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Optimization and Characterization of Dried Distiller Grains With Solubles as a Sustainable Protein Isolate
Muhammad Haris1, Ademola Hammed1,2
1Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Optimized extraction yields high-protein concentrates from distillers grains (DDGS). DDGS proteins are heat-stable and suitable for ruminant diets, unlike soy protein isolate (SPI).
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biotechnology
- Sustainable Resources
Background:
- Growing demand for sustainable protein sources.
- Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as a potential protein source.
- Need for characterization of DDGS proteins compared to soy protein isolate (SPI).
Purpose of the Study:
- Optimize protein extraction from DDGS using response surface methodology.
- Characterize extracted DDGS proteins.
- Compare DDGS proteins with SPI in terms of structure, thermal properties, and nutrition.
Main Methods:
- Response surface methodology for extraction optimization.
- Proximate analysis, SDS-PAGE, TGA, DSC, FTIR, and amino acid profiling for characterization.
- Comparative analysis with SPI.
Main Results:
- Optimized extraction yielded ~23% protein concentrate (65.21% crude protein).
- DDGS proteins showed fragmentation and higher thermal stability than SPI.
- SPI had a superior essential amino acid profile; DDGS proteins are rich in glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and branched-chain amino acids, suitable for ruminants.
Conclusions:
- Optimized extraction effectively isolates high-protein DDGS concentrates.
- DDGS proteins are a sustainable alternative for livestock, particularly ruminants.
- SPI is ideal for human food formulations; DDGS proteins are suitable for animal feed.
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