Digambar Kavitake | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Digambar Kavitake | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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.

 

Ana Maria Naranjo Durán |food science | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Ana Maria Naranjo Durán |food science | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Ana María Naranjo Durán has demonstrated exceptional research and academic prowess in the field of pharmaceutical and food sciences. Her work on the optimization and microencapsulation of bioactive compounds, particularly from Colombian fruits and annatto seeds, offers significant contributions to health and food preservation research. With several high-impact publications and an active role in academic conferences, Dr. Naranjo Durán stands out as a promising scientist.

Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education

PhD in Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences,University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia (August 2020 – Present),Master in Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences,University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia (February 2017 – December 2019),Bachelor’s Degree in Food Engineering,University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia (May 2010 – July 2016)

💼 Experience 

Investigator,Toxinology, Therapeutic and Food Alternatives Research Group, University of Antioquia (August 2016 – Present),Standardized analytical methods for functional ingredients and natural food preservatives.,Developed encapsulation systems.,Designed and implemented research projects.,Professor,Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, University of Antioquia (February 2017 – Present),Advised undergraduate research projects.,Taught Unit Operations II Laboratory and Integrated Laboratory of Operations in Heat and Mass Transfer.,Product Engineer Student,Noel Company S.A.S. (January 2016 – July 2016),Conducted statistical analysis of product development trials.,Formulated a research project on child nutrition.,Prepared product labels, including nutritional and ingredient details.

 

Skills:

Research and development of bioactive compounds and functional ingredients.Analytical method standardization.,Microencapsulation techniques and optimization.,Food product development and statistical analysis.,Academic teaching and student mentorship.

 

🏆 Awards and Honors 

  • Presented at prestigious conferences, including the 37th EFFoST International Conference (2023, Spain).
  • Delivered oral presentations at several Iberoamerican Food Engineering Congresses.

 

🔬 Research Focus

Optimization and encapsulation of bioactive compounds from natural sources.,Development of natural food preservatives and functional food ingredients.,Evaluation of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and bioaccessibility properties of Colombian fruits and annatto seeds.

Conclusion

Dr. Ana María Naranjo Durán is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her strong academic foundation, impactful research, and contributions to the scientific community make her a deserving nominee. However, enhancing public outreach and expanding interdisciplinary collaborations could further amplify the societal relevance and application of her work.

Publication

  • Salinas-Restrepo, C., Naranjo-Duran, A.M., Quintana, J., Hoyos Palacio, L.M., Segura, C.
    • Title: Short Antimicrobial Peptide Derived from the Venom Gland Transcriptome of Pamphobeteus verdolaga Increases Gentamicin Susceptibility of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
    • Journal: Antibiotics, 2024, 13(1), 6
    • Citations: 2
    • Open Access: Yes

 

  • Naranjo-Durán, A.M., Quintero-Quiroz, J., Ciro-Gómez, G.L., Barona-Acevedo, M.-J., Contreras-Calderón, J.D.C.
    • Title: Characterization of the Antioxidant Activity, Carotenoid Profile by HPLC-MS of Exotic Colombian Fruits (Goldenberry and Purple Passion Fruit) and Optimization of Antioxidant Activity of This Fruit Blend
    • Journal: Heliyon, 2023, 9(7), e17819
    • Citations: 1
    • Open Access: Yes

 

  • Naranjo-Durán, A.M., Quintero-Quiroz, J., Rojas-Camargo, J., Ciro-Gómez, G.L.
    • Title: Modified-Release of Encapsulated Bioactive Compounds from Annatto Seeds Produced by Optimized Ionic Gelation Techniques
    • Journal: Scientific Reports, 2021, 11(1), 1317
    • Citations: 21
    • Open Access: Yes

 

  • Quintero Quiroz, J., Naranjo-Duran, A.M., Silva Garcia, M., Ciro Gomez, G.L., Rojas Camargo, J.J.
    • Title: Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Annatto Seeds, Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity, and Identification of Main Compounds by LC/ESI-MS Analysis
    • Journal: International Journal of Food Science, 2019, 2019, 3721828
    • Citations: 49
    • Open Access: Yes

 

  • Durán, A.M.N., Quiroz, J.Q., Gómez, G.C.
    • Title: Optimization of the Leaching of Bioactive Compounds Contained in Seeds of Bixa orellana L. (Achiote)
    • Journal: Revista Cubana de Plantas Medicinales, 2017, 22(4)
    • Citations: Not available
    • Open Access: Not specified