Significant decrease in WAI and slight increase in WSI are indications
that extrusion may accelerate degradation of corn fiber
structure and release of water soluble compounds. Difference in
color value enhanced reducing sugar formation as a result of the
Maillard reaction by thermo-mechanical shear of corn fiber. Recovery
of cellulose and removal of hemicelluloses lead to greater
exposure of extruded DCF to enzymatic saccharification. Extrusion
also decreased crystallinity and degree of polymerization which
determines the hydrolysis of destarched corn fiber. Increase in
protein digestibility and free amino nitrogen are additional benefits
of extrusion for yeast nutrient in the fermentation process. Therefore,
thermo-mechanical extrusion described here represents
valuable pretreatment for modification of the characteristics of DCF
for lignocellulosic ethanol production.