Dr. Kinjal Bhatt

Assistant Professor and Head

Academic Biography:

Dr. Kinjal Bhatt is an Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Biosciences, M. G. Science Institute, Ahmedabad. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and has more than seven years of teaching and research experience. Her research focuses on environmental microbiology, industrial biotechnology, microbial exopolysaccharides, bioplastics, biofertilizers, algal biotechnology, waste valorization and sustainable biomaterials. She has successfully completed a funded research project on edible packaging materials and has guided numerous undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. Her work has resulted in books, book chapters, research papers and conference presentations at national and international levels. She is committed to outcome-based education, research-driven teaching and sustainable biotechnology.

Technical Expertise:

Microbial isolation, fermentation, bioprocessing, chromatography, DNA isolation, algae cultivation, mushroom cultivation, antimicrobial assays, biofilm studies, bioplastic synthesis and biofertilizer production.

Education Qualifications:

  •  Ph.D. (Microbiology), Gujarat University
  • M.Sc. Microbiology, School of sciences, Gujarat University (Gold Medalist)
  • B.Sc. Microbiology, M.G. Science Institute

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor & Head, Department of Biosciences, M.G. Science Institute
  • Assistant Professor, St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad (2019-2026)
  • Ad-hoc Faculty, M.G. Science Institute (2018)
  • Visiting Faculty, Gujarat University (2017 and 2018)

Research Interests:

  • Environmental Microbiology; Bioremediation; Fermentation Technology; Microbial Exopolysaccharides; Biofertilizers; Bioplastics; Algae Biotechnology; Waste Valorization.

Awards:

  • MBSI Women Scientist Award; WAAH Science Laureate Award; Researcher of the Year; DST-INSPIRE Fellowship; U.M. Rawal Memorial Award; Rajiv Gandhi Yuva sanman, SSIP External Expert.

Research Projects:

  • Completed seed grant project on carboxymethyl starch for edible packaging. Guided projects on wastewater treatment, PET degradation, mushroom cultivation, algae, biofertilizers and bioplastics.

Publications Summary:

  • 22+ research publications, 2 books, 4 book chapters, numerous conference proceedings, 34 poster presentations and multiple oral presentations. 

Teaching Experience and recognitions:

