Mrs Eleonora Muccio | Food Science and Technology | Research Excellence Award

University of Salerno | Italy

Mrs. Eleonora Muccio is an emerging researcher in food science whose work focuses on developing high-value, sustainable food ingredients derived from microalgae and alternative protein sources. With 11 citations, 1 h-index, and a growing portfolio of scholarly outputs, she contributes to advancing innovative technologies in food processing, protein extraction, and functional ingredient design. Her research explores the optimization of Spirulina-derived proteins through comparative extraction methods, including high-pressure homogenization and alkaline treatments, aiming to enhance yield, purity, and techno-functional properties for food applications. She has also investigated high-pressure homogenization effects on Arthrospira platensis proteins and contributed to studies on ionic-strength-driven gelation of insect protein extracts, offering insights relevant to the future of meat analogues and sustainable protein systems. Additional work includes designing high-protein, no-added-sugar pistachio spreads using oleogel fat replacers, demonstrating her interest in health-oriented food innovation. Her scientific activity is supported by participation in international conferences and workshops on food engineering and biotechnology, where she has presented posters on microalgae valorization and novel food formulations. Through her multidisciplinary contributions, she is helping expand the scientific understanding of environmentally friendly protein sources and advanced processing techniques that support next-generation functional foods and sustainable dietary solutions.

Featured Publications

Albanese, D., Lanza, R. F., Malvano, F., Marra, F., & Muccio, E. (2025). Exploring the potential of Acheta domesticus protein extracts for the future of meat analogues. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 118, 79–84. (DOI: 10.3303/CET25118014)

Lanza, R. F., Muccio, E., Malvano, F., Darvishikolour, M., Marra, F., Campanella, O. H., & Albanese, D. (2025). Tuning gelation of insect proteins: Effect of ionic strength on Acheta domesticus protein extracts. Preprint. (DOI: 10.20944/preprints202510.2015.v1)

Malvano, F., Muccio, E., Galgano, F., Marra, F., & Albanese, D. (2024). Design of a high protein, no added sugar pistachio spread using oleogel as fat replacer. LWT, Article 115993. (DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2024.115993)

Muccio, E., Lanza, R. F., Malvano, F., Marra, F., & Albanese, D. (2025). Impact of high-pressure homogenization on the technological properties of A. platensis (Spirulina) proteins for food applications. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 118, 7–12. (DOI: 10.3303/CET25118002)

Muccio, E., Lanza, R. F., Marra, F., Albanese, D., & Malvano, F. (2025). Proteins extraction and characterization in Spirulina biomass: A comparative study of high-pressure homogenization and alkaline methods. Foods, 14(22), 3942. (DOI: 10.3390/foods14223942)

Muccio, E., Lanza, R. F., Marra, F., Albanese, D., & Malvano, F. (2025). Protein extraction and characterization in Spirulina biomass: A comparative study of high-pressure homogenization and chemical method. Preprint. (DOI: 10.20944/preprints202510.1604.v1)

Dr. Rajni Kamboj | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Ch. Devi Lal State Institute of Engineering and Technology | India

Author Profile

Scopus

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Rajni Kamboj embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in Food Engineering and Technology. She completed her M.Tech. with distinction from Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, followed by a Ph.D. that focused on the characterization and quality evaluation of Indian honey. Her research interests were evident early on, shaping her future contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kamboj's professional career spans over two decades, primarily dedicated to teaching and research in Food Engineering and Technology. She progressed to hold significant roles in academia, including her current position where she continues to inspire and educate students.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Kamboj's research contributions are notable in the realm of food science, particularly in honey characterization, mass transfer kinetics, and nutritional profiling of legumes. Her work includes extensive publications in international journals and presentations at prestigious conferences, highlighting her expertise in optimizing food processing techniques and evaluating food quality parameters.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her career, Dr. Kamboj has received recognition for her scholarly achievements. Her research on honey quality and food processing has been published in renowned journals such as the International Journal of Food Science and Technology and the Journal of Food Science and Technology. She has also presented her findings at international and national conferences, earning accolades for her contributions to the field.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kamboj's research has made a significant impact on the understanding of food quality and processing methods, particularly in the context of Indian food products like honey and legumes. Her insights into mass transfer kinetics and nutritional benefits have contributed to advancements in food technology and safety assessment, influencing both academic research and industry practices.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Kamboj's legacy is characterized by her dedication to advancing knowledge in food engineering, fostering a culture of research excellence, and mentoring the next generation of food scientists. Her ongoing commitment to innovative research and academic leadership ensures continued contributions to the field, promising future advancements in food quality evaluation and processing methodologies.

Notable Publications

Sugar profile and rheological behaviour of four different Indian honey varieties 2020 (13)

Proximate composition, nutritional profile and health benefits of legumes – A review 2017 (95)

Mass Transfer Kinetic Study of Honey Based Apple Preserve through Osmotic Dehydration 2017 (3)

Chemometric classification of Northern India unifloral honey 2013 (7)

Eleonora Muccio | Food Science and Technology | Research Excellence Award

Mrs Eleonora Muccio | Food Science and Technology | Research Excellence Award

Featured Publications

Rajni Kamboj | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award