Khem Shahani
Encyclopedia
Khem Shahani was a microbiologist
who conducted pioneer research on probiotics (live microorganisms).
in 1959, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. One of his many contributions to biology in the years to come, in this landmark discovery, Shahani observed the high level of stability and nutritional viability of the DDS-1 strain. This unique feature meant that the probiotics were able to pass through the stomach acid and implant in the intestine
where it could multiply over 200-fold. Shahani would later name the strain DDS-1 for the Department of Dairy Science Number One strain and spend the rest of his career unlocking its potential for improving overall health.
During his lengthy career, Shahani published over 200 articles in peer reviewed scientific journals and was a consultant for international agencies such as the World Health Organization
. Among these, 80 publications were about Probiotics and Lactic Cultures.
In 1981, Shahani founded Nebraska Cultures, a probiotics manufacturing and research company. Today, Nebraska Cultures is one of the largest international probiotic
supplement manufacturers and suppliers. He served as a consultant for several food and feed supplements and nutrients manufacturing and marketing companies, including Klaire Laboratories, National Enzyme Company, Nutraceutical Corporation, Kovac, TwinLab, Arise & Shine, American Biologics, Cell Tech (now Simplexity), Infinity2, Nutratec SAS, and others.
Khem Shahani died on July 6, 2001 while on a speaking tour in Sicily
(Italy
). In 2005, a professorship was established at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in his name, honoring his work as scientist and professor.
Khem Shahani earned the BS (1943, Major: Dairy
and Food Technology; and Nutritional Microbiology) and the MS (1947, Major: Dairy Chemistry; Minor: Microbiology
) degrees at the University of Bombay, then the Ph.D (1950, Major: Food and Dairy Science; Minor: Biochemistry
) at the University of Wisconsin.
In 1957 Shahani accepted a post at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in the department of Dairy Science, later changed to the Department of Food Science and Technology in 1961. He retired from full-time teaching in 1994, but continued some teaching and research until 2000.
Shahani conducted basic research and developmental work as related to the science
and technology of dairy
foods - bioprocessed and cultured foods; lactic cultures, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus
, food safety, food fermentation
, human and animal nutrition, food and feed supplements, bioprocessed and cultured foods, significance and role of proteins and enzymes in milk and other foods, whey
utilization, water quality, vitamins, antibiotics and toxins in foods, human milk, infant foods, and biotechnology.
The professorial activity of Shahani consisted in teaching several multidisciplinary courses in Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology
, Fermentation technology, for graduate students. He also supervised 16 postdoctoral fellows, 16 Ph.D. candidates, and 22 MS candidates.
, China
, India
, Korea
, Africa
, South America
and Romania
. Served as a member and Chairman of the Academic Planning Committee of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pertaining to academic affairs and budget allocations.
Microbiologist
A microbiologist is a scientist who works in the field of microbiology. Microbiologists study organisms called microbes. Microbes can take the form of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists...
who conducted pioneer research on probiotics (live microorganisms).
Career
Khem Shahani is best known for his discovery of the DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilusLactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a species in the genus Lactobacillus. L. acidophilus is a homofermentative species, fermenting sugars into lactic acid, which grows readily at rather low pH values and has an optimum growth temperature of 37 °C . L...
in 1959, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. One of his many contributions to biology in the years to come, in this landmark discovery, Shahani observed the high level of stability and nutritional viability of the DDS-1 strain. This unique feature meant that the probiotics were able to pass through the stomach acid and implant in the intestine
Intestine
In human anatomy, the intestine is the segment of the alimentary canal extending from the pyloric sphincter of the stomach to the anus and, in humans and other mammals, consists of two segments, the small intestine and the large intestine...
where it could multiply over 200-fold. Shahani would later name the strain DDS-1 for the Department of Dairy Science Number One strain and spend the rest of his career unlocking its potential for improving overall health.
During his lengthy career, Shahani published over 200 articles in peer reviewed scientific journals and was a consultant for international agencies such as the World Health Organization
World Health Organization
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the agency inherited the mandate and resources of its predecessor, the Health...
. Among these, 80 publications were about Probiotics and Lactic Cultures.
In 1981, Shahani founded Nebraska Cultures, a probiotics manufacturing and research company. Today, Nebraska Cultures is one of the largest international probiotic
Probiotic
Probiotics are live microorganisms thought to be beneficial to the host organism. According to the currently adopted definition by FAO/WHO, probiotics are: "Live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host"...
supplement manufacturers and suppliers. He served as a consultant for several food and feed supplements and nutrients manufacturing and marketing companies, including Klaire Laboratories, National Enzyme Company, Nutraceutical Corporation, Kovac, TwinLab, Arise & Shine, American Biologics, Cell Tech (now Simplexity), Infinity2, Nutratec SAS, and others.
Khem Shahani died on July 6, 2001 while on a speaking tour in Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
(Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
). In 2005, a professorship was established at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in his name, honoring his work as scientist and professor.
