Food Engineering
Millet processing
Food Science and Technology
133
Scopus Publications
3607
Scholar Citations
32
Scholar h-index
73
Scholar i10-index
Scopus Publications
Characterization of soy albumin based water-in-water emulsion and its application for entrapment of quercetin from onion peel waste A. D. Srikanth Tangirala, Prakyath Shetty, Karthimol Anilkumar, C. K. Sunil, R. Jagan Mohan, Ashish Rawson BMC Chemistry, 2026 This study characterizes water-in-water (W/W) emulsions, consisting of two immiscible water phases formulated using soy albumin with locust bean gum, guar gum, or xanthan gum as sustainable alternatives to traditional emulsions reliant on synthetic stabilizers. The emulsions were tested at varying protein-polysaccharide ratios, the 60:40 ratio of soy albumin and LBG (SL-6) exhibited optimal properties, including the smallest particle size (0.250 ± 0.015 μm), lowest interfacial tension (1.531 ± 0.061 mN/m), and superior rheological behavior. Stability was observed over 0-52 h, with SL-6 showing the lowest decay rate constant (k = 15.120 s⁻¹). The Power Law model was applied to characterize the emulsions' non-Newtonian flow behavior, analyzing the consistency index (K) and flow behavior index (n). Emulsions exhibited higher R² values confirmed the model's accuracy in describing rheological properties. Microstructural analysis was conducted using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Further in this study, SL-6 was applied as a green solvent for entrapping quercetin from onion peel waste, showing equivalent entrapment and better bioavailability compared to conventional solvent-Ethanol. Thushighlighting the SL-6 emulsion's potential as an effective green solvent for quercetin entrapment, addressing the environmental and health risks associated with conventional solvent-based methods.
Enhancing the Stability of Wax-Based Oleogels Through Post-Process Thermal Treatments: A Comparative Study of Conventional, Microwave, and Infrared Heating Techniques K. Sandhya, C. K. Sunil, Venkatachalapathy Natarajan Journal of Food Process Engineering, 2026 Oiling out remains a major limitation affecting the storage stability of wax‐based oleogels. This study investigates the influence of post‐process thermal treatment using microwave (MW) and infrared (IR) heating on the structural and stability characteristics of sunflower wax (SFW)‐based oleogels formulated with chia seed oil (CSO) and groundnut oil (GNO) (95%–97% oil content). Compared to conventionally prepared oleogels, MW‐treated samples exhibited significantly enhanced rheological behavior, firmness, and thermal stability. The post‐process thermal treatments promoted melting followed by recrystallization, resulting in improved crystal network organization. Image analysis of polarized light micrographs using ImageJ software revealed a significant reduction in the inter‐crystalline void fraction, indicating the formation of a denser crystalline network. A reduction of approximately 66% in porosity and 65% in crystal size was observed, leading to the formation of a compact three‐dimensional network. XRD analysis further indicated orthorhombic subcell network after MW treatment. DSC thermograms showed significantly higher melting enthalpies, reflecting improved thermodynamic stability. Although higher wax concentrations improved gel strength, post‐treatment using MW was more effective in enhancing structural stability. These findings demonstrate the potential of MW‐assisted post‐processing as an efficient strategy to improve the integrity and application of SFW‐based oleogels as healthier fat replacers.
Impact of Hydrocolloids on Functional and Rheological Properties of Pearl Millet Flour: Textural, Sensory Attributes, and In Vitro Digestibility of Pearl Millet Balls Pratik Pande Prakash, Chandrasekar Veerapandian, G. Suba, Subhasri Dharmaraj, C. K. Sunil, Baskaran Nagarethinam, Ashish Rawson Journal of Food Process Engineering, 2026 Pearl millet balls (PMB) were developed to counteract tapioca balls (TB), which are made up of starch. However, the PMB were less accepted by consumers due to their poor textural properties, particularly in terms of surface integrity. To improve the properties and consumer acceptability, hydrocolloids, namely carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC—water‐soluble, cellulose‐derived polymer), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), and guar gum (GG), were added to pearl millet flour at three proportions (0.5, 1, and 2 g parts of hydrocolloid per 100 parts of flour). The hydrocolloids added to the flour altered its characteristics and textural and sensory properties, as well as the in vitro digestibility of the balls. The addition of hydrocolloids significantly reduces starch digestibility in PMB by increasing viscosity, which was revealed in a rheological study. Hydrocolloid‐added pearl millet balls showed an absence of cracks and fissures, with 2 g of CMC/100 g of PMF having optimal hardness (908–2064 g) and minimal cooking loss (4.86%–5.14%). Rapidly digestible starch declined from 62% to 46% when studied in combination with hydrocolloids. Carboxymethyl cellulose (2 g) added PMB showed a similar resemblance to TB, as indicated by their pasting properties, rheological studies and sensory analysis, with higher consumer acceptance than the 0.5 and 1 g concentrations. These hydrocolloids added to PMB exhibited better textural properties and were consumer acceptable.
