Corn refining produces hundreds of products with thousands of uses, giving the industry an essential role in our everyday lives. It’s a versatile resource that can be used for just about everything – from making our food taste better and our cosmetics last longer, to making our cars safer and our medicines easier to swallow.

The kernel of innovation is everywhere – including in our office! Explore all the products corn is in below:


Biomedical Nanotechnology

Due to the unique size, shape and structure of the corn protein zein at the nanoparticle level, scientists are studying how it can deliver drugs that fight cancer.

3D Printing

As this new technology evolves, scientists are testing a wide range of injectable polymers, many of which contain cornstarch.

Cardboard Tubes

Paper towel and toilet paper tubes are glued into shape with a cornstarch adhesive called dextrin.

Chewy Candy with a Crunchy Shell

Dextrin in pan coated confections keeps the candy shell attached to the soft center.

BBQ Briquettes

Starch keeps charcoal briquettes firm and intact, especially during transportation and storage.

Antibiotics

Microorganisms that create antibodies are often fed corn-based glucose in the lab. Corn is responsible for more than 85 antibiotics, including penicillin.

Better Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is crunchier and healthier when the batter includes resistant dextrin, a cornstarch that cuts oil uptake, while keeping the meat moist.

Cardboard Box Manufacture

Starch-based glues bond corrugated boxboard and other paper layers together for strength and durability.

Baby Care Powder

Cornstarch is safer than talc for babies and can be added to the diaper area to protect skin from moisture.

Cattle Feed Supplements

Concentrated nutrients in water from the corn wet milling process add protein, energy and phosphorus to feed.

Chewing Gum

Mannitol, a low-calorie sweetener, prevents chewing gum from sticking to the wrapper.

Cat Food

Lysine is an essential amino acid for bone formation and growth as well as a healthy brain – especially for growing kittens.