Compositions and Methods for Producing Fermentation Products and Residuals

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods designed to increase value output of a fermentation reaction. In particular, the present invention provides a business method of increasing value output of a fermentation plant. The present invention also provides a modified fermentation residual of higher commercial value. Also provided in the present invention are complete animal feeds, nutritional supplements comprising the subject ferment residuals. Further provided by the present invention is a method of performing fermentation, a modified fermentative microorganism and a genetic vehicle for modifying such microorganism.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11 / 383,748 filed on May 16, 2006 which claims priority to benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 744,833 filed Apr. 13, 2006, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 797,431 filed May 3, 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The ethanol fuel industry is growing at a rapid pace. Numerous federal and state incentives, such as clean burning fuel programs, have fostered the exponential growth of more than five times over the past two decades. In 2004, high oil prices, a bumper corn crop, and limited processing capacity created new market opportunities and resulted in record production of more than 3.4 billion gallons of fuel ethanol. Today, ethanol represents the third largest market for U.S. corn. At this pace, fuel ethanol production is positioning itself as an integral part of rural economic development and environmental improvem...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a method for increasing the value output of a fermentation reaction by using a modified microorganism in a fermentation process. The modified microorganism can produce a higher commercial value output of fermentation residues, which are the products of the fermentation reaction. The residues can have a higher nutritional content, enriched in cofactors, hormones, proteins, preservatives, stabilization agents, nutraceuticals, vitamins, essential amino acids, and lipids. The modified microorganism can also increase the shelf life of the residues. The residues can be supplemented with a desirable flavor and packaged for use as animal feed or food supplement. The modified microorganism can also produce a higher amount of alcohol and essential amino acids in a fermentation reaction using a carbon-containing starting material. Overall, the invention provides a method for enhancing the value output of a fermentation reaction through the use of a modified microorganism.

Problems solved by technology

In 2004, high oil prices, a bumper corn crop, and limited processing capacity created new market opportunities and resulted in record production of more than 3.4 billion gallons of fuel ethanol.

While both types of facilities have similar operating costs, the dry grind facilities are usually smaller and require a lower initial investment, making their capital costs two to four times less per gallon.

If dried distillers grain sales lag behind the increasing production of ethanol, the current ethanol industry could be significantly affected.

Current ethanol production schemes by fermentation are far from being optimized.

While efforts have been directed to improve ethanol production, little research has been focused on enhancing the value output of the fermentation residuals including the distillers grain that contributes to a significant portion of the animal feed market.

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