Economic Importance of Valorizing Waste for Bioactive Extraction and Its Industrial Applications P. Krishnakumar, C. Indumathi, C. K. Sunil, N. Venkatachalapathy Non Thermal Approaches in Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Diverse Food Sources, 2026 Large quantities of waste, primarily consisting of peels and occasionally seeds (accounting for 90-92%), are generated during the processing of fruits and vegetables. These waste materials are rich in bioactive compounds, which offer significant potential for valorization. The extraction and utilization of these valuable compounds is central to the process of waste peel valorization and finds extensive applications as additives in both the pharmaceutical and food industries. This review focuses on methods used to extract bioactive compounds from fruit and vegetable waste peels, with a particular emphasis on non-thermal extraction techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Furthermore, this chapter highlights the importance of leveraging modern, efficient extraction technologies to valorize these abundant, low-cost waste materials, promoting economical alternatives, environmental protection, and the development of a circular economy.
Evaluation of Drying Kinetics and Quality Assessment of Desiccated Coconut Produced by Conventional Hot-Air Drying Method Panoth Abhirami, Taruna Varghese, C. K. Sunil, Venkatachalapathy Natarajan Journal of Food Process Engineering, 2026 This study examined the drying kinetics and quality of desiccated coconut through hot‐air drying at varying temperatures of 80°C, 85°C, and 90°C, reducing moisture content from 48% ± 2% (w.b.) to 2% ± 1.1% (w.b.). Several physicochemical parameters were assessed, including color, water activity, energy consumption, oil characteristics, surface morphology, functional groups, and fatty acid profiles. The findings revealed that drying temperature significantly affected the color attributes of the coconut, primarily driven by the Maillard reaction and sugar concentration, with desiccated coconut at 85°C demonstrating optimal color properties. Water activity consistently decreased with increasing drying temperature. Higher drying temperatures resulted in a notable reduction of free fatty acids (FFAs); however, the peroxide value of the extracted oil displayed an inverse correlation. Microstructural observations indicated that extended drying resulted in pore formation due to moisture evaporation, with 90°C exhibiting an oily surface indicative of oil cell breakdown absent at 85°C. Additionally, lauric acid content increased with drying temperature. FTIR analysis revealed distinct O–H stretching vibrations, alongside C–H and C═O stretching bonds, confirming the presence of carbohydrates and ester groups in coconut fat. Thus, optimizing the drying process at 85°C is recommended for improving the quality of desiccated coconut, suitable for industrial applications.
Effect of annealing and ultrasound treatments on physicochemical, functional, thermal, and structural properties of proso millet starch R. Sandhiya, Malini Buvaneswaran, C. K. Sunil Discover Food, 2025 Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) starch was modified using annealing and ultrasound treatments, and their effect on starch's physicochemical, functional, thermal, and structural properties was analyzed. The modification process significantly enhanced the amylose content; the highest value of 22.38% was observed in ultrasound-modified starch (US). The functional properties were enhanced by modification, where the US provides maximum solubility and swelling power at all temperatures (70 ⁰C, 80 ⁰C, and 90 ⁰C). The gel obtained from the US provided better characteristics like high consistency and cohesiveness. The gelatinization temperature of modified starches was significantly reduced by the disintegration of starch granules confirmed by the SEM images. The least gelatinization temperature of 69.82 ℃ and change in enthalpy of 2.31 J/g was observed in the ultrasound-modified proso millet starch. As a result of this study, it was observed that the annealing and ultrasound treatments significantly alter the functionality of the proso millet starch, and ultrasound modification might be an appropriate technique to enhance the application of starch in food industries.
