Young Researcher Award
| Rajat Chandel |
| Affiliation |
Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru |
| Country |
India |
| Google Scholar |
ZeO9bIMAAAAJ |
| Citations |
78 |
| h-index |
5 |
| i10-index |
4 |
| Specialization |
Food Science and Technology, Sustainable Food Packaging |
| Event |
Indian Scientist Awards |
Rajat Chandel
Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India
Rajat Chandel is an emerging Indian researcher in the field of Food Science and Technology currently serving as Senior Research Fellow at the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, India. His research primarily focuses on sustainable food packaging, food preservation technologies, post-harvest management, biodegradable packaging systems, and functional food processing. Through innovative research involving natural bioactive compounds, antimicrobial preservation systems, and sustainable packaging materials, he contributes toward enhancing food safety, extending shelf life, and promoting environmentally sustainable food technologies.
Abstract
Rajat Chandel is actively engaged in research involving sustainable food packaging technologies, food preservation systems, post-harvest processing, and functional food development. His work focuses on integrating natural bioactive compounds into packaging materials and food systems to improve food quality, safety, and shelf life. Through research on biodegradable packaging, active preservation technologies, and natural antimicrobial systems, he contributes toward environmentally sustainable and innovative solutions for the modern food industry.
Keywords
Food Science and Technology, Sustainable Food Packaging, Food Preservation, Post-Harvest Technology, Food Processing, Functional Foods, Biodegradable Packaging, Shelf-Life Enhancement, Food Safety, Antimicrobial Packaging.
Introduction
Food science research has increasingly focused on sustainable technologies that improve food quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and minimize environmental impact. The development of biodegradable packaging materials, active preservation systems, and bioactive food processing technologies represents a growing area of importance in modern food industries. Rajat Chandel’s research contributions address these emerging challenges through innovative approaches involving natural compounds, food preservation technologies, and environmentally sustainable packaging systems.
Research Profile
Rajat Chandel is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Biological Science with specialization in Food Technology at AcSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysuru, Karnataka, India. He completed his M.Sc. in Food Technology from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, and his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Horticulture from Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh.
He qualified the prestigious UGC-NET JRF examination in 2022, securing eligibility for Junior Research Fellowship and Assistant Professorship in India. His academic profile demonstrates strong engagement in food technology research, sustainable food processing, and packaging innovation.
Research Contributions
The research contributions of Rajat Chandel primarily focus on sustainable food preservation systems, active packaging technologies, bioactive food compounds, and post-harvest food processing. His work investigates the utilization of natural bioactive ingredients and essential oils for improving food shelf life, quality, and microbial safety.
His research also involves characterization of food structures using advanced analytical techniques such as FTIR, SEM, and ICP-AES. Through interdisciplinary approaches, he contributes to the development of eco-friendly food packaging technologies and value-added food products aligned with sustainability goals.
Publications
- Functionality enhancement of osmo-dried sand pear cubes using different sweeteners: quality, bioactive, textural, molecular, and structural characterisation, Journal of Food Measurement and Characterisation, 2023.
- Effect of blanching and dehydration on rheological, structural, functional and physicochemical properties of okra, Journal of Food Measurement and Characterisation, 2023.
- Phytochemical improvement of sand pear cubes through impregnation of spices and tea extract, Sustainable Food Technology, 2026.
- Bioactive compounds, health benefits and valorization of Pyrus pyrifolia (sand pear): a review, Nutrition & Food Science, 2023.
- The flower of Hypericum perforatum L.: A traditional source of bioactives for new food and pharmaceutical applications, Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, 2023.
- Blanching reimagined beyond enzyme inactivation: A multifunctional and sustainable approach to modern food processing, CABI Reviews, 2025.
Patents and Innovations
Rajat Chandel has contributed to innovations related to sustainable active food packaging systems and eco-friendly food preservation technologies. His published patent titled “Sustainable Active Packaging Carrier and Method for Preparation of the Same” focuses on improving food packaging performance using sustainable approaches.
He has also contributed to the development of anti-insect sponge sachets infused with essential oils for multi-insect protection, which represents an innovative natural preservation technology aimed at safer food storage and protection systems.
Research Impact
The research activities of Rajat Chandel contribute to modern advancements in sustainable food technology and environmentally responsible food systems. His publications in SCI and Scopus-indexed journals demonstrate growing academic recognition in food science and packaging research.
His work on active packaging, biodegradable materials, natural preservatives, and food quality enhancement supports industrial and environmental goals aimed at reducing food waste, improving food safety, and promoting sustainable processing technologies.
Award Suitability
Rajat Chandel’s academic profile, research achievements, and innovative contributions strongly align with the objectives of the Young Researcher Award under the Indian Scientist Awards framework. His work addresses important contemporary challenges in food technology, sustainable packaging, and food preservation.
His research publications, patents, conference presentations, and interdisciplinary scientific contributions demonstrate promising research excellence and innovation potential in the field of Food Science and Technology. His commitment toward sustainable and environmentally friendly food technologies further strengthens his suitability for this recognition.
Conclusion
Rajat Chandel is an emerging researcher in Food Science and Technology whose scholarly work contributes toward sustainable food preservation, packaging innovation, and post-harvest technology development. Through interdisciplinary research, scientific publications, and innovation-driven food technology solutions, he continues to contribute meaningfully toward safer, sustainable, and environmentally responsible food systems.
External Links
References
- R. Chandel et al. Functionality enhancement of osmo-dried sand pear cubes using different sweeteners: quality, bioactive, textural, molecular, and structural characterisation. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterisation, 2023.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11694-023-01894-9
- R. Chandel et al. Phytochemical improvement of sand pear cubes through impregnation of spices and tea extract. Sustainable Food Technology, 2026.
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2026/fb/d5fb00461f
- R. Chandel et al. Bioactive compounds, health benefits and valorization of Pyrus pyrifolia (sand pear): a review. Nutrition & Food Science, 2023.
https://www.emerald.com/nfs/article-abstract/53/7/1061/453765
- Sharma, K., Kumar, V., Rawdkuen, S., Kumar, S., & Chandel, R. Blanching reimagined beyond enzyme inactivation: A multifunctional and sustainable approach to modern food processing. CABI Reviews, 2025.
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabireviews.2025.0083