Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe | Technology Scientists Innovations | Nanotechnology Innovation Award
Senior Research Officer at Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Nigeria
Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is a Senior Research Officer at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin, Nigeria. With over 9 years of experience, he specializes in food processing, postharvest technology, and agricultural nanotechnology. His research focuses on prolonging the shelf-life of perishable crops using eco-friendly nano-fibre systems and enhancing food quality through advanced preservation methods. Dr. Gbabe earned his M.Eng. in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, and is pursuing his Ph.D. in Food Processing and Technology at Benue State University. He has conducted international research at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, and published multiple peer-reviewed articles. He also contributes actively to training farmers, artisans, and technical personnel. Dr. Gbabe’s work bridges the gap between sustainability and innovation in food preservation, making him a standout candidate in the technological innovation domain.
Author Profile
Strengths for the Award
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Strong Foundation in Agricultural Nanotechnology
Dr. Gbabe has established a niche in the application of nanotechnology to agricultural and food preservation challenges. His Ph.D. research focuses on developing an electrospun hexanal nano-fibre matrix—a cutting-edge innovation aimed at extending the shelf-life of perishable fruits like banana, mango, and tomato. -
International Exposure and Training
He completed a prestigious internship at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, where he conducted nanotoxicity, biosafety, and electrospinning-based preservation studies—highlighting both cross-cultural collaboration and technological advancement. -
Peer-Reviewed Nanotech Publications
Dr. Gbabe has authored several relevant papers in reputed journals:-
Journal of the Indian Chemical Society (2025): On hexanal nano-fiber matrices for tomato preservation.
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IJETT (2025): Development of nano-fiber matrices for mango shelf-life extension.
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Nano Plus (2023): On banana fruit preservation using electrospun nanotechnology.
These works clearly demonstrate applied innovation, rigorous experimentation, and measurable societal impact in reducing food loss.
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Technical Skills Aligned with Nanotech Innovation
Proficient in electrospinning, FTIR, GC-MS, SEM & TEM, and statistical software (R, SPSS), showing an interdisciplinary approach involving both materials science and food technology. -
Leadership in National Innovation Projects
As a Senior Research Officer at the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, he actively leads R&D on postharvest loss reduction and food quality enhancement technologies—bridging innovation with policy and field deployment.
🎓 Education
Dr. Gbabe holds a Master of Engineering in Agricultural and Environmental Engineering (2019) from the University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. His thesis focused on eco-building materials using rice husk and sawdust, reflecting an early interest in sustainable engineering. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Food Processing and Technology (2020–2025) at Benue State University, Makurdi. His doctoral research is centered on the development of electrospun hexanal nano-fibre matrices aimed at extending the shelf-life of tropical fruits like bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes. He is a registered engineer with COREN Nigeria and a member of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers. In 2023, he was a research intern at the Centre for Agricultural Nanotechnology, TNAU, India, where he gained hands-on experience in nanotoxicology, electrospinning, and biosafety. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in multidisciplinary innovation and food systems sustainability.
🔬 Research Focus on Technology Scientists Innovations
Dr. Gbabe’s research is rooted in postharvest technology, agricultural nanotechnology, and food quality preservation. His core contributions lie in the design and development of nanostructured packaging and preservation systems using biodegradable hexanal-based nano-fibers, created via electrospinning. These innovations target tropical fruit shelf-life extension and nutrient retention during storage. He is equally involved in evaluating postharvest handling systems, including the construction of solar dryers and inert-atmosphere silos. His projects align closely with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption & Production). Dr. Gbabe also explores sustainable materials (like rice husk-based eco-panels), biosafety assessments in nanoformulations, and pest management using botanicals. His work is highly applied, integrating field deployment, engineering fabrication, and local capacity building—benefiting smallholder farmers and food industries across West Africa.
📚 Publication Top Notes
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Gbabe et al. (2025)
Effect of Hexanal Nano-fiber Matrix on Quality Parameters of Tomato Fruits during Storage
Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society
Summary: Demonstrates improved shelf-life and reduced spoilage in tomato fruits using hexanal-loaded nano-fiber packaging developed via electrospinning.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2025.101912 -
Gbabe et al. (2025)
Development of Novel Hexanal Nano-fibre Matrix by Electrospinning for Shelf-life Extension of Mango Fruits
Journal: International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology
Summary: Describes the fabrication and optimization of mango-preserving nano-matrices, with a focus on temperature resilience and biodegradability.
DOI: 10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V73I3P132 -
Chukwu et al. (2025)
Implication of Different Storage Techniques on Physical Attributes of African Okra
Journal: IJABR
Summary: Assesses how traditional vs. improved storage impacts okra firmness, color, and moisture, with relevance to rural postharvest systems. -
Idris et al. (2024)
Maize grains milling efficiency: A performance analysis of a hammer mill
Journal: International Journal of Agronomy and Agricultural Research
Summary: Compares efficiency metrics of hammer mills to suggest design improvements for rural grain processing.
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Adeniyi et al. (2024)
Insecticidal and Toxicity Studies of Heliotropium Indicum Leaf Extracts
Journal: Journal of Exposure Toxicology
Summary: Investigates natural pest control agents for stored grain insects—highlighting bio-safety and efficacy. -
Oyewole et al. (2020)
Commercial Utilization of Inert Atmosphere Silo for Maize Storage
Journal: IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental Science
Summary: Presents the benefits of modified atmosphere storage in reducing maize spoilage.
Conclusion
Dr. Kwaghgba Elijah Gbabe is highly suitable for the Research for Nanotechnology Innovation Award. His work represents a strong blend of scientific depth, practical relevance, and innovation in nanotechnology applications for agriculture and food preservation. With further strides in international publication, commercialization, and cross-sectoral collaborations, Dr. Gbabe has the potential to become a leading figure in agricultural nanotech innovation across Africa and globally.