Multiple Enhanced-Value Co-Products from Regionally Important Oilseed Feedstocks
Grant
Overview
abstract
This project addresses creating enhanced-value products from one feedstock of particular importance to the Pacific Northwest, oilseeds. Brassicaceae oilseed crops including rapeseed, mustard, and camelina exhibit rotational and environmental quality benefits making them excellent choices as rotational crops for the production of advanced liquid biofuel feedstocks, however unacceptable grower returns limit feedstock production. Value-added co-product development is the only avenue available for developing a liquid biofuels industry from oilseeds grown. Our overall goal is to ensure economic viability of liquid biofuels production from rapeseed, mustard, and camelina by developing enhanced-value co-products from the seed meals remaining after oil expression and glycerol generated during biodiesel production. To accomplish this goal, we will 1)
extract compounds from Brassicaceae seed meals for use as biopesticides, simultaneously increasing the nutritional value of the residual seed meals as a protein source for animals; 2) utilize Brassicaceae seed meals as sources for antioxidants and other bioactive compounds to enhance human health; and 3) convert glycerol hydrothermally to short-chain, primary monohydric alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol, or a mixture of both. Alcohols from glycerol will can be cycled back into biodiesel production or used to extract biopesticides from the seed meals. Successful completion of this project will promote the development of entirely new industries related to biofuels and bioproducts, thereby helping to revitalize agricultural communities. At the same time, agricultural sustainability will be promoted, human health enhanced, and a liquid biofuels industry will gain economic viability in
the Pacific Northwest.
