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Protocols & Assays

At the Postharvest and Agroprocessing Research Centre (PARC), we employ a wide array of established protocols and assays to support comprehensive quality assessment and innovation in postharvest and agroprocessing research. These protocols are designed to ensure the highest standards of analysis and the development of advanced technologies for food preservation, processing, and value addition.

Our expertise include:

Quality Assessment Protocols

  • Physical Quality Assessment: Evaluation of key parameters such as texture, firmness, color, and weight to determine the physical integrity and marketability of produce.
  • Chemical Quality Assessment: Analysis of pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids content, and other chemical markers to assess product quality and shelf life.
  • Physiological Response Monitoring: Measurement of respiration rate and ethylene production to assess metabolic activity, ripening and senescence processes in climacteric fruits, and their impact on shelf life. Assessment of weight loss to evaluate the effectiveness of storage conditions and preservation technologies.

Advanced Analytical Techniques

  • Cell Wall, Cuticle, and Enzyme Analyses: Detailed examination of structural components and enzymatic activities affecting produce texture, preservation, and degradation.
  • Phytochemical Analysis: Quantification of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids.

Functional Activity Evaluation

  • Antioxidant Activity Evaluation: Comprehensive analysis using a range of assays such as DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS to measure the free radical-scavenging potential of extracts.
  • Antimicrobial Assays: Testing the efficacy of plant extracts, coatings, and nanomaterials against bacterial and fungal pathogens.

Innovative Material Synthesis and Processing

  • Green Synthesis of Metal Oxide Nanomaterials and Carbon Dots: Sustainable approaches to develop nanomaterials for food preservation and other applications.
  • Customised Encapsulation Protocols: Encapsulation techniques for polyphenolic-rich extracts to enhance stability, bioavailability, and controlled release.
  • Customised Freeze-Drying Protocols: Tailored freeze-drying methods optimized for various commodities to retain nutritional and phytochemical quality.

Plant-Based Innovations

  • Plant Extraction Techniques: Advanced methodologies to extract bioactive compounds from plant-based materials for use in food preservation, agroprocessing and nanotechnology.
  • Formulation of Composite Coatings and Nano-Emulsions: Development of innovative coatings and emulsions for extended shelf life and improved quality of fresh produce.