G.J. 2016. The effect of chicken blood and its components on wastewater characteristics and sewage surcharges. Poultry Science. 95(8):1950-1956. doi: 10.3382/ps/pew114.
Preparation of starch-poly-glutamic acid graft copolymers by microwave irradiation and the characterization of their properties Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Xu, J., Krietemeyer, E.F., Finkenstadt, V.L., Solaiman, D., Ashby, R.D., Garcia, R.A. 2016. Preparation of starch-poly-glutamic acid graft copolymers by microwave irradiation and the characterization of their properties. Carbohydrate Polymers. 140:233-237.
Development of artificial bait for brown treesnake suppression - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kimball, B., Stelting, S., Mcauliffe, T., Stahl, R., Garcia, R.A., Pitt, W. 2016. Development of artificial bait for brown treesnake suppression. Biological Invasions. 18:359–369.
Recovery of wheat straw soda lignin using flocculation by proteins, synthetic flocculants, and a metal coagulant - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Lora, J., Garcia, R.A. 2015. Recovery of wheat straw soda lignin using flocculation by proteins, synthetic flocculants, and a metal coagulant. Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy. 9(4):447-455. DOI: 10.1166/jbmb.2015.1542.
Characterization of the global structure of low methoxyl pectin in solution - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Fishman, M., Chau, H.K., Qi, P.X., Hotchkiss, A.T., Garcia, R.A., Cooke, P.H. 2015. Characterization of the global structure of low methoxyl pectin in solution. Food Hydrocolloids Journal. 46:153-159. DOI 10.10.1016/j.foodhyd.2014.12.021.
Biobased flocculants derived from animal processing protein by-products Reprint Icon - (Book / Chapter)
Piazza, G.J., Garcia, R.A. 2016. Biobased flocculants derived from animal processing protein by-products. In: Dhillon, G. Protein Byproducts. Canada: Elsevier. p. 135-146. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-802391-4.00008-2.
Ultrasonic processing for recovery of chicken erythrocyte hemoglobin Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Clevenstine, S.M., Piazza, G.J. 2015. Ultrasonic processing for recovery of chicken erythrocyte hemoglobin. Journal of Food and Bioproducts Processing. 94:1-9. DOI: 10.1016/j.fbp.2014.12.002.
Application of the elusieve process to the classification of meat and bone meal particles Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Piazza, G.J. 2015. Application of the elusieve process to the classification of meat and bone meal particles. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 31(1):165-170. DOI: 10.13031/aea.31.10410.
Structural and thermal stability of beta-lactoglobulin as a result of interacting with sugar beet pectin Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Qi, P.X., Wickham, E.D., Garcia, R.A. 2014. Structural and thermal stability of beta-lactoglobulin as a result of interacting with sugar beet pectin. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 62(30):7567-7576. DOI: 10.1021/jf502699g.
Flocculation of kaolin and lignin by bovine blood and hemoglobin - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Lora, J., Garcia, R.A. 2014. Flocculation of kaolin and lignin by bovine blood and hemoglobin. Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology. 90:1419-1425. DOI: 10.1002/jctb.4443.
Poultry blood preservation and the impact of preservation on flocculant activity Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Stein, S.D., Piazza, G.J. 2014. Poultry blood preservation and the impact of preservation on flocculant activity. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 30(3):445-453. DOI: 10.13031/aea.30.10436.
Design of a laboratory method for rapid evaluation of experimental flocculants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Riner, S.A., Piazza, G.J. 2013. Design of a laboratory method for rapid evaluation of experimental flocculants. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 53(2):880-886.
Flocculation of high purity wheat straw soda lignin Reprint Icon - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Lora, J., Garcia, R.A. 2014. Flocculation of high purity wheat straw soda lignin. Bioresource Technology. 152:548-551. DOI: org/10.1016/j.biortech.2013.11.040.
Proteolysis of meat and bone meal to increase utilisation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Garcia, R.A. 2013. Proteolysis of meat and bone meal to increase utilisation. Animal Production Science. 54:200-206. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/AN13041.
Improved prediction of meat and bone meal metabolizable energy content for ducks through in vitro methods - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Phillips, J.G., Adeola, O. 2012. Improved prediction of meat and bone meal metabolizable energy content for ducks through in vitro methods. Poultry Science. 91:1854-1859.
Identification of highly active flocculant proteins in bovine blood - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Nunez, A., Garcia, R.A. 2012. Identification of highly active flocculant proteins in bovine blood. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology. 166(5):1203-1214.
