19th Annual Student Research Conference
Science
Use of Protease in Isolating Starch for a High Amylose Breeding Project
Eric N. Wittrock
Dr. Mark Campbell, Faculty Mentor
High amylose corn has several qualities which can be used in consumer goods. Corn containing a substantial amount of this starch can be used to make plastics and increase the fiber content in food. In order for this to be practical for producers, hybrids must be produced and the kernels analyzed for their amylose content. Analysis of many samples is required making it a long and tedious process. In addition it requires the use of toluene to remove protein. Toluene is a known irritant and has been linked several human illnesses. In this experiment we tested the method requiring toluene with a method using the enzyme protease instead. Final products of the two methods were then analyzed using a colorimetric amylose procedure. Data from the new method correlated well with the data gathered on from the old method, suggesting the effectiveness of protease in isolating pure starch.
Keywords: Starch, Protease, Amylose, Corn, Toluene
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 60-55
Location: OP Lobby and Atrium
Time: 4:15