Divya | Food Science | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Divya | Food Science | Research Excellence Award

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | India

Dr. Divya is a postdoctoral researcher in biotechnology and food technology with expertise in medicinal plants, metabolomics, fermentation engineering, and bioactive compound discovery. Trained at leading institutions, her research integrates advanced analytical techniques, computational modeling, and pharmacological evaluation to develop functional, plant-based nutraceuticals. She has contributed to high-impact journals, book chapters, and holds a granted patent for a medicinal-plant-based beverage. Recognized with prestigious young researcher awards, her work bridges fundamental science with sustainable health and food innovations.

Research Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Choudhary, D., Naik, S. N., & Hariprasad, P. (2025). A novel approach for the optimization of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.) plant-based low alcohol nutra beverage production using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCIM 2428) in conjunction with artificial neural network and genetic algorithm (ANN-GA). Journal of Food Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-025-06275-2

Pathak, V. M., Rana, N., Pandey, S., Sarkar, A. K., Chauhan, A., Jindal, T., Sharma, M., Dewali, S., Bisht, S. S., & Choudhary, D., et al. (2024). Exploration of extremophiles: Potential applications in agriculture and soil health improvement utilizing extremophiles. In Extremophiles for sustainable agriculture and soil health improvement. Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-70203-7_5

Choudhary, D., Naik, S. N., & Hariprasad, P. (2023). Review on bioactive metabolites of Asparagus racemosus and its pharmacological significance. The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://doi.org/10.21048/ijnd.2023.60.4.34100

Choudhary, D. (2018). Development of alcoholic beverages of Punica granatum blend with Kalanchoe pinnata and Emblica officinalis using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Journal of Basic and Applied Engineering Research.

Sohel Shaikh | Fermentation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sohel Shaikh | Fermentation | Best Researcher Award

Pellucid Lifesciences PVT LTD | India

Dr. Sohel Shaikh is a bioprocess development scientist with extensive industrial and academic research experience. He has contributed significantly to microbial fermentation, upstream process optimization, and technology transfer across various healthcare and biopharmaceutical domains. Currently serving as a Manager in Research and Development, he has led teams working on probiotics, recombinant enzymes, fermentation-based active pharmaceutical ingredients, and nutraceuticals. His expertise extends to high-cell-density fermentation, strain improvement, and regulatory documentation for international submissions. With a strong commitment to innovation, he has advanced several projects from concept to commercial scale, bridging scientific research with industry applications.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid

Education

Dr. Shaikh holds a doctorate in Microbial Biotechnology, where his work focused on microbial processes with applications in plant growth promotion, disease resistance, and bioremediation. He also completed his master’s and bachelor’s studies in Microbiology, developing a strong foundation in microbial physiology, biotechnology, and applied microbiology. Alongside his formal degrees, he has earned postgraduate diplomas in Microbial Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, equipping him with interdisciplinary expertise. He has also attended advanced workshops and training programs on analytical instrumentation, chromatography, spectroscopy, and research methodologies. His academic journey provided both theoretical depth and practical training, preparing him for impactful contributions in industrial biotechnology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Shaikh has a proven track record in industrial biotechnology, working with leading organizations in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and bioprocessing sectors. He has successfully developed and optimized microbial fermentation processes, led R&D teams, and managed regulatory submissions for global health authorities. His career spans responsibilities in product development, technology transfer, and process scale-up, with active collaboration across production, quality assurance, and quality control departments. He has overseen clinical, preclinical, and regulatory compliance processes while guiding innovations in probiotics and microbial products. His leadership has facilitated the transition of laboratory research to pilot and commercial-scale manufacturing, strengthening organizational growth and market competitiveness.

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Shaikh has been recognized for his academic excellence and research contributions throughout his career. He earned top ranks in competitive doctoral entrance examinations and was awarded a research fellowship to pursue his doctoral work in microbial biotechnology. His research outcomes have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and have contributed to advancements in microbial process development and applications in healthcare. He has been invited to present his findings at workshops, training sessions, and academic seminars. These accolades reflect his dedication to scientific innovation, his commitment to advancing bioprocess technologies, and his ability to translate research outcomes into practical solutions.

Research Skills

Dr. Shaikh’s research expertise spans microbial fermentation, strain improvement, and statistical process optimization using design of experiments. He has extensive hands-on experience in upstream process development, media optimization, and high-cell-density cultivation. His skills extend to molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR, and protein purification, along with proficiency in analytical tools including HPLC, GC, GC-MS, and FTIR. He is adept at preparing GMP-compliant cell banks, dossiers, and technical documentation for regulatory submissions. With strong bioinformatics knowledge and statistical analysis skills, he integrates computational tools into experimental workflows. His research capabilities bridge fundamental microbiology with industrial applications for healthcare innovations.

Notable Publications

Role of hydrolytic enzymes of rhizoflora in biocontrol of fungal phytopathogens: an overview
Author: HP Jadhav, SS Shaikh, RZ Sayyed
Journal: Rhizotrophs: Plant growth promotion to bioremediation, 183-203
Year: 2017
Citations: 211

Role of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and their formulation in biocontrol of plant diseases
Author: SS Shaikh, RZ Sayyed
Journal: Plant microbes symbiosis: applied facets, 337-351
Year: 2014
Citations: 142

Modified chrome azurol S method for detection and estimation of siderophores having affinity for metal ions other than iron
Author: PR Patel, SS Shaikh, RZ Sayyed
Journal: Environmental Sustainability 1 (1), 81-87
Year: 2018
Citations: 113

Dynamism of PGPR in bioremediation and plant growth promotion in heavy metal contaminated soil
Author: PR Patel, SS Shaikh, RZ Sayyed
Journal: Indian J Exp Biol 54 (4), 286-290
Year: 2016
Citations: 97

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria: an eco-friendly approach for sustainable agroecosystem
Author: SS Shaikh, RZ Sayyed, MS Reddy
Journal: Plant, soil and microbes: volume 1: implications in crop science, 181-201
Year: 2016
Citations: 92

Conclusion

Dr. Shaikh’s career reflects a seamless blend of academic research and industrial expertise in microbial biotechnology and bioprocess development. His leadership in R&D has delivered impactful innovations in probiotics, enzymes, and fermentation-based products, meeting international regulatory standards. His academic background, combined with practical skills and regulatory knowledge, positions him as a valuable contributor to the global biopharmaceutical industry. With numerous publications, technical achievements, and team leadership experience, he continues to drive advancements in microbial processes and health-related applications. His work underscores a strong commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and the translation of biotechnology research into real-world benefits.