Publications

Concentrating omega-3 fatty acids in Nannochloropsis oceanica oil by using enzyme immobilized nano-silica systems

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Burning agricultural waste causes local air pollution and global warming. Agricultural waste, such as rice husks, contains silica reserves that can be processed into nano silica and used as a substrate for the immobilization of enzymes. The present study attempts to develop efficient silica-based nano-biocatalysts for concentrating omega-3 fatty acids in algal oil by hydrolyzing specific short-chain fatty acids. In this regard, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and rice husk ash (RHA) were used as precursors to obtain nano-silica supports.

Characterization of the Red Biochromes Produced by the Endophytic Fungus Monascus purpureus CPEF02 with Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Food colourant, Monascus, polyketide, bio-pigment, antimicrobial Food acceptability and appeal are significantly influenced by colour. Harmful effects associated with synthetic colorants are well established, and research is currently focused on developing natural, synthetic chemical-free substitutes from fungal sources, with broad applications in food, medicine, textiles and agriculture. Additionally, the market’s dearth of natural red colour substitutes requires the creation of novel red pigment alternatives from secure and scalable sources.

A comparative assessment of biomass pretreatment methods for the sustainable industrial upscaling of rice straw into cellulose

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Prior to the bioconversion of low cost, renewable lignocellulosic residues such as rice straw into value added bio-products, their recalcitrant structure needs to be fractionated by using various pretreatment methods.

Hydrogels in Agriculture: Prospects and Challenges

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Hydrogels retain substantial quantities of both water and nutrients within their three dimensional polymeric network. As such they have the ability to modify the local micro-environment of seeds/seedlings to enhance their growth outcomes. In terms of both safety and sustainability, the use of natural biopolymer based hydrogels is more advantageous. The network structure of hydrogels is typically formed by physical interaction and/or chemical crosslinking between polymer chains.

Recent advances in research for potential utilization of unexplored lichen metabolites

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Several research studies have shown that lichens are productive organisms for the synthesis of a broad range of secondary metabolites. Lichens are a self-sustainable stable microbial ecosystem comprising an exhabitant fungal partner (mycobiont) and at least one or more photosynthetic partners (photobiont).

Antimicrobial Agents Based on Metal Complexes: Present Situation and Future Prospects

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

The rise in antimicrobial resistance is a cause of serious concern since the ages. Therefore, a dire need to explore new antimicrobial entities that can combat against the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance is realized. Studies have shown that the activity of the strongest antibiotics has reduced drastically against many microbes such as microfungi and bacteria (Gram-positive and Gram negative). A ray of hope, however, was witnessed in early 1940s with the development of new drug discovery and use of metal complexes as antibiotics.

Evaluation of biochemical responses in pepper genotypes artificially inoculated with pepper leaf curl virus

Research Paper
| June 14, 2023

Pepper leaf curl virus (PepLCV), a whitefly transmitted Begomovirus is a serious threat to chilli production. Resistant and susceptible genotypes were investigated for biochemical alterations after virus inoculation. The total phenol content across six genotypes ranged from 14.80 ± 1.98 to 55.85 ± 2.54 (mg/100 g FW).

Brahmapuram Landfill Fire: Points towards the Need for Decentralized Waste Management

Article
| June 8, 2023

In this article, Sharada Balasubramanian highlights that a series of flames have been breaking out, year after year, at the Brahmapuram landfill in Kerala. Yet, it was not taken seriously. This year, the massive uncontrollable fire breakout urged the Kochi Corporation to take serious steps to resolve this issue as it impacted the health of people and the environment. Brahmapuram is the only landfill that is a bone of contention in Kerala, where solid waste management, otherwise is decentralized and systematic.

Nano steps towards Climate Smart Agriculture

Article
| May 31, 2023

Its deceptively small size is no measure of its impact. Nanotechnology may work at a small scale, but the minuscule size of nanomaterials belies their efficiency. Little wonder then that the technology is being increasingly applied in agriculture to enhance efficacy and, importantly, to shrink the adverse impact of conventional chemical fertilizers on the environment and health.