Dr. Surekha Bhatia is currently serving as Principal Biochemist at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, where she joined as an Assistant Professor in 2005. She holds a B.Sc. from Government College for Women, Ludhiana, and completed her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from PAU. With specialization in plant biochemistry, her research focuses on the extraction and characterization of valuable components from agro-processing waste, purification of enzymes, and shelf-life enhancement of fruits and vegetables. She has contributed significantly to projects involving the development of eco-sweeteners from corn and bajra by-products, AI-based systems for detecting rice ageing, and improving the nutritional profile and storage stability of indigenous millet flours. Dr. Bhatia has published extensively in high-impact journals, including Phytochemistry Reviews, Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, and Algal Research. A recipient of the University Merit Fellowship and Fellow of the Indian Society of Agricultural Biochemists, she is recognized for her contributions to sustainable biochemistry research.

Professional Accomplishments: 

Research Projects:

• Development of Process Protocol for Production of Eco Sweetener (Xylitol) from By-product ofCorn and Bajra
• Development of AI Based System for Rapid Detection of Rice Ageing.
• Development of process protocol for anti-nutrient free indigenous millet flours with storage stability and enhanced nutrient availability
• Extraction and characterization protein concentrates from leaves of tuber crops

Research Publications :

1. Kaur M, Bhatia S, Kalsi B S and Phutela U G (2024) Unveiling the biomass conversion potential: study on drying methods’ infuence on polyphenols and linked antioxidant activities in euryhaline microalgal biomass with AI‑predicted drying kinetics. Biomass Conversion and Biorefnery https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-024-05533-1
2. Thakiyal S, Bhatia S, Kaur C, Phutela UG, Alam M S and Sharma R (2024) Bioenzyme mediated hydrodistillation (BMHD) for extraction of mint oil from menthe leaves: improvement in yield and menthol content. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering .https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-024-03041-0
3. Kaur M, Bhatia S, Gupta U, Decker, E, Tak Y, Bali M and  Bala, S. (2023). Microalgal bioactive metabolites as promising implements in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals: inspiring therapy for health benefits. Phytochemistry Reviews.22 : 903-933.
4. Kaur M, Bhatia S, Bayram I, Decker E A and Phutela U G (2023) Oxidative stability of emulsions made with self-extracted oil from euryhaline microalgae. Spirulina and Scenedesmus. Algal Research. 75: 103280
5. Kaur, G and  Bhatia S. (2022) Alpha-amylase-assisted extraction of protein concentrates from Raphanus sativus L. leaves. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 1-15.

Awards and Recognition:

1. University Merit Fellowship during MSc, PhD
2. Fellow of The Indian Society of Agricultural Biochemists