Research
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Title : | Development of a novel nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma reactor for the prevention of aflatoxin in food and agriculture products |
Area of research : | Physical Sciences |
Focus area : | Plasma Physics |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Reetesh Kumar Gangwar, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
Timeline Start Year : | 2024 |
Timeline End Year : | 2027 |
Contact info : | reetesh[at]iittp[dot]ac[dot]in |
Details
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Executive Summary : | India, with its vast arable land resources, is a major producer of various crops, including spices, pulses, milk, tea, cashew, and jute. However, concerns over food quality, particularly mycotoxins like aflatoxin, have led to concerns about the health effects of these contaminants. Aflatoxin, a carcinogenic mycotoxin, is found in wheat, rice, milk products, cereal products, chilli, and groundnuts. A report from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Lucknow states that 21% of groundnuts in India are unfit for use due to aflatoxin contamination. To address this issue, the proposal proposes the development of a novel atmospheric pressure nonthermal plasma reactor to prevent aflatoxin in agricultural food products. The technology will operate at atmospheric pressure, making it commercially viable. The project will optimize processing using a hybrid approach, including plasma characterization and reactive species quantification. The project will also study the effect of plasma exposure on food product nutritional quality. The project will collaborate with Renuka Bio Farm LLP to conduct in-field investigations. The outcome will benefit both farmers and consumers by offering efficient decontamination and removal of aflatoxin, establishing nonthermal plasma technology as a green alternative for agriculture and food processing in India. |
Co-PI: | Dr. shihabudheen Mundampra Maliyekkal Indian Institute Of Technology Tirupati,Yerpedu - Venkatagiri Road, Yerpedu Post,Andhra Pradesh,Tirupati-517619 |
Total Budget (INR): | 53,60,696 |
Organizations involved
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Implementing Agency : | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh |
Funding Agency : | Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) or science and Engineering Research Board (sERB) |
Source : | science and Engineering Research Board (sERB), DsT |