PhD | Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee | India
Dr. Ram Kumar Deshmukh’s research work centers on advancing sustainable, intelligent, and high-performance food packaging systems through the development of innovative biopolymer-based materials, nanocomposites, active coatings, and smart indicators. His projects emphasize agro-waste valorization, edible films, antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging systems, ethylene and oxygen scavenging technologies, and the enhancement of barrier, mechanical, and functional properties in biodegradable films using halloysite nanotubes, micro-fibrillated cellulose, natural extracts, and clay-based composites. He has contributed extensively to the design of smart food packaging solutions, including temperature-sensitive labels, UV-blocking films, ethylene-scavenging indicators, and edible inks, targeting shelf-life extension, freshness monitoring, and real-time quality assessment of fresh produce. His experience includes hands-on involvement in laboratory-scale and pilot-scale packaging material development, optimization of heat-sealable and flexible films, and studies on the physicochemical, microstructural, antimicrobial, and antioxidant performance of biocomposites. He has also worked on sustainable cushioning materials derived from pine needle biomass, functionalized paper packaging reinforced with agro-waste, and natural phenolic-coated polyolefin films for active protection of food products. His research interests extend to natural antioxidants, essential oils, mucilage-based films, reinforced bioplastics, modified atmosphere packaging, carbon-dot applications, and microbial exopolysaccharide films, contributing to emerging trends in environmentally friendly packaging technologies. With strong experience in scientific publishing, peer-reviewing, and presenting research at national and international platforms, he actively contributes to global discussions on sustainable material innovation. His work reflects a commitment to creating eco-conscious packaging alternatives by integrating green chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomaterial engineering, while addressing industry-relevant challenges such as food spoilage, postharvest losses, and environmental impacts of conventional plastics. Through interdisciplinary collaborations and continuous exploration of functional agents from natural resources, he aims to advance next-generation active and intelligent packaging solutions that support food safety, quality preservation, and environmental sustainability.
Publications:
Rout, S., Tambe, S., Deshmukh, R. K., Mali, S., Cruz, J., Srivastav, P. P., Amin, P. D., et al. (2022). Recent trends in the application of essential oils: The next generation of food preservation and food packaging. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 129, 421–439.
Deshmukh, R. K., Akhila, K., Ramakanth, D., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2022). Guar gum/carboxymethyl cellulose based antioxidant film incorporated with halloysite nanotubes and litchi shell waste extract for active packaging. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 201, 1–13.
Deshmukh, R. K., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2024). Natural antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds for active food packaging applications. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 14(4), 4419–4440.
Siddiqui, S. A., Yang, X., Deshmukh, R. K., Gaikwad, K. K., Bahmid, N. A., & Munoz, R. C. (2024). Recent advances in reinforced bioplastics for food packaging–A critical review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 263, 130399.
Deshmukh, R. K., Kumar, L., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2023). Halloysite nanotubes for food packaging application: A review. Applied Clay Science, 234, 106856.
Tripathi, S., Kumar, L., Deshmukh, R. K., & Gaikwad, K. K. (2024). Ultraviolet blocking films for food packaging applications. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 17(6), 1563–1582.