Deepthi Hebbale
Ph.D., IISc, BengaluruDeepthi Hebbale
Ph.D., IISc, BengaluruMy research quest is driven by a longstanding interest in transforming biological resources into clean, sustainable energy solutions. Over the years, I have focused on biomass-based pathways for bioethanol production, especially using unconventional, underutilized, and aquatic feedstocks. My journey began with exploring macroalgal biomass as a third-generation biofuel resource, where I examined pretreatment strategies, microbial saccharification, and fermentation optimization. This early work not only strengthened my understanding of biofuel chemistry and microbial processes but also laid the foundation for my continued commitment to environmentally responsible bioconversion technologies.
As my research evolved, I expanded into second-generation bioethanol production using agricultural residues such as coffee husk, rice husk, bamboo, banana stalk, and other lignocellulosic wastes. I am particularly interested in designing microbial and fermentation systems capable of efficiently converting complex carbohydrates into bioethanol. My current work focuses on consolidated bioprocessing and the engineering of cellulolytic microorganisms to streamline biomass-to-biofuel conversion. Through these efforts, I aim to minimize process steps, reduce enzyme dependency, and lower operational costs—key barriers to the large-scale commercialization of advanced biofuels.
A parallel pillar of my research centers on sustainability and systems thinking. I have been actively involved in ecological assessments, energy–environment interactions, and biodiversity studies, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to understand how biofuel production can align with ecosystem health and community well-being. My experience in environmental monitoring, remote sensing, and coastal ecosystem studies enriches my approach and enables me to integrate ecological intelligence into biotechnological design.
Looking ahead, my overarching goal is to establish a scalable and resource-efficient biorefinery model tailored to India’s agricultural and aquatic biomass. I strive to develop microbial platforms capable of converting diverse residues into multiple high-value products—including bioethanol, bioplastics, organic acids, and biomaterials—thus contributing to a circular and resilient bioeconomy. I also aspire to mentor young researchers, build interdisciplinary collaborations, and advance biofuel technologies that are scientifically robust, socially meaningful, and environmentally sound.
Dr. Deepthi Hebbale is an Assistant Professor at the School of Biosciences and the Centre for Sustainability, Chanakya University, Bengaluru. Her work focuses on biofuels, biomass valorization, fermentation technology, and sustainable energy systems. She holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. (Engineering) from the Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), where her doctoral thesis on macroalgal bioethanol was awarded the prestigious Amulya and Vimala Reddy Medal for Best Ph.D. Thesis.
Dr. Hebbale has previously served as a Biofuel Consultant at Ankit Engineering Pvt. Ltd., leading research on ethanol production from agricultural residues such as potato pomace, tomato pomace, coffee husk, rice husk, and bamboo biomass. Her research portfolio includes 16 publications, including international journal, national journal papers, book chapters, technical reports and conference proceedings. She has also been recognized with multiple national awards, including the Sahyadri Ecologist Award (2016 & 2018) and best presentation awards at major biodiversity conferences.
She is a reviewer for leading journals such as Bioresource Technology, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, and Bioengineered. Her academic interests span bioenergy, microbial biotechnology, sustainability, and biorefinery development, with a commitment to advancing circular bioeconomy solutions for India.
- Ph.D., & M.Sc., (Engineering) – Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, 2021
- B.E., (Biotechnology) – M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bangalore, 2011
- Primary & Secondary Education – Kendriya Vidyalaya, Hebbal, Bangalore, 2007
International Journal Articles
- N. Dave and D. Hebbale, “The prospect of bamboo and non-fodder rice husk for sustainable bioethanol production,” Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 32, pp. 9236–9249, 2025, doi: 10.1007/s11356-025-36271-0.
- D. Hebbale and T. V. Ramachandra, “Optimal sugar release from macroalgal feedstock with dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis,” Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, pp. 1–14, 2021.
- D. Hebbale, R. S. Mishra, and T. V. Ramachandra, “Prioritizing wild yeast strains for macroalgal bioethanol production,” BioEnergy Research, pp. 1–16, 2021.
- T. V. Ramachandra and D. Hebbale, “Bioethanol from macroalgae: Prospects and challenges,” Renew. Sust. Energy Rev., vol. 117, p. 109479, 2020.
- D. Hebbale, R. Bhargavi, and T. V. Ramachandra, “Saccharification of macroalgal polysaccharides through prioritized cellulase producing bacteria,” Heliyon, vol. 5(3), 2019.
National Journal Articles
- U. V. Singh and D. Hebbale, “Ethnomedicobotany: Exploration of wild biodiversity for immune boosting and others in communities of dry districts of Karnataka, India,” Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, vol. 7(8), pp. 140–187, 2020.
