Research & Development
Ferm Solutions researchers awarded grant to study aspects of celluose bio-conversion in 2007
Our Research & Development centers are located in Kentucky and perform a variety of fuel ethanol-related research focusing on the microbiology and biochemistry of fermentation as it applies to fuel ethanol production.
We are working on several different projects involving yeast improvement and new technologies for bacterial control. Our research is application based with technology transfer directed at industrial production of fuel ethanol in both starch and cellulose-based systems. In addition to improving yeast technology and new antimicrobial control strategies, we are working to develop new and better nutrient supplements to enhance yeast activity and fermentation efficiency.
The Potential of Corn Stalk Rot Fungi for Cellulosic Bioconversion in Fuel Ethanol Production
PI: Warren Lushia; CO-PI: E. Patrick Heist; Pikeville College
Our increasing dependence on a finite oil supply that is largely controlled by politically unstable regions of the world demands that we develop alternative fuel sources. The most immediately practical alternative fuel is ethanol, produced by fermentation of simple sugars derived from plant materials. Currently, the most economically feasible method for producing fuel ethanol uses starch from human and animal food sources, in particular corn.
Development of protocols for conversion of cellulosic biomass, instead of valuable grain, will be essential if we are going to produce ethanol that will be cheap and plentiful enough to replace our current need for oil. The structure of cellulose is complex, and contemporary industrial techniques require expensive chemical and/or enzymatic treatments to release fermentable sugars. A cheap and abundant source of cellulosic biomass is corn "stover" (stalks, leaves, shucks, and cobs).
Switchgrass research continues to advance in various parts of the world for potential fuel ethanol bio-mass conversion. Our researchers are supporting continued research and industry collaborations on multiple projects to advance bio-mass technology.
Day 1 Day 5
Cellulose research with corn stover
National and International fuel ethanol supply and support is our goal, however giving back to the community is important to the people at Ferm Solutions. We are active at the community-level in rural Appalachia and surrounding areas with education efforts including community education seminars, industry seminars, events at local schools and authoring articles for local newspapers to help strengthen public awareness about fuel ethanol production and uses.
DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains Solubles) Research
DDGS (Dried Distillers Grains Solubles) .fig.DGTC 07
DDGS are a by-product of fuel ethanol production created from mash left over after distillation of ethanol from the feedstock. DDGS have various applications and more markets are being discovered as the industry produces more DDGS.
DDGS have value!
- High Protein loose meal or wet meal (WDGS)
- 125% > energy value to corn
- Can lower animal feed cost when blended into diet
- Peak performance of animal diets are reached when 25%-40% of the diet is blended with DDGS
- Increased weight gain for animals (average 5% ADG (average daily gain)
- Various other nutrient and minerials are also enhanced in DDGS
Our research in DDGS & WDGS supports quality testing, production monitoring and residue research. Our partnership programs allow direct collaborations with the production of DDGS to provide research data for educational and industry value for the product.
Contact Ferm Solutions for more exciting information on R&D progress and support
