MAJOR RESEARCH PROGRAMES

Oilseeds Research

Basic technology development and expertise related to modern extractions and refining methodology for edible oils and fats (palm oil, rice bran oil etc.)
Downstream value added products/specialty products from oils and oil seeds for functional food application
Recovery of active phytochemicals for nutraceutical/ functional food application from oilseeds and their process streams
Chemical, biochemical and nutrietional characterization of oil seeds and derivatives
Scale up studies for the technology developed in bench level to pilot scale & demonstration plants

Novel process/product development based on fresh & dry spices and essential oil being botanicals for recovery of oils and oleoresins.
Isolation of active constituents dried natural colours from oleoresin
Chemical and biochemical investigations on spices and their derivatives
Studies on health benefits of spices

Process development for herbal extraction,bioactive phytochemicals and product formulations for nutraceuticals and functional foods.
Chemical finger printing of medicinal plants/herbal extracts
Activity guided fractionation and isolation of active compounds from plant materials
Evaluation of bioactivities for herbals and products by invitro-exvivo methods

Process/product development
Basic engineering, detailed engineering, techno-economic feasibility, fully engineered technology package and commercialization of the technology
Engineering consultancy for establishing processing plants in this area

Design/engineering consultancy, erection, and commissioning of industrial plants for agro-products.
Establishment of industrial plants for agro-waste management for the development of biodegradable cutleries and vegan leather.
Research activities pertaining to post-harvest management of agro products.
Development of scientifically validated nutraceutical products in RTE/RTC forms.
Food safety and consumer health— acrylamide studies, food toxicology etc.,
Pharmacological evaluation of bio-actives for lifestyle related disorders
Skill development short term courses and training programmesTechnology transfer/Technology licensing
Testing and analytical services

7.5 TPD ginger processing plant has been installed at Wayanad, Kerala (2016)
Three nos of 1 TPD vegetable processing unit has been set up for Kerala horticulture board at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala (2020).
Established 500 kg per day processing unit for production of biodegradable cutleries from wheat bran for a private industry in Ernakulam (2021).
Established 500 kg per day processing unit for production of biodegradable cutleries from rice wastes for a private industry in Thiruvananthapuram (2022).