Academic background
Dairy
A dairy is a business enterprise established for the harvesting of animal milk—mostly from cows or goats, but also from buffalo, sheep, horses or camels —for human consumption. A dairy is typically located on a dedicated dairy farm or section of a multi-purpose farm that is concerned...
and Food Technology; and Nutritional Microbiology) and the MS (1947, Major: Dairy Chemistry; Minor: Microbiology
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell , cell clusters or no cell at all . This includes eukaryotes, such as fungi and protists, and prokaryotes...
) degrees at the University of Bombay, then the Ph.D (1950, Major: Food and Dairy Science; Minor: Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes in living organisms, including, but not limited to, living matter. Biochemistry governs all living organisms and living processes...
) at the University of Wisconsin.
Research and teaching
Khem Shahani taught at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 1950-1952 and Ohio State University at Columbus from 1953-1957.In 1957 Shahani accepted a post at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in the department of Dairy Science, later changed to the Department of Food Science and Technology in 1961. He retired from full-time teaching in 1994, but continued some teaching and research until 2000.
Shahani conducted basic research and developmental work as related to the science
Science
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge in the form of testable explanations and predictions about the universe...
and technology of dairy
Dairy
A dairy is a business enterprise established for the harvesting of animal milk—mostly from cows or goats, but also from buffalo, sheep, horses or camels —for human consumption. A dairy is typically located on a dedicated dairy farm or section of a multi-purpose farm that is concerned...
foods - bioprocessed and cultured foods; lactic cultures, especially Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus acidophilus is a species in the genus Lactobacillus. L. acidophilus is a homofermentative species, fermenting sugars into lactic acid, which grows readily at rather low pH values and has an optimum growth temperature of 37 °C . L...
, food safety, food fermentation
Fermentation (food)
Fermentation in food processing typically is the conversion of carbohydrates to alcohols and carbon dioxide or organic acids using yeasts, bacteria, or a combination thereof, under anaerobic conditions. Fermentation in simple terms is the chemical conversion of sugars into ethanol...
, human and animal nutrition, food and feed supplements, bioprocessed and cultured foods, significance and role of proteins and enzymes in milk and other foods, whey
Whey
Whey or Milk Serum is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained. It is a by-product of the manufacture of cheese or casein and has several commercial uses. Sweet whey is manufactured during the making of rennet types of hard cheese like cheddar or Swiss cheese...
utilization, water quality, vitamins, antibiotics and toxins in foods, human milk, infant foods, and biotechnology.
The professorial activity of Shahani consisted in teaching several multidisciplinary courses in Food Science and Technology, Biotechnology
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a field of applied biology that involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine and other fields requiring bioproducts. Biotechnology also utilizes these products for manufacturing purpose...
, Fermentation technology, for graduate students. He also supervised 16 postdoctoral fellows, 16 Ph.D. candidates, and 22 MS candidates.
Research and management
In his lifetime, Shahani administered and supervised a large number of research projects with several graduate students and postdoctoral fellows actively engaged in biochemical and nutritional research work. Supervised three research projects. Worked with several national and international students and postdoctorals from U.S.A., Middle EastMiddle East
The Middle East is a region that encompasses Western Asia and Northern Africa. It is often used as a synonym for Near East, in opposition to Far East...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
, Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
, South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and Romania
Romania
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, on the Lower Danube, within and outside the Carpathian arch, bordering on the Black Sea...
. Served as a member and Chairman of the Academic Planning Committee of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln pertaining to academic affairs and budget allocations.
Honors and awards
- BordenBorden-Places:Australia*Borden, Western AustraliaCanada*Borden, Saskatchewan*Borden, Ontario*Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island, formerly the town of Borden*Borden Peninsula, Nunavut, Canada*Borden Island, Nunavut, Canada...
Award of the American Dairy Science Association for Excellence in Research in Dairy Manufacturing (Dairy MicrobiologyMicrobiologyMicrobiology is the study of microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell , cell clusters or no cell at all . This includes eukaryotes, such as fungi and protists, and prokaryotes...
and Dairy Chemistry) - 1964 - Gamma Sigma Delta International Award for Distinguished Service to Agriculture - 1966- Dr. Shahani was the youngest scientist ever to receive this award.
- Sigma Xi Outstanding Scientist Award, University of Nebraska - 1977
- PfizerPfizerPfizer, Inc. is an American multinational pharmaceutical corporation. The company is based in New York City, New York with its research headquarters in Groton, Connecticut, United States...
Award of the American Dairy Science Association for excellence in research and development in the areas of lactic cultures and cultured products - 1977 - Nordica International Award of the American Cultured Dairy Products Institute for excellence in research and development in the area of lactic cultures, yogurt and other cultured products - 1977. Dr. Shahani was the recipient of the First Nordica Award
- Elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists - 1983
- Dairy Research Foundation Award of the American Dairy Science Association for distinguished service and research in the area of lactic cultures, cheese and other cultured products - 1983. Dr. Shahani was the first recipient of the three major awards of the ADSA.
Patents
- U.S. Patents (No. 3,689,640), "Antibiotic Acidophilin and Process of Preparing the Same.",
- U.S. Patent (No. 4,279,998), "Regeneration of Immobilized Enzymes". Has two more patent applications pending on "Cofermentation of Whey and Grain to produce Industrial Alcohol".