The division is involved in downstream processing, i.e., further processing of intermediate and secondary products and co-products from agri-bioresources. It aims to valorize the secondary agricultural produce through the extraction of bioactive molecules, derivatization, formulation, and intelligent delivery system of high-value agri-products, agri-bio-waste utilization, etc. The division has a team of multidisciplinary scientists with specialization in chemistry, formulation development, derivatization, and surface coating.

The division has achieved groundbreaking advancements in development of high value compounds from lac including aleuritic acid, isoambrettolide (perfumery compound), bleached lac, lac dye, dewaxed decolorized lac and lac wax. Furthermore, the division has spearheaded the creation of innovative technologies related to lac applications including fruit and vegetable coating formulations, water thinnable interior paint, spirit and non-spirit based varnishes for coating and glazing, dental base plate and gasket cement compound, nail polish, natural alta, sticky insect traps, and lac wax policosanol (a natural plant growth regulator). The division has also made significant efforts in developing technologies centered around natural gums. These encompass the preparation of derivatives from guar gum, hydrogels with versatile applications, and dietary fiber solutions.

Mandate:

  • Development of processing, extraction, and packaging systems for agri-bio products following good manufacturing practices
  • Development of technology for use of agricultural co-products for enhancing circularity of agri-production system
  • Development of formulations and smart delivery systems for high value agri-bio products

Objectives:

  • Development of value-added products from natural resins, gums and other available agri-bioresource and their co-products
  • Isolation, characterization and utilization of bioactive compounds from agri-bioresources

Labs and facilities:

The division houses chemistry laboratories, facilities for organic coatings, isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds, and product development from agri-bioresources, including natural resins and gums. The Quality Evaluation Laboratory is IS/ISO 9001:2015 accredited laboratory to render services for collecting, analyzing, testing, and reporting lac-based products and other natural gums. The laboratory has been engaged in quality evaluation for more than 50 years. The division’s laboratories are equipped with modern, sophisticated instrumentation and have dedicated, experienced and skilled personnel.

The division has facilities for-

  • Preparation and testing of surface coating formulations
  • Isolation and characterization of bioactive compounds
  • Synthesis of value-added products from agri-bioresources

The division is also equipped with instruments like-

  • FT-IR spectrophotometer
  • Particle Size Analyzer,
  • Differential Scanning Calorimeter
  • UV Visible spectrophotometer
  • Freeze Dryer
  • Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
  • CHNS analyzer
  • High precision microbalance
  • Spray drier
  • Rotary vacuum evaporator
  • And other facilities like pan coating unit, fluidized bed coating unit, reaction kettle, etc.