  1. Kinjal Upadhyay, Vivek Pandya. Algae: From Nature: Basics to Biotechnological Marvels. Lambert Publications, UK. ISBN-13: 9786208064983 ISBN-10: 6208064988 
  2. Kinjal Upadhyay, Samrat Hardik. Green plastics: Revolutionizing the future. Lambert Publications, UK.
  1. Kinjal H. Upadhyay, Avni M. Vaishnav, Devayani R. Tipre, Shailesh R. Dave. (2021). Metal Bioremediation, Mechanisms, Kinetics and Role of Marine Bacteria in the Bioremediation Technology. Biotechnology for Sustainable Environment. ISBN 978-981-16-1954-0 ISBN 978-981-16-1955-7 (eBook).
  2. Avni M. Vaishnav, Kinjal H. Upadhyay, Devayani R. Tipre, Shailesh R. Dave. (2021). Bio-prospecting of Fruits Waste for Exopolysaccharide Production by Bacteria: Biotechnology for Sustainable Environment. ISBN 978-981-16-1954-0 ISBN 978-981-16-1955-7. 
  3. Kinjal Bhatt, Avni Divatia, Sudeshna Menon, Sebastian Vadakan. (2025). Microbes to the Rescue: The Future of Plant Protection. In: Climate change and soil microorganisms for environmental sustainability. Ed: Meenu Saraf, Dweipayan Goswami and Dinesh Kumar Maheshwari. Chapter-7. Pp 153-184. Springer.
  4. Pandya V, Upadhyay K. (2025). 6 Transformative AI applications in environmental microbiology: pioneering research and sustainable solutions. Artificial Intelligence in Microbiology: Environmental, Food, Plant and Clinical Microbiology. 10:97
  1. Upadhyay, K. H., Vaishnav, A.M., Tipre, D.R, Dave, S.R (2016). Diversity assessment and eps production potential of cultivable bacteria from the samples of coastal site of alang. Microbiol Biotech Food Science: 6(1) 661-666. DOI:10.15414/jmbfs.2016.6.1.661-666 
  2. Dave, S.R., Vaishnav, A.M., Upadhyay, K.H., Tipre, D.R. (2016). Microbial Exopolysaccharide - An Inevitable Product for Living Beings and Environment. Journal of Bacteriology & Mycology Open Access 2(4): 00034. DOI: 10.15406/jbmoa.2016.02.00034 
  3. Vaishnav, A.M, Upadhyay, K.H, Tipre, D.R, Dave, S.R (2016). Characterization of potent exopolysaccharide producing bacteria isolated from fruit pulp and potato peels and enhancement in their exopolysaccharide production potential. Microbiol Biotech Food Science: 6 (3) 874-877. doi: 10.15414/jmbfs.2016/17.6.3.874-877
  4. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR, Patel BC, Dave SR. (2017). Kinetics and mechanisms of mercury biosorption by an exopolysaccharide producing marine isolate Bacillus licheniformis. 3 Biotech. DOI 10.1007/s13205-017-0958-4
  5. Dave SR, Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR. (2020). Exopolysaccharides from marine bacteria: production, recovery and applications. Environmental Sustainability. 3(2):139-54.
  6. Avni Vaishnav, Kinjal Upadhayay, Devayani Tipre, and Shailesh Dave. (2020). Utilization of mixed fruit waste for exopolysaccharide production, by Bacillus species SRA4: medium formulation and its optimization. 3 Biotech 10(12):1-9.
  7. Kinjal H. Upadhyay, Avni M. Vaishnav, Devayani R. Tipre, Shailesh R. Dave. (2020). Mercury Pollution and its alleviation by bacteria. Conference Proceeding: Present Day Biology: Impact of Research on Cellular and Molecular Biology. ISBN: 978-93-90996-18-6 
  8. Avni Divatia, Aditya Mohanty, Kalp Shah, Nupur Kunti, Sanjal Shah, and Kinjal Bhatt. (2020). Bacterial Biodegradation of Chlorpyrifos: A Review. Conference Proceeding Present Day Biology: Impact of Research on Cellular and Molecular Biology. ISBN: 978-93-90996- 18-6
  9. Vaishnav A, Upadhyay K, Koradiya M, Tipre D, Dave S. (2022). Valorisation of fruit waste for enhanced exopolysaccharide production by Xanthomonas campestries using statistical optimisation of medium and process. Food Bioscience. 1;46:101608 
  10. Dolon Dhaurya, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). Preparation of organic compost from kitchen waste and its efficacy: managing waste at house-hold level. Journal of Microbiology and Related Research. 10(1): 07-13. p- ISSN 2395-6623; e-ISSN 2455-832X 
  11. Vivek Pandya, Devanshi Trivedi, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). Eco-Alchemy- Algae cultivation and its application in bioplastic production. Journal of Microbiology and Related Research. 10(1): 39-45. p- ISSN 2395-6623; e-ISSN 2455-832X 
  12. Devanshi Trivedi, Vivek Pandya, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). On Earth Harmony: Algae Crafting Environment Revival. Journal of Microbiology and Related Research. 10(1): 29-37. p-ISSN 2395-6623; e-ISSN2455-832X 
  13. Nisargkumar Teli, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). CAR-T Immunotherapy against cancer. Indian journal of cancer education and research. 12(2):63-73. p-ISSN 2321- 9815; e- ISSN 2455-8257
  14. Doris David, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). Revolutionizing bioplastic production: A focus on sustainable alternatives using orange peels and CMS: A review. Green Energy and Environmental technology. Manuscript id: GEET-2024-0073-R2.
  15. Samrat Hardik, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). Bioplastic production from Banana peels: Unlocking the power of nature. Indian journal of Waste Management. 8(2):81- 88. 
  16. Kinjal Upadhyay, Pal Parmar. (2025). Spirulina: A comprehensive review on its cultivation, nutritional profile and global importance. Cosmo Research and Science International Journal. 1(1): 18-29. 
  17. Kinjal Upadhyay, Jumana Bagasrawala, Devanshi Mistry. (2025). Production of bioplastic from fruit waste: A greener tomorrow. Cosmo Research and Science International Journal. 1(1): 64-71.
  18. Nusrat Fatema Momin, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2025). Production of ecofriendly bioplastic using orange peels: Towards the greener environment. Iconic Research and Engineering Journals. 9(2): 186-193.
  19. Kinjal Upadhyay, Pal Parmar. (2025). Harnessing Aspergillus niger for sustainable biofertilizer production: A comprehensive review. International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology. 12(3): 1947-1956.0 
