Throughput is much faster, ethanol yields are higher, down time is greatly reduced, purification and concentration are simplified, equipment is much smaller for a given output, less floorspace is required, capital costs are reduced, yeast costs are reduced, systems are modular for greater flexibility, and by-product and waste management are greatly simplified. Dextrose is made from corn starch and is the final feedstock for most industrial fermentation processes, including ethanol production. The latter three components are not currently being separated in dry-grind ethanol production. Corn oil, of course, has many food and non-food uses. Zein likewise is the basis for several products, including high-quality, biodegradable plastic films now being perfected for commercial use at the University of Illinois.
Xanthophylls are pigments known to reduce or prevent age-related eye problems.
CMBs will be key components of corn processing in the future, and will be used to produce many diverse corn-based products safely, efficiently, and profitably. University of Illinois scientists are also conducting research on the performance of ethanol as a fuel and fuel additive. Detailed work on aspirating ethanol into both gasoline and diesel engines continues to yield engine design criteria and specifications. In addition, literally hundreds of studies were conducted on the use of various co-products as food, feed, fiber, fuel, and chemical feedstocks. This work will continue and increase in the future.