| Title |
Towards a Valorization of Corn Bioethanol Side Streams: Chemical Characterization of Post Fermentation Corn Oil and Thin Stillage |
| ID_Doc |
13682 |
| Authors |
Di Lena, G; Ondrejícková, P; del Pulgar, JS; Cyprichová, V; Jezovic, T; Lucarini, M; Boccia, GL; Nicoli, SF; Gabrielli, P; Aguzzi, A; Casini, I; Caproni, R |
| Title |
Towards a Valorization of Corn Bioethanol Side Streams: Chemical Characterization of Post Fermentation Corn Oil and Thin Stillage |
| Year |
2020 |
| Published |
Molecules, 25, 15 |
| Abstract |
First-generation biofuel biorefineries may be a starting point for the development of new value chains, as their by-products and side streams retain nutrients and valuable molecules that may be recovered and valorized for high-value applications. This study provides a chemical characterization of post-fermentation corn oil and thin stillage, side streams of dry-grind corn bioethanol production, in view of their valorization. An overall long-term study was conducted on the two co-products collected over 1 year from a bioethanol plant. Water content, acid value, sedimentation, mineral composition, and fatty acid profiles were analyzed on post-fermentation corn oil. Results highlighted that its acid value was high (19.72-24.29 mg KOH/g), indicating high levels of free fatty acids, but stable over the year due to standardized operating conditions. The fatty acid profile was that typical of corn oil, with a prevalence of linoleic (54-59% of total fatty acids) over oleic (23-27%) and palmitic (12-17%) acids. Macronutrients, fatty acid, and mineral profiles were investigated in thin stillage. Results revealed the acidic pH (4.05-4.68) and high dilution (90-93% water) of this side stream. The dry mass was composed of fats (19-30%), proteins (8.8-12.8%), ash (8.7-9.5%), and fiber (7.3-9.8%). The concomitant presence of a variegate complex of molecules of nutritional interest in corn bioethanol co-products, with several potential high-value market applications, make the perspective of their recovery a promising strategy to create new cross-sector interconnections according to circular economy principles. |
| PDF |
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/25/15/3549/pdf?version=1596676487
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