AgrInnovate

Important results from the project

The aim of the project was to develop technology to convert the two industrial side streams oat hulls and potato fiber into valuable products. Both side streams have been shown to be rich in dietary fiber and two product prototypes have been developed based on oat hulls. These can be expected to have positive health effects. It has been identified where in the process enzymatic modification could be added to provide improved properties to potato fiber, and promising results have been achieved on a lab scale.

Expected long term effects

Two product prototypes based on oat hulls have been developed. One consists of bleached, mainly insoluble dietary fiber and the other of soluble dietary fiber. High yields have been obtained in both processes. Application tests remain to be done. Funding for a continuation project will be sought. Opportunities to improve the properties of potato fiber with the help of enzymatic treatment have been identified. Continued work may show whether the methodology is robust enough for industrial use.

Approach and implementation

The project has focused on processing oat hulls from Lantmännen Ek. För. and potato fiber from Lyckeby Starch. Most of the practical work has been carried out at the Department of Biotechnology, Lund University. The industry parties have i.a. performed certain process steps, such as bleaching at Nouryon, and evaluated products obtained. ImmuneBiotech Medical Sweden has developed potentially health-promoting lactic acid bacteria grown on oat hull-based substrates.