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Monday 08:00 - 17:00 Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00 Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00 Thursday 08:00 - 17:00 Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Biotechnology & Food Technology_DUT

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29/10/2026

Congratulations to all...3min flash fact competition

29/10/2026

Staff spotlight...

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: DR PRASHANT KISHOR BHAGWAT

Harnessing Microbial Biotechnology for Sustainable Solutions

Dr Prashant Kishor Bhagwat is a Harnessing Talent (HANT) Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, at Durban University of Technology (DUT).

Dr Bhagwat obtained his PhD in Microbiology in 2018 and his MSc in Microbiology in 2011 from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India. He completed his BSc in Microbiology in 2009 at Dayanand College of Arts and Science, affiliated with Solapur University, India.

He has been associated with DUT since 2019, contributing to research, postgraduate supervision, mentorship and academic teaching. His role primarily involves advancing research in microbial biotechnology and enzyme technology, supporting postgraduate researchers and strengthening national and international research collaborations. He is also an NRF Y2-rated researcher for the period 2024–2029, recognising his research contributions and potential for continued scientific advancement.

His research focuses on microbial biotechnology, enzyme technology, sustainable bioprocessing and the conversion of biological waste into valuable products. Much of his work explores how microorganisms and their enzymes can transform agricultural residues, food-processing by-products and marine waste into useful products such as bioactive peptides, functional food ingredients, industrial enzymes and renewable biofuels.

Dr Bhagwat is particularly interested in developing bioactive peptides from underutilised protein sources, including fish collagen and milk lactoferrin, for their potential health-promoting properties. His research also investigates environmentally friendly approaches to biomass processing and the application of microbial biotechnology to address environmental challenges.

“My research is driven by a simple question: How can we transform underutilised biological resources into valuable products that benefit people, industry and the environment?”

Through microbial and enzyme-based technologies, Dr Bhagwat aims to transform marine and agricultural waste into valuable products that support human well-being, resource efficiency and the circular bioeconomy.

He has contributed to 67 peer-reviewed journal publications and five book chapters, with more than 3,300 citations and an h-index of 26. His achievements include the NRF Y2 rating (2024–2029), the DUT Research Excellence Award for Emerging Researcher (2024) and the Best Postdoctoral Fellow Award (2022 and 2025). He was also nominated for the prestigious TW Kambule–NSTF Emerging Researcher Award.

Beyond research publications and recognition, Dr Bhagwat is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists. At DUT, he has contributed to the mentorship and co-supervision of 11 doctoral, 13 master's and 14 honours students, while actively participating in international research collaborations.For Dr Bhagwat, the true impact of research goes beyond publications and citations. It lies in translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions, nurturing young researchers and making a meaningful difference to society and the environment.

29/10/2026

3 min flash fact competition....

27/10/2026

Congratulations to Dr Ramanna on this achievement!

With approximately 30 000 students, the Durban University of Technology (DUT) is the first choice for higher education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

21/10/2026

Congratulations...

19/10/2026

3 min flash fact competition

12/10/2026

Know Our Alumni (KOA): Keshia Govender Naidoo

What is your daily motivation?

My daily motivation comes from seeing each day as a new opportunity to learn, grow, and improve myself. I believe that even small changes can make a meaningful difference, so I strive to continually develop my knowledge and skills while finding ways to make a positive impact in my workplace and the marine sector.

Kindly tell us how the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, DUT, contributed to sharping and enhancing your career?

The Department of Biotechnology and Food Science at DUT has played an important role in shaping my career by providing me with a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and practical skills. The guidance, encouragement, and support I received from lecturers helped me to develop into a more open-minded researcher who is willing to explore new ideas and think beyond traditional applications of biotechnology. This has given me the confidence to look for innovative ways to apply biotechnology within the marine sector and to identify opportunities where scientific research can contribute to improving marine operations and animal health.

12/10/2026

FOOD PRODUCT LAUNCH 2026

08/10/2026

Food Product launch 2026
Overall award: Jelly Gems
Best scientific presentation: vitality noodles
Most innovative product: mzansi dumbe
Best sensory product: golden harvest
Best poster award: bambara butter

Congratulations to all the winners...

08/10/2026

Food Product launch 2026...
Some of the products that were produced in this year's projects, well done to the team...

Address

Steve Biko Campus, Berea Road
Durban
4000

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27313735321

Website

https://www.dut.ac.za/faculty/applied_sciences/biotechnology_and_food_technology/

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