Improved Conversion of Sugar Crops into Food, Biofuels, Biochemicals, and Bioproducts

Objective 1 Quantify the impact of new sugar processing aids (chemical oxidizers) in combination with existing ones (e.g., enzymes) on raw cane sugar manufacturing. The research in Objective 1 will address the following sub-objectives: 1.A Evaluation of oxidizing agents and amylase enzyme for the degradation of soluble and insoluble starch in sugarcane juice. 1.B Evaluation of oxidizing agents and dextranase enzyme to control microbial growth and dextran levels in sugarcane juice. 1.C Evaluation of oxidizing agents to reduce sessile microbial growth and film formation on equipment. Objective 2 Develop sustainable, commercially viable, biobased products from sugar cane and sugar beets byproducts (e.g., sugarcane bagasse, sugar beet pulp, clarifier mud/cake). The research in Objective 2 will address the following sub-objectives: 2.A Development of commercially sustainable biobased products from processing byproducts to improve soil health, reduce waste disposal costs for the U.S. sugar manufacturers, and address the food-water-energy nexus. 2.B Development of commercially sustainable biobased products from processing byproducts (bagasse and beet pulp) for high end horticulture products and soil health applications. 2.C Production of biobased polymers from sugarcane molasses, bagasse, and clarifier mud/cake. Objective 3 Enable commercially viable, renewable, biofuels and chemicals from sugar cane and sugar beet processing byproducts (e.g., molasses, clarifier mud/cake). The research in Objective 3 will address the following sub-objectives: 3.A Production of solvents and jet fuel pre-cursors from sugarcane molasses and clarifier mud/cake. 3.B Production of acetoin and 2,3-butanediol from molasses and sugar beet extract. 3.C Recovery of aconitic acid from sugarcane molasses and testing its potential for nematode bioactivity.