Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Biophotonic Signal Analysis | Best Innovator Award
Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe, nigerian stored products research institute, Nigeria
Engr. Dr. Elijah Gbabe is a Senior Research Officer at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), specializing in postharvest technology, food processing, and agricultural nanotechnology. His research is focused on sustainable shelf-life extension technologies for perishable crops using innovative nanomaterials, particularly electrospun hexanal nano-fiber matrices. With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for agricultural transformation, he bridges the gap between scientific discovery and real-world impact in food systems.
Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Dr. Gbabe began his academic path in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, building core technical competencies in sustainable materials and systems. He later advanced into Food Processing and Technology at the doctoral level, where his work explored the integration of nanotechnology with postharvest physiology. His research has remained rooted in addressing pressing challenges in food preservation, waste reduction, and natural packaging innovations.
Professional Endeavors
At NSPRI, Dr. Gbabe has been instrumental in:
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Designing and evaluating postharvest storage systems for grains and perishable produce,
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Leading research on nanotechnology applications in shelf-life extension,
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Developing prototypes and supervising the fabrication of postharvest equipment,
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Coordinating training for farmers, technical staff, and industrial trainees,
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Writing proposals, research papers, and reports to advance postharvest innovation.
He also completed a significant international research internship in India, gaining specialized exposure in food nanotechnology, nanotoxicology, and biosafety practices.
Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Gbabe’s core research contribution is the development of biodegradable electrospun hexanal nano-fiber matrices used to extend the freshness of fruits like tomato, banana, and mango. These nano-packaging materials work by slowly releasing natural preservatives, effectively delaying ripening and reducing microbial activity. His approach leverages biopolymers, essential oils, and polymer science, offering eco-safe, low-cost, and scalable preservation solutions for the agri-food sector.
Impact and Influence
His work directly contributes to solving problems such as:
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Postharvest losses in perishable produce,
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Lack of access to affordable, natural storage technologies,
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The need for eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic packaging.
Through national and international collaborations, Dr. Gbabe continues to push boundaries in sustainable agricultural engineering, with his research supporting goals related to food security, sustainable production, and innovation in value chains.
Academic Citations and Publications
Dr. Gbabe has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. Key publications include:
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Research on hexanal nano-fiber matrix and fruit quality (published in the Journal of the Indian Chemical Society),
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Electrospinning-based packaging innovations for mangoes (featured in IJETT),
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Studies on okra storage, hammer mill efficiency, and insecticidal plant extracts,
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Collaborative conference proceedings on AI in postharvest handling and solar drying technologies.
His published works are cited in academic databases such as ScienceDirect, Elsevier, and international conference archives, contributing to the global knowledge base in postharvest nanotechnology.
Research Skills
Dr. Gbabe possesses strong technical and analytical skills, including:
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Electrospinning techniques for nanofiber production,
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Use of advanced analytical tools like FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, and TEM,
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Statistical modeling and experimental design with R and SPSS,
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Integration of biopolymer science with food technology applications.
These skills empower him to lead cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research projects in agricultural innovation.
Teaching and Mentorship Experience
Dr. Gbabe plays an active role in capacity building and training, including:
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Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students during their industrial training placements,
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Organizing workshops for farmers, engineers, and food processors,
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Training junior researchers and artisans on postharvest technology best practices and nano-packaging applications.
He combines technical instruction with a practical, hands-on approach that supports workforce development in agricultural systems.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Gbabe has received:
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A prestigious postgraduate fellowship recognizing his research in sustainable food technology,
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A competitive international internship award for training in agricultural nanotechnology in Asia,
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Professional engineering certification from COREN, validating his expertise in engineering practice and project evaluation.
These accolades reflect his academic excellence, technical credibility, and global engagement in the field.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Looking forward, Dr. Gbabe’s legacy is tied to his commitment to:
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Scaling natural nano-preservation technologies across Africa,
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Leading research-to-commercialization efforts for safe and sustainable food packaging,
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Supporting policy formulation on postharvest loss mitigation,
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Mentoring emerging researchers in interdisciplinary agricultural innovation.
His ongoing contributions are poised to reshape how perishable food is preserved, stored, and distributed, ensuring more resilient food systems across developing regions.
Top Publications
Effect of Hexanal Nano-fiber Matrix on Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits during Storage
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Authors: Gbabe, K.E.; Akinyera, O.A.; Adarabierin, I.G.; Onuh, O.J.; Subramanian, K.S.; Igbua, F.Z.; Bongjo, N.B.; Omodara, M.A.
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Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society
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Year: 2025
Development of Novel Hexanal Nano-fibre Matrix by Electrospinning for Shelf-life Extension of Mango Fruits
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Authors: Gbabe, K.E.; Eke, M.O.; Ahure, D.; Adejo, S.O.; Omodara, M.A.; Subramanian, K.S.; Prasanthrajan, M.; Mohanraj, J.
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Journal: International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology
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Year: 2025
Implication of Different Storage Techniques on Physical Attributes of African Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench)
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Authors: Chukwu, S.E.; Adediran, B.I.; Akomolafe, O.P.; Raji, F.O.; Gbabe, K.E.; Usman, A.O.
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Journal: International Journal of Applied Biological Research (IJABR)
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Year: 2025
Maize grains milling efficiency: A performance analysis of a hammer mill
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Authors: Idris, Y.D.; Gbabe, K.E.; Ahmadu, A.N.; Adamu, A.A.
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Journal: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research (IJAAR)
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Year: 2024
Insecticidal and Toxicity Studies of Heliotropium Indicum Leaf Extracts for Control of Insect Pests of Stored Grains
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Authors: Adeniyi, B.M.; Kyenge, B.A.; Adah, C.A.; Ogungbemi, K.; Popoola, S.T.; Ibitoye, O.; Adara, G.I.; Gbabe, E.K.
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Journal: Journal of Exposure Toxicology
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Year: 2024