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Beer waste will become biofuel: scientists know how to turn used grain into protein and fiber
Scientists at Virginia Polytechnic have found a way to extract fiber and protein from leftover grain after brewing beer. Usually the leftover crops are processed and become livestock feed. But now the waste will become suitable for humans.
The study was led by Dr. Haibo Huangguo. Initially, barley from local breweries was used in scientific experiments. The raw material was soaked in an alkalose enzyme diluted with water. After that, in a wet state, the barley was ground. Then the crushed grains were passed through a sieve. This formed fiber and protein concentrate.
Dr. Huang notes that the resulting substance contains 83% protein compounds. The concentrate extracted from barley is suitable for use in food supplements. In addition, it can replace fishmeal used in the manufacture of fish feed.
But the discoveries did not end there. Scientists have found that the remaining raw materials are suitable for the production of biofuel. Based on previous experience, Dr. Haibo Huang, together with Joshua O'Hare, subjected the cellulose to sulfuric acid. Under its influence, the fiber was broken down and transformed into sugar. Special bacteria were added to it, which produced a substance called 2,3-butanediol. It is used in the manufacture of butanol fuel.
At the moment, scientists are focused on finding ways to turn development into large-scale production. Another challenge is to come up with enzymes, the cost of which will be more affordable.
It is worth noting that the technology of converting brewing waste into complete substances has already been carried out at Queen's University (Belfast). But as a result of manipulation, charcoal was obtained.
OXO previously wrote: Ghost Base in Antarctica: Research Without People
The study was led by Dr. Haibo Huangguo. Initially, barley from local breweries was used in scientific experiments. The raw material was soaked in an alkalose enzyme diluted with water. After that, in a wet state, the barley was ground. Then the crushed grains were passed through a sieve. This formed fiber and protein concentrate.
Dr. Huang notes that the resulting substance contains 83% protein compounds. The concentrate extracted from barley is suitable for use in food supplements. In addition, it can replace fishmeal used in the manufacture of fish feed.
But the discoveries did not end there. Scientists have found that the remaining raw materials are suitable for the production of biofuel. Based on previous experience, Dr. Haibo Huang, together with Joshua O'Hare, subjected the cellulose to sulfuric acid. Under its influence, the fiber was broken down and transformed into sugar. Special bacteria were added to it, which produced a substance called 2,3-butanediol. It is used in the manufacture of butanol fuel.
At the moment, scientists are focused on finding ways to turn development into large-scale production. Another challenge is to come up with enzymes, the cost of which will be more affordable.
It is worth noting that the technology of converting brewing waste into complete substances has already been carried out at Queen's University (Belfast). But as a result of manipulation, charcoal was obtained.
OXO previously wrote: Ghost Base in Antarctica: Research Without People