Available Technologies

Executive Summary

Soymeal is a widely used animal feed supplement due to its high protein content and low cost. However, studies have shown the high levels of saponins in the soymeal can limit the its use in higher levels of animal feed. Researchers at Michigan State University have recently developed an efficient process that can remove both the isoflavone and saponin content from soymeal, providing an improved soymeal and a stream of isoflavone and saponin for various uses.

Description of the Technology

The technology is based on a solvent extraction process whereby of saponin and isoflavones are significantly reduced in the improved soymeal and recovered as a produce stream for further use. Experiments have been currently conducted at lab scale and animal feed studies are planned.

Benefits

• 83% reduction in saponin down to 0.07% in the product
• 57% reduction in isoflavone down to 0.16% in the product
• Maintains nutritional consistency (fat, protein) of the soymeal
• Recovered saponins and isoflavones can be used for other applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries
• Allows higher levels of soymeal in animal feed products

Applications

• Cattle feed and swine feed
• Fish feed as a replacement for fish-based protein
• Potential for use in human soymeal products

Patent Status

• Patent pending

Licensing Rights

Full licensing rights available

Reference

McArdle, Aidan. Isolation and Evaluation of Saponin Extract from Soymeal as a Naturally Occurring Coupling Agent for Fiber-Based Biocomposites for Food Packaging, Michigan State University, Thesis 2024. ProQuest,

Inventors

Dr. Eva Almenar, Aidan McArdle, Haile Duguma, Dr. Eric Gurzel

TECH ID

TEC2024-0064