Garima Bhatnagar is a certified dietician with years of experience in crafting traditional, probiotic-rich diets that integrate ancient wisdom with modern nutritional science to support physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. She is currently pursuing research, exploring the connections between dietary patterns, mood, and meditation practices.
Himani Parihar is a biotechnologist currently engaged in cutting-edge research focused on using probiotics for pathogen control and disease management. With a strong academic background in biotechnology, she applies advanced microbiological and molecular techniques to explore innovative strategies for harnessing beneficial microbes to improve health outcomes.
Priyanka Chaturvedi is a botanist currently researching the management of food-derived carcinogens using probiotics, with a specific focus on colon cancer prevention and management. With a background in plant science, her work bridges disciplines, developing microbiome-based therapeutic strategies.
Ranu Dayal is a botanist pursuing research focused on identifying novel biomarkers for the rapid and easy detection of microbial contamination in commercially sterile foods. Her work is crucial for enhancing food safety and quality assurance. With a specialized interest in microbial diagnostics, she particularly targets quorum sensing mechanisms to develop innovative methods for detecting spoilage organisms and pathogens.
Rimjhim Pathak is a food scientist whose research explores the intricate effects of food additives on the growth and expression of probiotics, with a specific focus on psychobiotics. Holding an academic background in food science and actively engaged in applied microbiology, her work delves into how beneficial microbes influence mental health via the gut-brain axis. By exploring the therapeutic potential of these microorganisms, she aims to contribute to innovative, microbiome-based strategies for improving psychological well-being.
Guiding us through many of the insights in "Curd to Capsule" is Dr. Prem Saran Tirumalai, a microbiologist whose journey spans more than twenty years in science, academia, and industry. Holding a Ph.D. in Microbiology from Dayalbagh Educational Institute, Dr. Tirumalai currently serves as an Assistant Professor, where he passionately teaches food microbiology and quality assurance, always focusing on real-world application. His dedication isn't confined to the classroom; he's also held influential roles at industry giants like Taj Hotels and SGS India, where he was pivotal in enhancing quality management and operational efficiency. Dr. Tirumalai's commitment to food safety is further evidenced by his numerous publications, prestigious awards, and active participation in national committees, including Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. When he's not deep in scientific research, he continues to share his knowledge through thought-provoking articles. It's his blend of deep knowledge and practical experience that truly enriches the pages of this book.