Senior Scientist, Arjuna Naturals Pvt Ltd, India
Dr. Digambar Kavitake is a Senior Scientist at Arjuna Natural Pvt Ltd, working at ICMR-NIN in the Biochemistry Division under Dr. G. Bhanuprakash Reddy. He holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from Pondicherry University. His research focuses on Food Biotechnology, Food Microbiology, and Fermented Foods. Notable recognitions include the AMI-Young Scientist Award (2023), SERB-National Post-doctoral Fellowship, and multiple Best Poster Awards. Dr. Kavitake has been awarded various scholarships, including UGC-RGNF and ICAR-SRF. He is a member of several prestigious scientific societies like AFSTI, ASM, and AMI. 🧪🥼🍞🌾
Publication Profile
Google Scholar
Educational Qualifications
Dr. Digambar Kavitake holds a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from Pondicherry University (2021), with a thesis on the functional characterization of galactan exopolysaccharide from Weissella confusa. He completed his M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology (2015) with a remarkable CGPA of 9.43/10, specializing in areas like food chemistry, microbiology, and fermentation technology. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology (2015) and a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Savitribai Phule Pune University (2013). His academic journey is backed by a strong foundation in food science, biotechnology, and related fields. 📚🍽️🌱
Research and Employment Experiences
Dr. Digambar Kavitake is currently serving as a Senior Scientist at Arjuna Naturals Pvt Ltd. at the National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad, from March to August 2024. He previously worked as a SERB-National Post-Doctoral Fellow at ICMR-NIN, focusing on microbiome analysis and the prebiotic potential of wheat bran fiber (2022-2024). Additionally, he served as a Research Associate at Pondicherry University, working on glucan exopolysaccharide’s prebiotic and anti-obesity properties (2021-2022). His early career includes roles as a Technical Assistant at FCI (2016) and a Project Assistant at Pondicherry University (2015-2016). 🧑🔬🌾
Professional Recognitions, Awards, and Fellowships
Dr. Digambar Kavitake has earned numerous accolades throughout his career. In 2023, he received the prestigious AMI-Young Scientist Award for his outstanding contributions to Dairy and Food Microbiology. He was also honored with Best Poster Awards at notable conferences, including the SET-FEST 2023 and the 7th Bioprocessing India Conference in 2019. Dr. Kavitake was awarded the SERB-National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (2022-2024) at ICMR-NIN. Other recognitions include the CSIR NET and UGC Junior Research Fellowships, UGC-Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship in Food Microbiology, Pondicherry University Gold Medal, and the ICAR-SRF Award in Agricultural Biotechnology. 🏅🌾
Research Focus
Dr. Digambar Kavitake’s research primarily revolves around food science, specifically food microbiology and biotechnology. His work focuses on the characterization and application of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria, particularly Weissella confusa, in fermented foods. Key areas of his research include the prebiotic and antioxidant properties of bacterial EPS, their role in improving the technological, functional, and rheological properties of fermented products like yogurt, and their potential health benefits. He also explores the use of these biopolymers in food safety, emulsification, and oxidative stress alleviation, with applications in probiotics, food processing, and biotechnology. 🧬🍴
Publication Top Notes
- Recent developments on encapsulation of lactic acid bacteria as potential starter culture in fermented foods–A review
Cited by: 200
Year: 2018
- Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using bacterial exopolysaccharide and its application for degradation of azo-dyes
Cited by: 199
Year: 2017
- Characterization of a novel galactan produced by Weissella confusa KR780676 from an acidic fermented food
Cited by: 144
Year: 2016
- Bacterial exopolysaccharides for improvement of technological, functional and rheological properties of yoghurt
Cited by: 109
Year: 2021
- Probiotic characterization and antioxidant properties of Weissella confusa KR780676, isolated from an Indian fermented food
Cited by: 107
Year: 2018
- Overview of exopolysaccharides produced by Weissella genus–A review
Cited by: 80
Year: 2020
- Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts as Starter Cultures for Fermented Foods and Their Role in Commercialization of Fermented Foods
Cited by: 59
Year: 2018
- Physico-chemical characterization of galactan exopolysaccharide produced by Weissella confusa KR780676
Cited by: 57
Year: 2016
- Prebiotic potential of water extractable polysaccharide from red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Cited by: 51
Year: 2019
- Preferential growth stimulation of probiotic bacteria by galactan exopolysaccharide from Weissella confusa KR780676
Cited by: 37
Year: 2021
Conclusion
Dr. Digambar Kavitake exemplifies the qualities sought in the Best Researcher Award. His work in the areas of food biotechnology and fermentation has far-reaching implications for health and food industry advancements, making him an excellent choice for this honor.