Vinayak GHATE

Lecturer
Department of Food Science & Technology

  • TEL: 66018857
  • FAX: -
  • ROOM: S14-06-08
  • EMAIL: vinayak_ghate@nus.edu.sg
  • Lecturer, Department of Food Science & Technology, NUS, 2023-Present
  • Founder & Director, SafeLight Pte. Ltd., 2020-Present
  • Senior Research Fellow, Department of Food Science & Technology, NUS, 2022-23
  • Research Fellow, Department of Food Science & Technology, NUS, 2017-22
  • Research Associate, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 2015-16
  • PhD, Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, 2016
  • Graduate Certificate, Management of Technology, National University of Singapore, 2013
  • B.Tech., Food Engineering & Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, 2011
  • FST2109: Fundamentals of Food Engineering
  • FST3103: Advanced Food Engineering
  • FST4102: Advanced Food Processing Technology
  • FST4103: Food Colloids and Components Science
  • FST5198: Advanced Food Science & Technology Seminar
  • FST5205A: Smart & Sustainable Food Processing and Engineering
  • Food Science Education
  • Photodynamic Inactivation
  • High Pressure Processing
  • Advanced Drying Technologies
  • Antimicrobial Peptides

Patents

  1. Mechanical Abrasion As A Novel Food Processing Method To Inactivate Vegetative Bacterial Cells In A Liquid Suspension. SG Patent Application No. 10202401004T. Filing Date: Apr 5, 2024
  2. System and method for eliminating microorganisms. PCT Application No. PCT/SG2020/050701. Filing Date: Nov. 27, 2020. Priority Date: 27 November 2019. Japan Application No. 2022-530900; Submission Date: 26 May 2022. Singapore Application No. 11202203834W; Filing Date: 27 November 2020. USA Application No. 17/780,697, Filing Date: 27 May 2022.
  3. Utilization of blue light emitting diodes for preservation of fresh-cut fruits. SG Patent Application No. 10201510390S. Filing Date: Dec 17, 2015.
  4. Utilization of blue light emitting diodes for preventing mold spoilage of fruits. SG Patent Application No. 10202000061Q. Filing Date: Jan. 3, 2020.

 

