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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Renewable Product Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #203593

Title: Carbohydrate Research at the USDA Laboratory in Peoria, Illinois

Author
item Cote, Gregory

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/29/2007
Publication Date: 3/29/2007
Citation: Cote, G.L. 2007. Carbohydrate research at the USDA laboratory in Peoria, Illinois [abstract]. American Chemical Society. HIST 49.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Founded in 1939 as one of four Regional Research Laboratories, the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) has gone by various labels over the years, including the Northern Regional Research Laboratory (NRRL) and the Northern Regional Research Center (NRRC). Although best known for its role in the development of penicillin, for which it was named an International Chemical Historic Landmark, NCAUR also has a long and distinguished history of significant contributions to the field of applied carbohydrate chemistry. Developments by carbohydrate researchers at NCAUR include dextran, leucrose, xanthan gum, phosphomannans, superabsorbent starch copolymers, key contributions to the production of high-fructose corn syrup, Trim technologies, Fantesk, and sucromalt, to name just a few. NCAUR carbohydrate scientists have been recipients of various awards for their work, including the Garvan medal, Wolfrom award, Isbell award, several R&D 100 awards, the Illinois Order of Lincoln award, and a number of USDA departmental awards. We will present a description of past accomplishments in the field of carbohydrate chemistry, and a brief overview of current activities, focusing on how and why Peoria, Illinois, became an international center for applied carbohydrate science.