Terahertz Spectroscopy N. Sharath Kumar, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson, D. V. Chidanand, S. Shanmugasundaram Emerging Non Destructive Technologies for Food Quality Analysis, 2025
MODELING OF PULSED LIGHT IN FOOD PROCESSING Athakkanakath Jamna Sherin, Eleonora Shylla, Ponrajan Himashree, R. Mahendran, C. K. Sunil Nonthermal Light Based Technologies in Food Processing, 2025
Introduction to plant-based proteins Panoth Abhirami, Santoshi Rawat, V.R. Bharathvaj, P. Jesi Feleciya, C.K. Sunil, V. Palanimuthu Plant Based Proteins Processing Emerging Trends and Applications, 2025
Food Quality and Analysis—An Overview P. Krishnakumar, Panoth Abhirami, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson, D. V. Chidanand, S. Shanmugasundaram Emerging Non Destructive Technologies for Food Quality Analysis, 2025
Ultrasonics S. Guberavishnu, S. Surender, Pranav Nanda Kishore, Ashish Rawson, C. K. Sunil, D. V. Chidanand, S. Shanmugasundaram Emerging Non Destructive Technologies for Food Quality Analysis, 2025
Biosensors Anantika Sharma, B. O. Madhu, Ashok Suraj, C. Indumathi, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson, D. V. Chidanand, S. Shanmugasundaram Emerging Non Destructive Technologies for Food Quality Analysis, 2025
X-Ray, CT, and MRI Mathangi Raja Sekhar, Sruthileena Bommi, B. N. Vinutha, M. A. Yogesh, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson, S. Shanmugasundaram, D. V. Chidanand Emerging Non Destructive Technologies for Food Quality Analysis, 2025
Impact of freezing and thawing processes on textural properties of food products Advanced Research Methods in Food Processing Technologies Technology for Sustainable Food Production, 2024
Impact of cold plasma on physical surface modifications of foods and food products Advanced Research Methods in Food Processing Technologies Technology for Sustainable Food Production, 2024
Processing and Preservation of Copra and Coconut Oil Taruna Varghese, Princess Monica, C. K. Sunil, Venkatachalapathy Natarajan Preservation and Authentication of Coconut Products Recent Trends and Prospects, 2024
Introduction Malini Buvaneswaran, C.K. Sunil, K.A. Athmaselvi, N. Venkatachalapathy, C. Anandharamakrishnan, V.M. Balasubramaniam Unit Operations in Food Grain Processing, 2024
Unit operations in millet processing Monisha Chandran, Kiranbala Kabui Khumbaron, Aryasree Sukumar, C.K. Sunil, K.A. Athmaselvi, N. Venkatachalapathy, C. Anandharamakrishnan, V.M. Balasubramaniam Unit Operations in Food Grain Processing, 2024
Plasmonic Biosensors for Food Safety D. Manoj, S. Shanmugasundaram, C.K. Sunil Encyclopedia of Sensors and Biosensors First Edition Four Volume Set, 2022
Millets: An Overview C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson, C. Anandharamakrishnan Handbook of Millets Processing Quality and Nutrition Status, 2022
Plasmonic Biosensors for Food Safety D. Manoj, S. Shanmugasundaram, C.K. Sunil Encyclopedia of Sensors and Biosensors Volume 1 4 First Edition, 2022
Toxins in Millets S. Vignesh, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson, Arunkumar Anandharaj Handbook of Millets Processing Quality and Nutrition Status, 2022
By-products from Millet Processing Industry Sumit Kumar, Nirmal Thirunavookarasu, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson Handbook of Millets Processing Quality and Nutrition Status, 2022
Post-harvest Treatments and Storage of Millets Shubham Nimbkar, Vijayakumar Raja, S. Shanmugasundaram, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson Handbook of Millets Processing Quality and Nutrition Status, 2022
Major Millet Processing Mohan Naik, Nikitha Modupalli, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson, Venkatachalapathy Natarajan Handbook of Millets Processing Quality and Nutrition Status, 2022
Decontamination of Spices S. Kirti Aradhana, Karuna Ashok Appugol, Sumit Kumar, C. K. Sunil, Ashish Rawson Microbial Decontamination of Food, 2022
Non-Destructive Technique of Soft X-Ray for Evaluation of Internal Quality of Agricultural Produce Food Technology Applied Research and Production Techniques, 2017
Effect of ultrasound pre-treatment on microwave drying of okra Journal of Applied Horticulture, 2017
Cereal-based non-alcoholic indigenous fermented foods Indigenous Fermented Foods of South Asia, 2016