  20. Upadhyay K, Kumar Teli N. (2025). Bridging Eras: Integrating Ancient Remedies with Modern Biotechnology to Combat Non-TB Skin Infections. Frontiers in Natural Products.;4:1686049. 
  21. Kinjal Upadhyay, Palak Yagnik. Seaweed-Derived Bioplastics: A Sustainable Alternative To Petroleum- Based Plastics: Review. J Microbiol Relat Res. 2025; 11(2): 91–103. 
  22. Manisha Singh, Avni Divatia, Manoj koradiya, Kinjal Upadhyay (2025). Enhancing Sustainability: Optimisation of Eco-Friendly Corn Starch Based Bioplastic. Journal of Environmental Bioremediation and Toxicology. 8(1): 6-13. DOI: 10.54987/ jebat.v8i1.1119
  1. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Patel BV, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2013). Isolation, identification and optimization of exopolysaccharide producing bacteria. BRSI, International conference (ICABB). Dr, D.Y. Patil institute, Pune, India. 
  2. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2014). Isolation of exopolysaccharide producers from the saline environment of bhavnagar and EPS production by one isolate. Gujarat Science Congress, (National conference) North Gujarat University, Patan, Gujarat. 
  3. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2014). Application of exopolysaccharide in heavy metal remediation: Cu, Cd, Zn, Au and Co sorption study by halophilic bacteria. BRSI, International conference (ICETB), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India, 2014. 
  4. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2015). Screening of exopolysaccharide producing marine isolates and their characterization. Gujarat Science Congress, National conference, Gujarat Science city, Ahmedabad, India.
  5. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2015). Enhanced bacterial exopolysaccharide production by selection of producers and media optimization. BRSI, International conference (NHBT) at Trivendram, India. 
  6. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2015). Application of EPS producing marine bacteria in biosorption of mercury. ICRTAS, International conference, Anand, Gujarat, India. 
  7. Upadhyay KH, Vaishnav AM, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2017). Kinetic and mechanism of mercury abatement by metal tolerant moderate halophilic EPS producing marine Halomons nitroreducens. Emerging Trends in Biotechnology for Waste Conversion (ETBWC-2017)”to be held on October 08- 10, 2017atCSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, India.
  8. Vaishnav AM, Upadhyay KH, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2014). Isoaltion and identification of exopolysaccharide producing bacteria from potato peels and fruits pulp. BRSI, International conference (ICETB). Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India. 
  9. Vaishnav AM, Upadhyay KH, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2015). Media optimization for higher exopolysaccharide production from selected bacterial isolates. Gujarat Science Congress, National conference at Gujarat Science city, Ahmedabad, India.
  10. Vaishnav AM, Upadhyay KH, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2015). Diversity in exopolysaccharides production by different Bacillus strains isolated from food waste and Alang marine ecosystem. BRSI, International conference (NHBT) at Trivendram, India. 
  11. Vaishnav AM, Upadhyay KH, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2015). Improved exopolysaccharide production by gram positive bacteria and application of statistical experimental design. ICRTAS, International conference, Anand, Gujarat, India.
  12. Vaishnav AM, Upadhyay KH, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2016). Bioprocessing of fruit waste for EPS production. 3R conference on waste management, New Delhi, India. 
  13. Vaishnav AM, Upadhyay KH, Tipre DR, Dave SR. (2017). Utilization of fruit waste for EPS production by Bacillus Sp. SRA4 from fruits. Emerging Trends in Biotechnology for Waste Conversion (ETBWC-2017)” held at CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, India.
  14. Charania Simran, Sharma Prachi, Divatia Avni, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2023). Synthesis of CMS from corn and potato starch and its application in bioplastic formation, National conference 2023 (Microbiomes to macromolecules: connecting the dots) at Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India (22-23 February 2023). 
  15. Mariam Doris David, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2023). Revolutionizing Bioplastic Production: A Focus On Sustainable Using Orange Peel and CMS, PRESENT DAY BIOLOGY FOOTPRINTS OF AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. National conference at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad (09-10 December 2023).
  16. Samrat Hardik, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2023). Bioplastic Production from Banana Peel and CMS: Unlocking Nature’s Power, PRESENT DAY BIOLOGY FOOTPRINTS OF AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. National conference at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad (09-10 December 2023) 
  17. Devanshi Trivedi, Vivek Pandya, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2023). On Earth Harmony: Algae Crafting Environmental Revival. PRESENT DAY BIOLOGY FOOTPRINTS OF AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. National conference at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad (09-10 December 2023) 
  18. Vivek Pandya, Devanshi Trivedi, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2023). Eco-AlCHEMY Approaches to Algal Cultivation and Its Uses in Bioplastic Production. PRESENT DAY BIOLOGY FOOTPRINTS OF AND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. National conference at St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad (09-10 December 2023) 
  19. Samrat Hardik, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). Bioplastic Production from Banana Peel CMS: Unlocking Nature’s Power, SPEED (Scientific Progress in Environmental and Economic Development) International Conference at Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India (28-29 February 2024). 
