Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University

Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University

November 16, 2024 to Present

November 16, 2022 to November 15, 2024

Sarkar, S., Akhter, S., Rina, M. B., & Hasan, S. K. (2026). Comparative analysis of physicochemical, bioactive, and functional qualities of coriander leaves subjected to various drying methods. Discover Food. (Springer Nature, Q1, IF: 3.7). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44187-026-00958-1 Role: 2nd author

Akhter, M. J., Akhter, S., Islam, S., Sarker, M. S. H., & Hasan, S. K. (2024). Varietal Influence on Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity in Chilies During Development Stages. Heliyon. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37406 Role: 2nd author, (Scopus indexed, Q1, IF 3.4)

Sarkar, S., Akhter, S., Roy, J., Wazed, M. A., Abedin, R., Neogie, S., ... & Sarker, M. S. H. (2024). Preventing enzymatic browning of freshly cut green bananas through immersion in normal water, lemon juice, and coconut water. Food Science & Nutrition.  https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.4284 Role: Co-author (Scopus indexed, Q1, IF 3.5)

Akhter, S., Jahan, M. S., Rahman, M. L., Ruhane, T. A., Ahmed, M., & Khan, M. A. (2024). Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion: Jute–Mycelium Vegan Leather Reinforced with Polyhydroxyalkanoate Biopolymer Crosslinking from Novel Bacteria. Advances in Polymer Technology, 2024(1), 1304800.https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/1304800 Role- First author (Scopus indexed, Q2, IF 2.5)

Biki, S. P., Mahmud, S., Akhter, S., Rahman, M. J., Rix, J. J., Al Bachchu, M. A., & Ahmed, M. (2021). Polyethylene degradation by Ralstonia sp. strain SKM2 and Bacillus sp. strain SM1 isolated from land fill soil site. Environmental Technology & Innovation, 22, 101495.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2021.101495, Role- Joint First Author ( Scopus indexed, Q1, IF 6.7)

Akhter, S., Khan, M. A., Mahmud, S., Biki, S. P., Shamsuzzoha, M., Hasan, S. K., & Ahmed, M. (2022). Biosynthesis and characterization of bacterial nanocellulose and polyhydroxyalkanoate films using bacterial strains isolated from fermented coconut water. Process Biochemistry, 122, 214-223.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2022.09.006 Role- First Author ( Scopus indexed, Q1, IF 3.9)

Funded by: Ministry of Science & Information Technology, Bangladesh

Funded by: Ministry of Science & Information Technology, Bangladesh

Funded by: Institute of Research and Training (HSTU) (2025-2026)

Position: Principle Investigator

Description: Legumes such as mung beans (Vigna radiata), lentils (Lens culinaris), and chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) are valuable sources of protein, minerals, and bioactive compounds, although anti-nutritional factors can reduce nutrient bioavailability. This study evaluated the effect of sprouting on the nutritional composition, mineral content, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, anti-nutrient levels, and sensory attributes of these legumes. Samples were sprouted for four days under controlled laboratory conditions and compared with fresh legumes. Sprouting increased moisture content and reduced total energy, while fresh mung beans retained the highest protein content (24.42%). Mineral analysis showed that fresh mung beans contained the highest phosphorus and potassium, whereas fresh chickpeas had the highest calcium and magnesium levels. Sprouting enhanced antioxidant properties, increased vitamin C and DPPH scavenging activity in mung beans, and reduced phytate and oxalate contents in all legumes. Sensory evaluation indicated acceptable overall preference for both fresh and sprouted legume salads.

Funded by: Ministry of Science and Technology (R & D) (2025-2026)

Position: Principle Investigator

Description: This study evaluated the development and characterization of biodegradable packaging films formulated from green papaya peel incorporated into a CMC–gelatin–glycerin matrix. Papaya peel wastage was processed through washing, cutting, boiling for enzyme inactivation, blending, and sieving before film preparation. Four film formulations were produced: control (without peel), 3%, 5%, and 8% papaya peel solutions. The films were analyzed for physical, mechanical, optical, antioxidant, and biodegradability properties. Results showed that film thickness increased significantly with higher peel concentration, ranging from 0.09 mm in control to 0.20 mm in 8% peel film, indicating enhanced solid matrix formation. Moisture content, solubility, and swelling degree decreased progressively, demonstrating improved water resistance and structural stability. Water contact angle increased from 57.98° to 79.21°, suggesting greater surface hydrophobicity. Mechanical analysis revealed optimal tensile strength and elongation at 3% peel incorporation, while excessive peel addition reduced flexibility but increased stiffness, as reflected by Young’s modulus. Optical transparency decreased with higher peel loading due to increased light scattering. FTIR analysis confirmed polysaccharide–protein interactions stabilized by hydrogen bonding. Antioxidant activity improved with peel enrichment, reaching maximum radical scavenging potential at 8% incorporation. Soil burial tests demonstrated rapid biodegradation, with control films degrading completely within 24 hours, while higher peel-loaded films degraded gradually up to 60 hours.

Funded by: Ministry of Science and Technology, Fiscal year 2024-2025.

Position: Project Director

Description: This study aims to develop whole tomato leather enriched with calcium extracted from eggshells. The process involves extracting calcium chloride from eggshells, formulating the leather using tomato pulp, sugar, citric acid, and the extracted calcium, followed by evaluating the product’s nutritional and sensory attributes. The project supports sustainable food production, nutritional enhancement, and waste valorization, offering a low-cost and eco-friendly innovation in functional food development.

Funded by: Institute of Research and Training (IRT) Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University

Position: Co-Principal Invetigator

Description: Petroleum-based plastics pose a growing environmental threat since they are non-biodegradable and are not safe for food. Bioplastics can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics. They can be made from food processing wastes like potato peels, stems, leaves, and the cores of cabbage and cauliflower. On the contrary, production of food by-products are major issues that have negative consequences for the environment. The goal of this project will employ edible, biodegradable, and active packaging materials developed from vegetable wastes from food processing. In order to maintain the quality and characteristics of the film; gelatin, glycerin and other chemicals will be added to the solution for film formation. The mechanical strength, Water Vapor Permeability (WVP), Water contact angle (WCA), swelling degree, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and antimicrobial properties of films will be assessed to determine the quality characteristics of the films. The antioxidant and nutritional migration properties of the films will also be investigated. The edible film will also be used to preserve baked products and sweets by wrapping them in the manufactured film and determining the quality of the food that has been preserved.

URL: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sumaia-Akhter

URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sumaia-akhter-kanchi-610324189/

URL: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=rtMJqNoAAAAJ&hl=en