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Nutritional and functional profiling of Kodo and Proso millets: A comparative study of conventional and emerging processing techniques R Shanmugapriya, P Gokulraj, S Vignesh, DV Chidanand, CK Sunil, ... South African Journal of Botany 194, 141-154 , 2026 2026
Enhancing the Stability of Wax‐Based Oleogels Through Post‐Process Thermal Treatments: A Comparative Study of Conventional, Microwave, and Infrared Heating Techniques K Sandhya, CK Sunil, V Natarajan Journal of Food Process Engineering 49 (5), e70592 , 2026 2026
Economic Importance of Valorizing Waste for Bioactive Extraction and Its Industrial Applications P Krishnakumar, C Indumathi, CK Sunil, N Venkatachalapathy Non-Thermal Approaches in Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Diverse … , 2026 2026
NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY IN COMBATING SEAFOOD FRAUD: AUTHENTICATION AND ADULTERANT DETECTION BM Spandana, MR Bhavana, VR Sinija, CK Sunil Next Research, 101575 , 2026 2026
Rheological, thermal, pasting, structural and in-vitro digestibility properties on complex of physically modified Kodo millet starch with quercetin VR Bharathvaj, CK Sunil, A Rawson, V Chandrasekar, N Baskaran, ... Food Chemistry, 148677 , 2026 2026
Characterization of soy albumin based water-in-water emulsion and its application for entrapment of quercetin from onion peel waste AD Srikanth Tangirala, P Shetty, K Anilkumar, CK Sunil, R Jagan Mohan, ... BMC chemistry , 2026 2026
Impact of Hydrocolloids on Functional and Rheological Properties of Pearl Millet Flour: Textural, Sensory Attributes, and In Vitro Digestibility of Pearl Millet Balls PP Prakash, C Veerapandian, G Suba, S Dharmaraj, CK Sunil, ... Journal of Food Process Engineering 49 (2), e70352 , 2026 2026
Edible coatings in food: Specific materials and their impact on techno‐functional properties and sustainable applications S Senthilkumar, G Mundas, H Ravi, CK Sunil, V Natarajan Food Biomacromolecules , 2026 2026
Evaluation of Drying Kinetics and Quality Assessment of Desiccated Coconut Produced by Conventional Hot‐Air Drying Method P Abhirami, T Varghese, CK Sunil, V Natarajan Journal of Food Process Engineering 49 (1), e70349 , 2026 2026
Plant-based proteins and alternate proteins: Trends and markets, legislation processes and guidelines, consumer behavior and acceptability, challenges, and future opportunities V Chandrasekar, CK Sunil, S Shanmugasundaram, VE Nambi Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 375-384 , 2026 2026
Plant-based protein digestibility and bioavailability M Keerthana, S Vignesh, K Suresh Kumar, S CK, N Baskaran Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 75-98 , 2026 2026
Plant-based byproducts as a source of plant-based protein S Rawat, P Abhirami, PJ Feleciya, VR Bharathvaj, CK Sunil, ... Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 43-58 , 2026 2026
Plant-based protein for food enrichment and fortification VR Bharathvaj, PJ Feleciya, P Abhirami, S Rawat, CK Sunil, ... Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 313-324 , 2026 2026 Citations: 1
Ultrasonication treatment for modification of plant-based protein R Sushmithasri, P Sankaran, KM Reddy, CK Sunil, A Rawson Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 209-224 , 2026 2026
Introduction to plant-based proteins P Abhirami, S Rawat, VR Bharathvaj, PJ Feleciya, CK Sunil, ... Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 3-16 , 2026 2026
Hydrolysis of plant-based proteins R Shanmugapriya, S Srivigneswar, S Vignesh, S CK, K Suresh Kumar, ... Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 279-296 , 2026 2026
Modification of plant-based proteins: Thermal treatment—Conventional, microwave, radiofrequency, ohmic, and infrared heating M Tadakod, BN Vinutha, CK Sunil, DV Chidanand Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 161-172 , 2026 2026
Plant-based protein beverages and fermented products A Tripathi, B Rajbongshi, C Nickhil, SC Deka, CK Sunil Plant-Based Proteins Processing, 325-342 , 2026 2026
Recent trends in blockchain traceability of food products: a review T Pavithra, S Rawat, CK Sunil Food and Humanity 5, 100666 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Microfluidic sensors for food Quality detection: A Recent Review SR Priyadharshini, S Sujith, P Divya, CK Sunil Food Control, 111856 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Food thickening agents: Sources, chemistry, properties and applications-A review P Himashree, AS Sengar, CK Sunil International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science 27, 100468 , 2022 2022 Citations: 240