  20. Mariam Doris David, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). Utilization of Orange Peel In Bioplastic Production For Sustainable Food Packaging: A Study On Agrowaste Transformation, SPEED (Scientific Progress in Environmental and Economic Development) International Conference at Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India (28-29 February 2024).
  21. Devanshi Trivedi, Vivek Pandya, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2024). Steps Towards Sustainability: Cultivating Green Gold, SPEED (Scientific Progress in Environmental and Economic Development) International Conference at Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, School of Sciences, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India (28- 29 February 2024). 
  22. Nusrat, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2025). PVA based bioplastic - A step towards sustainability GSBTM, DST Sponsored International Conference on Interdisciplinary Science and Technology: New Frontier and Emerging Opportunities” *(ICIST-NEO-2025) presented at Gandhinagar University, Gujarat India. (6- 7 March 2025). 
  23. Priyanka Singh, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2025). Cultivation and application of algae as biofertilizer, paper and cosmetics is a sustainable and environment friendly alternative. GSBTM, DST Sponsored International Conference on Interdisciplinary Science and Technology: New Frontier and Emerging Opportunities” (ICIST-NEO- 2025) presented at Gandhinagar University, Gujarat India. (6-7 March 2025). 
  24. Payal Patani, Pal Parmar, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2025). Development of Cost-effective media for producing carrier based biofertilizer using Aspergillus niger. GSBTM, DST Sponsored International Conference on Interdisciplinary Science and Technology: New Frontier and Emerging Opportunities” (ICIST-NEO-2025) presented at Gandhinagar University, Gujarat India. (6- 7 March 2025). 
  25. Margi Parikh, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2025). Oyster mushroom cultivation: A comparative study of different types of substrates. Presented on research day organized by the research and development department of St. Xavier’s college, Ahmedabad. 
  26. Palak Yagnik, Kinjal Upadhyay. (2025). Seaweed derived bioplastics: A sustainable alternative to petroleum based plastics. Presented on research day organized by the research and development department of St. Xavier’s college, Ahmedabad. 
  27. Jadeja, V., & Bhatt, K. (2025, December). From seaweed to bioplastic and hydrogel: A review of sustainable and biomedical applications [Poster presentation]. International Conference on Present Day Biology: Unfolding Mysteries in Biological Systems to Translate into Applications, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, India.
  28. Jadeja, V., & Bhatt, K. (2026, February). Synthesis and characterization of sustainable bioplastic derived from brown seaweed biomass [Poster presentation]. State Level Conference on One Planet One Health, Microbiology Department, Gujarat Arts and Science College, Ahmedabad, India. 
  29. Vatalia, D., & Bhatt, K. (2025, December). Valorization of flower waste into liquid biofertilizer using low-cost fermentation systems and isolation of indigenous microorganisms Research poster. International Conference on Present Day Biology: Unfolding Mysteries in Biological Systems to Translate into Applications, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad, India. 
  30. Vatalia, D., & Bhatt, K. (2026, February). Conversion of temple floral waste into liquid biofertilizer: Pot study evaluation and bio-bricks application Research poster. State Level Conference on One Planet One Health, Microbiology Department, Gujarat Arts and Science College, Ahmedabad, India. 
  31. Hadiyal, K., & Bhatt, K. (2025, December). Algae cultivation and their sustainable applications Review poster. International Conference on Present Day Biology: Unfolding Mysteries in Biological Systems to Translate into Applications, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, St. Xavier’s College, Ahmedabad, India. 
  32. Hadiyal, K., & Bhatt, K. (2026, February). Microalgae: cultivation strategies and sustainable applications A Reserch Poster. State Level Conference on One Planet One Health, Microbiology Department, Gujarat Arts and Science College, Ahmedabad, India. 
  33. Patel, K., & Bhatt, K.,(2025, December). solid biofertilizer production from temple flower waste using earthen pot and plastic containers: a comparative study [poster presentations]. international conference on Present Day Biology: Unfolding mysteries in biological systems to translate into applications, department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, St. Xavier's College, ahmedabad, India. 
  34. Patel, K., & Bhatt, K.,(2026, February). eco-friendly transformation of temple flower waste into biofertilizer and bio-bricks [poster presentations]. state level conference on one planet one health, microbiology department, Gujarat arts and science college, ahmedabad, India.
  1. Samrat Hardik, Kinjal Upadhyay.Bioplastics Production from Banana Peel: Bridging Sustainability in Waste Management presented for WAAH Science Laureate Award 2024 in the category of young laureate award presented at Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre Ahmedabad on 23 November 2024
  2. Samrat Hardik, Kinjal Upadhyay. From Waste to Worth: Sustainable Bioplastic Production Using Banana Peels, Futuristic Demands and Emerging Technologies in Environment and Agri-Food Science for Sustainable Solutions (DET-EAS-25)’ Presented at SRM University Delhi, NCR 0n 22 February 2025.
  3. Samrat Hardik, Kinjal Upadhyay. Eco-Innovation: Bioplastics from Agro-Waste and CMS for a Sustainable Tomorrow, National conference on Advances in Chemical and Biological Sciences for Sustainable Development (NCACBSSD-25) Presenting at Ganpat University Mehsana On 11-12 March 2025. (Presentation won the second prize).