- U. V. Singh and D. Hebbale, “Lakes, The Changing Wetland Ecosystem of Bengaluru,” MyForest, vol. 55(4), pp. 1–25, 2019.
- D. Hebbale, M. D. S. Chandran, N. V. Joshi, and T. V. Ramachandra, “Energy and food security from macroalgae,” Journal of Biodiversity, vol. 8(1), pp. 1–11, 2017.
Book Chapters
- T. V. Ramachandra and D. Hebbale, “Energy and Economic Nexus of Seaweeds,” in Sustainable Global Resources of Seaweeds, Springer, 2022.
- D. Hebbale and T. V. Ramachandra, “Third-generation bioethanol: status, scope, and challenges,” in Handbook of Biofuels, Academic Press, 2022.
- T. V. Ramachandra and D. Hebbale, “Bioethanol prospects of Algae in Central West Coast of India,” Proc. 11th National Conference on Indian Energy Sector, 2016.
Conference Papers
- D. Hebbale and T. V. Ramachandra, “Enteromorpha intestinalis as viable feedstock for bioethanol production,” in Proc. Lake 2018: Conservation and Sustainable Management of Riverine Ecosystems, Sahyadri Conservation Series 95, ENVIS Technical Report 166, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 2020, pp. 21–26.
- D. Hebbale, T. V. Ramachandra, and M. D. S. Chandran, “Estuarine seaweeds of Aghanashini, South Indian west coast: A potential resource and prospects for developing biofuel,” in Proc. Lake 2016: Conference on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Ecologically Sensitive Regions in Western Ghats, Moodbidri, India, Dec. 2016, pp. 28–30.
- R. Bhargavi Sharma, D. Hebbale, M. D. S. Chandran, and T. V. Ramachandra, “Microbial consortium role in bioethanol production from Ulva lactuca,” in Proc. Lake 2016: Conference on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Ecologically Sensitive Regions in Western Ghats, Moodbidri, India, Dec. 2016, Envis Technical Report 120, pp. 152–161.
- G. Saranya, D. Hebbale, R. Bhargavi Sharma, and T. V. Ramachandra, “Substrata-wise benthic diatom community structure of Aghanashini estuary, Uttara Kannada District,” in Proc. Lake 2016: Conference on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Ecologically Sensitive Regions in Western Ghats, Moodbidri, India, Dec. 2016, Envis Technical Report 120, pp. 142–151.
Technical Reports
- T. V. Ramachandra, M. D. S. Chandran, B. Settur, D. Hebbale, P. Mesta, R. Ray, S. P. Bhat, A. K. S. Asulabha, S. Varghese, D. M. Mahapatra, H. R. Bhat, V. S. Vinay, V. D. Mukri, G. Kulkarni, and B. H. Aithal, My Village Biodiversity: Documentation of Western Ghats Biodiversity through Network of Students and Teachers, Sahyadri Conservation Series 61, ENVIS Technical Report 113. Bengaluru, India: Environmental Information System, CES, Indian Institute of Science, 2016.
Project 1
- Title: Bioethanol Production from Wet Coffee Husk (July 2022–March 2024)
- Duration: 1.5 yrs
- Granting Agency: Ankit Engineering Pvt Ltd.
- PIs: Dr. Deepthi Hebbale
- Purpose: Develop Biofuel production prototype
- Short Description: Consulted for Ankit Engineering Pvt. Ltd. on process optimization for ethanol production using coffee-based waste streams. Work included substrate characterization, fermentation trials, ANN modelling, and techno-economic assessment.
- Status: Completed
- Grant Amount: 35 Lakhs
- Amulya and Vimala Reddy Medal (2020–2021) – Best Ph.D. Thesis, Centre for Sustainable Technologies, IISc.
- Sahyadri Ecologist Award (2016 & 2018) – Lake International Conferences, IISc.
- Best Oral Presentation Award (2017) – Indian Biodiversity Congress, Pondicherry University.
- Best Presentation Award (2012) – Second International Indian Biodiversity Congress, IISc.
Memberships
- Member, Energy & Wetlands Research Group (EWRG), IISc
- Member, Centre for Sustainability, Chanakya University
- Reviewer for Bioresource Technology, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Bioengineered
Special Trainings & Certifications
- Training on Microbial and Molecular Techniques: Basics and Beyond, ICAR-CMFRI, 2017
- International Workshop: Ocean Colour Remote Sensing – Data Processing and Application, INCOIS, 2014
- Climate Research School – Statistical Downscaling, TERI University, 2013
- GIS and Remote Sensing for Biodiversity Conservation, IIIT-Hyderabad Workshop, 2016
- Green Skill Development Programme, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, 2018 (Guest Speaker)
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8107-8202
Scopus ID: 57207856879
ResearcherID: Q-7883-2016
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Deepthi_Hebbale
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=c624BzcAAAAJ