Biopolymers and processes for making same

Abstract

A dried distiller soluble based biopolymer, processes for forming the biopolymer, and articles of manufacture thereof. The produced dried distillers solubles derives from co-products of corn fermentation facilities and is comprised in part of water-soluble proteins. A biopolymer consists essentially of dried distillers solubles, and an article of manufacture includes a biopolymer consisting of dried distillers solubles and an optional additive. The process of forming dried distiller solubles involves separating whole stillage into a liquid fraction and a solid fraction, wherein the liquid fraction comprises water soluble proteins in an amount greater than the solid fraction, and wherein the solid fraction has a higher solid content than the liquid fraction. The liquid fraction is sprayed at an elevated temperature to remove at least a portion of moisture in the liquid fraction and form particles and granules of the liquid fraction. Addition moisture is removed from the particles and granules in a fluidized bed to form dried distillers solubles, wherein the particles and granules are heated to a temperature less than 300° F. and have a residence time effective to reduce the moisture content of the dried distillers solubles to less than 20 percent to greater than 3 percent by weight.