Research Articles

  1. Xu, A., Ghate, V.*, Chong, L., Wang, F., Zou, Y., Yuk, H.-G., Zhou, W. 2024. 405 nm LED illumination for the reduction of Fusarium spoilage risk in Cavendish bananas in a simulated retail environment. Food and Bioprocess Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-024-03353-9
  2. Koo, A., Ghate, V., Zhou, W., 2023. Direct seeding compromised the vitamin C content of baby vegetables and the glucosinolate content of mature vegetables in Asian leafy brassicas. Food Chemistry, 437(2), 137783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.137783.
  3. Koo, A., Ghate, V., Zhou, W. 2023. Acid adaptation increased the resistance of Escherichia coliO157:H7 in bok choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) juice to high-pressure processing. Applied and Environmental Microbiology.https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.00602-23.
  4. Chong, L., Ghate, V.*, Seah, C., Zhou, W. 2023. Photosensitization can be an effective risk-reduction strategy against the post-baking spoilage of bread. Food Microbiology, 117, 104390. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2023.104390.
  5. Koo, A., Chew, D.X., Ghate, V., Zhou, W. 2023. Residual polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity in high pressure processed bok choy (Brassica rapasubsp. chinensis) juice did not accelerate nutrient degradation during storage. Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, 84: 103284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ifset.2023.103284.
  6. Chong, L., Ghate, V., Zhou, W., Yuk, H.G. 2022. Developing an LED preservation technology to minimize strawberry quality deterioration during distribution. Food Chemistry, 366: 130566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130566.
  7. Ghate, V., Yew, I., Zhou, W., Yuk, H.G. 2021. Influence of temperature and relative humidity on the antifungal effect of 405 nm LEDs against Botrytis cinereaand Rhizopus stolonifer and their inactivation on strawberries and tomatoes. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 359: 109427. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109427.
  8. Chua, A., Chong, L., Ghate, V., Yuk, H.G., Zhou, W. 2021. Antifungal action of 410 nm light emitting diodes on tomatoes in a meso-scale system and their effect on the physicochemical properties. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 172: 111366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2020.111366.
  9. Ghate, V., Zhou, W., Yuk, H.G. 2019. Perspectives and trends in the application of photodynamic inactivation to microbiological food safety. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety, 18(2): 402-424.https://doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12418.
  10. Ghate, V., Zelinger, E., Shoyhet, H., Hayouka, Z. Inactivation of Listeria monocytogeneson paperboard, a food packaging material, using 410 nm light emitting diodes. Food Control, 96, 281-290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2018.09.026.
  11. Josewin, S.W., Ghate, V., Kim, M.-J., Yuk, H.-G. Antibacterial effect of 460 nm light emitting diode in combination with riboflavin against Listeria monocytogeneson smoked salmon. Food Control, 84: 354-361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.08.017.
  12. Kumar, A., Ghate, V., Kim, M.-J., Zhou, W., Khoo, G.H., Yuk, H.G. Inactivation and changes in metabolic profile of selected foodborne bacteria by 460 nm LED illumination. Food Microbiology. 63: 12-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2016.10.032.
  13. Ghate, V., Kumar, A., Kim, M.-J., Bang, W.S., Zhou, W., Yu, H.-G. Effect of 460 nm light emitting diode illumination on survival of Salmonellaspp. on fresh-cut pineapples at different irradiances and temperatures. Journal of Food Engineering. 196: 130-138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2016.10.013.
  14. Ghate, V., Kumar, A., Zhou, W., Yuk, H.-G.Irradiance and temperature influence the bactericidal effect of 460 nm LEDs on Salmonella spp. in orange juice. Journal of Food Protection, 79(4): 553-60. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-15-394.
  15. Kumar, A., Ghate, V., Kim, M.-J., Zhou, W., Khoo, G.H, Yuk, H.-G. Antibacterial efficacy of 405, 460 and 520 nm light emitting diodes on Lactobacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus aureusand Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 120(1): 49-56. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.12975.
  16. Miks-Krajnik, M., Yuk, H.-G., Kumar, A., Yang, Y., Zheng, Q., Kim, M.-J., Ghate, V., Yuan, W., Pang, X. Ensuring food security through enhancing microbial food safety. COSMOS (now Proceedings of the Singapore National Academy of Sciences), 11 (1): 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0219607715500056.
  17. Kim, M.-J., Miks-Krajnik, M., Kumar, A., Ghate, V., Yuk, H.-G. Antibacterial effect and mechanism of high-intensity 405±5 nm light emitting diode on Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureusunder refrigerated condition. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 153 (15): 33-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2015.08.032.
  18. Ghate, V., Kumar, A., Zhou, W., Yuk, H.G. Effect of organic acids on the photodynamic inactivation of selected foodborne pathogens using 461 nm LEDs. Food Control, 57: 333-340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2015.04.029.
  19. Kumar, A., Ghate, V., Kim, M.-J., Zhou, W., Khoo, G.H., Yuk, H.-G. Kinetics of bacterial inactivation by 405 nm and 520 nm light emitting diodes and the role of endogenous coproporphyrin on bacterial susceptibility. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 149: 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2015.05.005.
  20. Ghate, V.S., Leong, A.L., Kumar, A., Zhou, W., Bang, W.S., Yuk, H.-G. Enhancing the antibacterial effect of 461 and 521 nm light emitting diodes on selected foodborne pathogens in trypticase soy broth by acidic and alkaline pH conditions. Food Microbiology, 48, 49-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2014.10.014.
  21. Ghate, V.S., Ng, K.S., Zhou, W., Yang, H., Khoo, G.H., Yoon, W.-B., Yuk, H.,-G. Antibacterial effect of light emitting diodes of visible wavelengths on selected foodborne pathogens at different illumination temperatures. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 166 (3), 399-406. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2013.07.018.
  22. Huang, Y., Ghate, V., Phua, L., Yuk, H.-G. Prevalence of Salmonellaand Vibrio spp. In Seafood Products sold in Singapore. Journal of Food Protection, 75 (7): 1320-1323. ISSN: 0362-028X. Date: 1 July, 2012. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-12-007.

 

Invited Talks

  1. Ghate, V., Chong, L., Chua, A. Xu, A., Yew, I.J.-M., Yuk, H.G., Zhou, W. (2022, November 10-11). Photodynamic inactivation of food spoilage molds using monochromatic visible light [Invited oral presentation]. 37th Annual Meeting of The Korea Society of Food Hygiene and Safety, Busan, Republic of Korea.
  2. Ghate, V., Leong, A.L., Kumar, A., Kim, M.J., Ng, K.S., Zhou, W., Yuk, H.G. (2018, February 20). Application of Light Emitting Diodes for Food Preservation [Invited lecture]. Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
  3. Ghate, V. (2017, February 12). An LED-illuminated Future in Food and Medicine? [Invited talk]. World Forum for Crystallization, Filtration and Drying, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
  4. Ghate, V., Leong, A.L., Kumar, A., Bang, W.S., Zhou, W., Yuk, H.-G. (2013, August). Antibacterial effect of light emitting diodes of visible wavelengths on selected foodborne pathogens at different pH conditions [Invited oral presentation]. Nestle, Singapore.

