USDA research on value-added sorghum-based products

Authors: Hojilla-Evangelista, Milagros - Mila; Xu, Jingyuan - James; Biswas, Atanu; Selling, Gordon

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/2/2021
Publication Date: 9/4/2021
Citation: Hojilla-Evangelista, M.P., Xu, J., Biswas, A., Selling, G.W. 2021. USDA research on value-added sorghum-based products. Nebraska Sorghum Grain Board Catalyst 2.0 Entrepreneurial Program- Industry Panel Discussions (Online) Abstract. [abstract].

Interpretive Summary: Sorghum ranks fifth among cereals in terms of total worldwide production. Sorghum is a staple food, but livestock feed and export markets are the major users of sorghum grains. The current renewed interest in sorghum is a result of the growth of alternative plant-based proteins, such as gluten-free products. However, developing other novel sorghum-based products will expand its market and further boost the value of the crop. ARS researchers at Peoria, Illinois have developed or are creating such sorghum-based products by utilizing different components of the grain or plant. Sorghum flour was evaluated as protein extender in plywood adhesives. The sorghum flour-based adhesive had mixing properties and appearance that were superior to those of the industry adhesive and showed bond strength that equaled the industry standards. Sorghum stover is an agricultural waste with little economic value. Sorghum stover has value-added biodegradable materials including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin that are being developed for industrial and food uses, such as hydrogels, cosmetics, drug delivery agent, gelling/thickening agents and films. Cellulose is also a by-product after ethanol is made by fermentation of sorghum. This leftover cellulose will be converted to commercial products such as cellulose acetate and carbomethoxy cellulose (CMC), which will improve overall economics of sorghum ethanol production. Sorghum starch can be used to prepare amylose inclusion complexes, which may have value as pesticides and surface modifiers. Developing higher value uses for all parts of the sorghum plant will increase revenue for this crop.

Technical Abstract: Sorghum ranks fifth among cereals in terms of total worldwide production. Sorghum is a staple food, but livestock feed and export markets are the major users of sorghum grains. The current renewed interest in sorghum is a result of the growth of alternative plant-based proteins, such as gluten-free products. However, developing other novel sorghum-based products will expand its market and further boost the value of the crop. ARS researchers at Peoria, Illinois, have developed or are creating such sorghum-based products by utilizing different components of the grain or plant. Sorghum flour was evaluated as protein extender in phenol–formaldehyde-based plywood adhesive for sprayline coaters or foam extrusion. The sorghum flour-based adhesive had mixing properties and appearance that were superior to those of the standard wheat flour-based plywood glue and showed adhesion strength that met industry standards. Sorghum stover is an agricultural waste with little economic value. Sorghum stover has value-added biodegradable materials including cellulose, nano-cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin that are being developed for industrial and food uses, such as hydrogels, cosmetics, drug delivery agent, gelling/thickening agents and films. Cellulose is also a by-product after ethanol is made by fermentation of sorghum. This leftover cellulose will be converted to commercial products such as cellulose acetate and carbomethoxy cellulose (CMC), which will improve overall economics of sorghum ethanol production. Sorghum starch can be used to prepare amylose inclusion complexes, which may perform in the same fashion as corn starch and have value as emulsifiers, pesticides, and surface modifiers. Developing higher value uses for all parts of the sorghum plant will increase revenue for this crop.