Non-feed application of rendered animal proteins for microbial production of eicosapentaenoic acid by the fungus Pythium irregulare - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Liang, Y., Garcia, R.A., Piazza, G.J., Wen, Z. 2011. Non-feed application of rendered animal proteins for microbial production of eicosapentaenoic acid by the fungus Pythium irregulare. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 59(22):11990-11996.
Effects of pretanning processes on bovine hide collagen structure - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Brown, E.M., Latona, R.J., Taylor, M.M., Garcia, R.A. 2012. Effects of pretanning processes on bovine hide collagen structure. Journal of American Leather Chemists Association. 107(1):1-7.
Fractionation of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) through a narrowing of particle size distribution followed by aspiration - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Rosentrater, K.A. 2012. Fractionation of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) through a narrowing of particle size distribution followed by aspiration. Food and Bioprocess Technology. 5:2623-2629.
A renewable flocculant from a poultry slaughterhouse waste and preliminary estimate of production costs - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Garcia, R.A., Mcaloon, A.J. 2011. A renewable flocculant from a poultry slaughterhouse waste and preliminary estimate of production costs. Resources Conservation and Recycling. 55:842-848.
Rendered-protein hydrolysates for microbial synthesis of cyanophycin biopolymer - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Solaiman, D., Garcia, R.A., Ashby, R.D., Piazza, G.J., Steinbuchel, A. 2011. Rendered-protein hydrolysates for microbial synthesis of cyanophycin biopolymer. New Biotechnology. 28(6):552-558.
Hydrolysis of animal protein meals for improved utility in non-feed applications - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Pyle, D.J., Piazza, G.J., Wen, Z. 2011. Hydrolysis of animal protein meals for improved utility in non-feed applications. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 27(2):269-275.
Proteins and peptides as renewable flocculants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Garcia, R.A. 2010. Proteins and peptides as renewable flocculants. Bioresource Technology. 101(15):5759-5766.
The non-nutritional performance characteristics of peptones made from rendered protein - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Piazza, G.J., Wen, Z., Pyle, D.J., Solaiman, D. 2010. The non-nutritional performance characteristics of peptones made from rendered protein. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. 37:95-102.
Characterizing wool keratin - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Cardamone, J.M., Nunez, A., Garcia, R.A., Ramos, M. 2009. Characterizing wool keratin. Research Letters in Materials Science. 2009(5). Available: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/rlms/2009/147175.abs.html.
Meat & bone meal extract and gelatin as renewable flocculants - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Piazza, G.J., Garcia, R.A. 2009. Meat & bone meal extract and gelatin as renewable flocculants. Bioresource Technology. 101:781-787.
Use of biodiesel-derived crude glycerol for producing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) by the fungus pythium irregulare - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Athalye, S.K., Garcia, R.A., Wen, Z. 2009. Use of Biodiesel-Derived Crude Glycerol for Producing Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) by the Fungus Pythium irregulare. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57(7):2739-2744.
Physical distribution and characteristics of meat & bone meal protein - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Phillips, J.G. 2009. Physical distribution and characteristics of meat & bone meal protein. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 89(2):329-336.
Prion infected Meat-and-Bone Meal is still infectious after biodiesel production - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bruederle, C.E., Hnasko, R.M., Kraemer, T., Garcia, R.A., Haas, M.J., Marmer, W.N., Carter, J.M. 2008. Prion infected Meat-and-Bone Meal is still Infectious After Biodiesel Production. PLoS One 3(8): e2969. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0002969.
Government scientists find new uses for rendered fat and protein - (Trade Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Solaiman, D. 2008. Government scientists find new uses for rendered fat and protein. Render Magazine. 37(3):16-17.
Producing Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)-Rich Algae from Biodiesel-Derived Crude Glycerol: Effects of Impurities on DHA Production and Algal Biomass Composition - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Pyle, D.J., Garcia, R.A., Wen, Z. 2008. Producing Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)-Rich Algae from Biodiesel-Derived Crude Glycerol: Effects of Impurities on DHA Production and Algal Biomass Composition. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 56(1):3933-3939.
Concentration of Key Elements in North American Meat & Bone Meal - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Rosentrater, K.A. 2008. Concentration of Key Elements in North American Meat & Bone Meal. Biomass and Bioenergy. 32(9):887-891.
New Uses for Rendered Protein - (Trade Journal)
Garcia, R.A. 2007. New Uses for Rendered Protein. Inform. 18:637-638.