 

In Popular Media

  1. Light fantastic: LED technology prevents mould in strawberries and enhances phenolic content. August 19, 2021. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2021/08/19/Light-fantastic-LED-technology-prevents-mould-in-strawberries-and-enhances-phenolic-content.
  2. Light disruption: Singapore uni spin-off develops tech to disinfect and preserve foods and surfaces. July 1, 2020. Food Navigator Asia. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2020/07/01/Light-disruption-Singapore-uni-spin-off-develops-tech-to-disinfect-and-preserve-food-and-surfaces.
  3. Post-pandemic food safety: Mars, UN and Singapore-government backed body for strategies for success. August 20, 2021. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2021/08/20/Post-pandemic-food-safety-Mars-UN-and-Singapore-government-backed-body-on-strategies-for-success.
  4. Just LED light to curb food poisoning? July 14, 2015. The Straits Times (now on AsiaOne). https://www.asiaone.com/just-led-light-curb-food-poisoning.
  5. Using LEDs to destroy Salmonella. August 15, 2016. The Straits Times (now on AsiaOne). https://www.asiaone.com/health/using-leds-destroy-salmonella.
  6. LEDs can control food contamination without chemicals. October 6, 2015. Food Safety Magazine. https://www.food-safety.com/articles/4180-leds-can-control-food-contamination-without-chemicals.
  7. Blue LEDs show promise as a preservation method. July 14, 2015. Food Navigator USA. https://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Article/2015/07/15/Light-based-tech-explored-as-chemical-free-preservation-alternative.
  8. Blue LEDs for chemical-free food safety. July 22, 2015. The Asian Scientist. https://www.asianscientist.com/2015/07/in-the-lab/nus-blue-leds-chemical-free-food-safety/.
  9. Study shows that blue LEDs kill foodborne pathogens in fresh-cut food. Produce Processing. https://produceprocessing.net/article/study-shows-that-blue-leds-kill-foodborne-pathogens-in-fresh-cut-food/.
  10. Study: LEDs kill foodborne pathogens in fresh-cut food. September 22, 2015. FreshPlaza. www.freshplaza.com/article/146234/Study-LEDs-kill-foodborne-pathogens-in-fresh-cut-food.
  11. Blue LEDs can help preserve food. July 20, 2015. Fish Information & Services (FIS). https://seafood.media/fis/worldnews/worldnews.asp?l=e&id=77970&ndb=1.
  12. Blue LEDs can help preserve food. July 2015. Elsevier. https://www.journals.elsevier.com/food-microbiology/news/blue-leds-can-help-preserve-food.
  13. Lighting up disinfection. July 2020. RIE News: SG Guide to Technology, Innovation and Enterprise (NRF Magazine). https://www.nrf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/july-mag-(compressed).pdf.
  14. SafeLight: Transforming hygiene with continuous visible light disinfection. 2021. Garje Marathi Global. https://www.garjemarathi.com/Blog/newsletter_details.php?newsletter=SafeLight-Continuous-Visible-Light-Disinfection.

 

Interviews & Media

  1. On the Red Dot 2020/21 – S1E38: How To Stop a Pandemic. February 28, 2021. Channel News Asia. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/watch/red-dot-20202021/how-stop-pandemic-1929216?view=embed&autoplay=1#t=13m45s.
  2. ASPIRE with Prof. Neo – Dr. Vinayak Ghate – SafeLight. October 6, 2021. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYxfK1toojE&t=1663s.
  3. ASPIRE Fellowship – SafeLight – Dr. Vinayak Ghate. June 23, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOOMaRZrIIc&t=657s.
  4. Radio Interview: On the Red Dot. How To Stop – A Pandemic. February 19, 2021, 12.10 pm. Radio CNA.

Fellowships and Scholarships

  • ASPIRE Fellowship, ASPIRE Incubation Labs (comprising of Science Centre Singapore, Singapore Institute of Technology and NEO Aeronautics), 2022.
  • Lady Davis Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Lady Davis Foundation, Israel, 2016.
  • PBC Postdoctoral Fellowship, Ministry of Higher Education, Israel, 2016.
  • IAFP Student Travel Scholarship, International Association for Food Protection, 2014.
  • NUS Research Scholarship, Ministry of Education, Singapore, 2011.

 

Selected Awards

  • 1st Prize, Oral Presentation, Postgraduate Category, Singapore Institute of Food Science & Technology Student Symposium, 2013.
  • 2nd Prize, Technical Debate, Protein Foods & Nutrition Development Association of India, September 2009.
  • Associate Member, Singapore Institute of Food Science and Technology (SIFST)
  • Guest Editor for a special issue of Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems titled ‘Novel Intervention Technologies for Food Safety’
  • Reviewer for several international peer-reviewed journals such as Scientific Reports, Food Chemistry, Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition, Food Control and Journal of Applied Microbiology
NUS Food Science & Technology
S14 Level 6 Science Drive 2
Singapore 117542
 +65 6516 1656
food@nus.edu.sg
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