Research Projects

To position NIT Raipur as a national leader in sustainable food engineering, this proposal introduces a pioneering, multi-phase roadmap to develop, optimize, and validate Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) technology tailored to Indian food matrices. The initiative addresses a critical gap in India’s food processing landscape that are both nutritionally sensitive and economically viable. A. Novelty & Strategic Gap Addressed While global research on PEF is well-established, its contextual adaptation to Indian food systems—characterized by high perishability, diverse rheology, and regulatory complexity—remains underexplored. This proposal fills that void by: i. Targeting indigenous food matrices (e.g., mango pulp, lassi, sugarcane juice) with unique physicochemical profiles. ii. Developing modular, low-cost PEF systems designed and fabricated locally to ensure affordability and accessibility. iii. Integrating techno-economic and regulatory frameworks from inception, enabling smoother industry adoption and FSSAI alignment. iv. Embedding capacity-building and technology transfer mechanisms to empower food processors, startups, and regulators. This convergence of engineering innovation, regulatory foresight, and translational impact will uplift the department’s research stature and project NIT Raipur as a hub for indigenous food tech innovation. B.Methodological Phases 1. Selection of Target Foods Prioritized based on perishability, nutritional value, and market relevance. Physicochemical profiling (pH, conductivity, viscosity) will guide PEF parameterization. 2. PEF System Design A pilot-scale, tunable system will be developed with integrated flow control, treatment chambers, sensors, and safety protocols. 3. Protocol Development SOPs for each matrix will include microbial load testing, nutritional assays, sensory evaluation, and shelf-life analysis. 4. Process Optimization DOE and RSM will identify optimal conditions for microbial inactivation and nutrient retention, minimizing energy input and quality degradation. 5. Scale-Up & Validation Continuous flow trials will simulate industrial conditions, benchmarked against thermal pasteurization for reproducibility and efficacy. 6. Techno-Economic Feasibility ROI modeling, energy audits, and LCA will assess commercial viability, especially for SMEs. 7. Regulatory Alignment Safety data will be compiled into a regulatory dossier, with proactive engagement with FSSAI to ensure compliance. 8. Indigenous Equipment Design Collaboration with Indian engineering partners will enable modular, cost-effective system fabrication for wide dissemination. 9. Dissemination & Capacity Building Knowledge will be shared via publications, workshops, and manuals. Technology transfer kits will support industry adoption. 10. Monitoring & Evaluation A robust M&E framework with KPIs, quarterly reviews, and external audits will ensure accountability and impact tracking. It aligns with the national mission of food preservation and SDG.