Recent advances in Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensors for food analysis: A review N Ravindran, S Kumar, Y M, R S, M CA, N Thirunavookarasu S, S CK Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 63 (8), 1055-1077 , 2023 2023 Citations: 235
Ultrasonication-A green technology extraction technique for spices: A review MV Rao, AS Sengar, A Rawson Trends in Food Science & Technology 116, 975-991 , 2021 2021 Citations: 224
Modifying the plant proteins techno-functionalities by novel physical processing technologies: A review M Venkateswara Rao, S CK, A Rawson, C DV, V N Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 63 (19), 4070-4091 , 2023 2023 Citations: 121
Emerging non-destructive methods for quality and safety monitoring of spices N Modupalli, M Naik, CK Sunil, V Natarajan Trends in Food Science & Technology 108, 133-147 , 2021 2021 Citations: 115
Protein-based fat replacers–a review of recent advances M Yashini, CK Sunil, S Sahana, SD Hemanth, DV Chidanand, A Rawson Food Reviews International 37 (2), 197-223 , 2021 2021 Citations: 112
High-pressure processing: Effect on textural properties of food-A review KG Nath, R Pandiselvam, CK Sunil Journal of Food Engineering 351, 111521 , 2023 2023 Citations: 111
Pineapple processing waste (PPW): bioactive compounds, their extraction, and utilisation: a review L Meena, AS Sengar, R Neog, CK Sunil Journal of Food Science and Technology 59 (11), 4152-4164 , 2022 2022 Citations: 106
Application of power ultrasound for plant protein extraction, modification and allergen reduction–a review AS Sengar, N Thirunavookarasu, P Choudhary, M Naik, A Surekha, ... Applied Food Research 2 (2), 100219 , 2022 2022 Citations: 101
Tender coconut water: A review on recent advances in processing and preservation M Naik, S CK, A Rawson, V N Food Reviews International 38 (6), 1215-1236 , 2022 2022 Citations: 89
White Finger Millet (KMR-340): A comparative study to determine the effect of processing and their characterisation N Navyashree, AS Sengar, CK Sunil, N Venkatachalapathy Food Chemistry 374, 131665 , 2021 2021 Citations: 80
Valorization of food industry by-product (Pineapple Pomace): A study to evaluate its effect on physicochemical and textural properties of developed cookies M Jose, P Himashree, AS Sengar, CK Sunil Measurement: Food 6, 100031 , 2022 2022 Citations: 71
Effect of microwave treatment on the structural and functional properties of proteins in lentil flour S Mahalaxmi, P Himashree, B Malini, CK Sunil Food Chemistry Advances 1, 100147 , 2022 2022 Citations: 70
Thermal properties of different types of starch: A review M Yashini, S Khushbu, N Madhurima, CK Sunil, R Mahendran, ... Critical reviews in food science and nutrition 64 (13), 4373-4396 , 2024 2024 Citations: 67
Recent advances in terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and imaging techniques for automation in agriculture and food sector A Rawson, S C K Food Analytical Methods 15 (2), 498-526 , 2022 2022 Citations: 66
White finger millet starch: Physical modification (annealing and ultrasound), and its impact on physicochemical, functional, thermal and structural properties MS Amarnath, A Muhammed, AK Antony, B Malini, CK Sunil Food and Humanity 1, 599-606 , 2023 2023 Citations: 62
Effect of microwave treatment on physical and functional properties of foxtail millet flour VNJR Madaraboina Venkateswara Rao, Akhil K G, Sunil C K International Journal of Chemical Studies 9 (1), 2762-2767 , 2021 2021 Citations: 56
Recent advances in biosensors for detection of chemical contaminants in food—a review B Bhavadharini, M Kavimughil, B Malini, A Vallath, HK Prajapati, CK Sunil Food analytical methods 15 (6), 1545-1564 , 2022 2022 Citations: 54
Effect of ultrasonication on food bioactive compounds and their bio-accessibility: A review L Meena, NAN Gowda, CK Sunil, A Rawson, S Janghu Journal of Food Composition and Analysis 126, 105899 , 2024 2024 Citations: 53
White finger millet starch: Hydrothermal and microwave modification and its characterisation M Balakumaran, KG Nath, B Giridharan, K Dhinesh, AK Dharunbalaji, ... International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 242, 124619 , 2023 2023 Citations: 53