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Recovering corn germ enriched in recombinant protein by wet-fractionation
Ilankovan Paraman1, Steven R Fox, Matthew T Aspelund
1Center for Crops Utilization Research, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-1061, USA.
Bioresource Technology
|September 4, 2009
Summary
Corn wet-fractionation efficiently recovers recombinant collagen proteins from transgenic corn germ. Quick-germ methods yield higher recovery and enrichment than traditional wet milling, enabling co-product utilization.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Agricultural Science
- Protein Biochemistry
Background:
- Transgenic corn is explored for producing recombinant proteins, specifically collagen-related peptides.
- Efficient recovery of these proteins from corn grain is crucial for industrial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate corn wet-fractionation methods for recovering recombinant collagen-related proteins expressed in the germ.
- To compare the efficiency and recovery rates of quick-germ fractionation versus traditional wet milling.
Main Methods:
- Utilized transgenic corn lines expressing human collagen type-I-alpha-1 (rCIalpha1) or its fragment.
- Applied quick-germ fractionation (water or SO2-lactic acid steeping) and traditional wet milling.
- Analyzed protein distribution in botanical parts and recovery efficiencies.
Main Results:
- Recombinant proteins were primarily located in the germ (62-64%).
- Quick-germ fractionation recovered 40-43% of germ proteins, achieving a 6-fold enrichment.
- Traditional wet milling yielded lower recovery (24-26%) but higher germ purity.
Conclusions:
- Quick-germ fractionation is a more efficient method for recovering recombinant collagen proteins from transgenic corn germ.
- This process minimizes protein loss and enhances downstream processing viability.
- Fractionation enables the use of co-products for biofuels and biorenewable chemicals.
