Zein:extraction, application, market and technology information

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Zein is a major storage protein and makes up approximately 45-50% of the protein found in corn
Corn gluten is subjected to the combination of enzymatic starch hydrolysis, alkaline treatment, alcohol washing and alcohol extraction to produce a substantially starch-free, deflavored and decolored zein which is suitable for use in foods and pharmaceuticals
Dry mill ethanol production leaves a by-product called Dry Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS). Zein, a protein in corn, is left in the DDGS. Removing the zein from DDGS, could increase the supply of this protein available for commercial uses
Zein is the main protein present in corn and is potentially a large co-product of the bio-ethanol industry
Zein applications include: specialty coatings for pharmaceutical tablets, candies, nuts, and paper products, chewing gum, adhesives and binders, ink, cosmetics, fibers and textiles, resins and biodegradable plastics and high-value biomedical application
Currently, zein can be extracted from corn gluten meal, a by-product of the wet milling process. However, current extraction and purification technologies are such that the price of zein limits current market applications. Yet, there are several technology companies/institutions currently working to develop an economically viable extraction and/or purification process.

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