Diffusion of Protease into Meat & Bone Meal for Solubility Improvement and Potential Inactivation of the BSE Prion - (Proceedings)
Diffusion of Protease into Meat & Bone Meal for Solubility Improvement and Potential Inactivation of the BSE Prion - (Abstract Only)
Diffusion of Protease into Meat & Bone Meal for Solubility Improvement and Potential Inactivation of the BSE Prion - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Coll, B., Garcia, R.A., Marmer, W.N. 2007. Diffusion of Protease into Meat & Bone Meal for Solubility Improvement and Potential Inactivation of the BSE Prion. PLoS ONE. 2(2):e245.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE POOR BULK BEHAVIOR OF MEAT & BONE MEAL AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING THESE BEHAVIORS - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Flores, R.A., Mazenko, C.E. 2007. Factors contributing to the poor bulk behavior of meat & bone meal and methods for improving these behaviors. Bioresource Technology. 98(15):2852-2858.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORTH AMERICAN MEAT & BONE MEAL RELEVANT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON-FEED APPLICATIONS - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Rosentrater, K.A., Flores, R.A. 2006. Characteristics of North American meat & bone meal relevant to the development of non-feed applications. Applied Engineering in Agriculture. 22(5):729-736.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORTH AMERICAN MEAT & BONE MEAL RELEVANT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON-FEED APPLICATIONS - (Proceedings)
Garcia, R.A., Rosentrater, K.A., Flores, R.A. 2006. Characteristics of north american meat & bone meal relevant to the development of non-feed applications. Proceedings of the Annual International Meeting, American Society of Agricultural Engineers. Paper No. 066158.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NORTH AMERICAN MEAT & BONE MEAL RELEVANT TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF NON-FEED APPLICATIONS - (Abstract Only)
Garcia, R.A., Rosentrater, K.A., Flores, R.A. 2006. Characteristics of north american meat & bone meal relevant to the development of non-feed applications [abstract]. The American Society of Agricultural Engineers Annual International Meeting. Paper No. 066158.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE POOR BULK BEHAVIOR OF MEAT & BONE MEAL AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING THESE BEHAVIORS - (Proceedings)
Garcia, R.A., Flores, R.A., Mazenko, C.E. 2005. Factors contributing to the poor bulk behavior of meat & bone meal and methods for improving these behaviors. Proceedings of ASAE Annual International Meeting. Paper No. 88985.
RENDERED PRODUCTS IN THE AGE OF TSE'S: II. RESEARCH ON ALTERNATIVE APPLICATIONS - (Abstract Only)
Marmer, W.N., Garcia, R.A. 2005. Rendered products in the age of TSE's: II. Research on alternative applications [abstract]. World Congress International Society for Fat Research. p. 9.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE POOR FLOW PROPERTIES OF MEAT & BONE MEAL AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING THESE PROPERTIES - (Abstract Only)
USE OF AN ASPIRATOR TO SEPARATE MEAT & BONE MEAL INTO HIGH ASH AND HIGH PROTEIN STREAMS - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Flores, R.A., Phillips, J.G. 2005. Use of an aspirator to separate meat & bone meal into high ash and high protein streams. Transactions of the ASAE. 48(2):703-708.
THE PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL FUEL FROM MEAT AND BONE MEAL - (Abstract Only)
Coll, B.A., Haas, M.J., Garcia, R.A., Marmer, W.N. 2004. The production of biodiesel fuel from meat and bone meal [abstract]. American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting. p. 46.
USE OF AN ASPIRATOR TO IMPROVE MEAT & BONE MEAL FOR NON-EDIBLE APPLICATIONS - (Abstract Only)
Garcia, R.A., Flores, R.A., Tunick, M.H. 2004. Use of an aspirator to improve meat & bone meal for non-edible applications [abstract]. 228th American Chemical Society National Meeting. Paper No. CELL091.
WATER-PLASTICIZATION OF EXTRUDED MATERIAL MADE FROM MEAT AND BONE MEAL AND SODIUM CASEINATE - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Garcia, R.A., Onwulata, C.I., Ashby, R.D. 2004. Water-plasticization of extruded material made from meat and bone meal and sodium caseinate. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 52(12):3776-3779.
EXTRUDED PLASTIC MATERIAL MADE FROM MEAT AND BONE MEAL AND SODIUM CASEINATE IS PLASTICIZED BY WATER - (Abstract Only)
Garcia, R.A., Onwulata, C.I., Ashby, R.D. 2004. Extruded material made from meat and bone meal and sodium caseinate is plasticized by water [abstract]. 227th American Chemical Society National Meeting. Paper No. AGFD0010.