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A compilation of Research Projects
BACK-TO-LAB PROGRAMME
KERALA STATE COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY& ENVIRONMENT
Women Scientists Division
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom P.O., Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – 695004, India
Website: www.kscste.kerala.gov.in , www.keralawomenscientists.com
DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Government of Kerala
MARCH 2016
2
Sl No Name Page No.
1 Dr. Manju C Nair, Post-Doc Fellow 3
2 Preetha Liz Korah, Research Fellow 5
3 Jesitha K, Research Fellow 7
4 Dr. Thulasi G Pillai, Post-Doc Fellow 9
5 Dr. Sreeja Purushothaman, Post-Doc Fellow 11
6 Hima V M, Research Fellow 13
7 Dr. Sandhya V Satheesh, Post-Doc Fellow 15
8 Sreebha A B, Research Fellow 17
9 Priji Prakashan, Research Fellow 19
10 Nimmy John V, Research Fellow 21
11 Sreeja R, Research Fellow 23
12 Dr. Manju Mary Joseph, Post-Doc Fellow 25
13 Jaya T P, Research Fellow 27
14 Neethi Raj P, Research Fellow 29
15 Divya Balakrishnan, Research Fellow 31
16 Rajani Jacob, Research Fellow 33
17 Aswathy I S, Research Fellow 35
18 Dhanya Balan, Research Fellow 37
19 Prasanna Kumari K, Research Fellow 39
20 Krishna R Prasad, Research Fellow 41
21 Shiny R , Research Fellow 43
22 Lekshmi K Edison, Research Fellow 45
23 Shahina N K, Research Fellow 47
24 Sheethal Sivankutty, Research Fellow 49
25 Priya Bhaskaran, Research Fellow 51
26 Dr. Resmi J, Post-Doc Fellow, Research Fellow 53
INDEX
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2010-11
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -1
Completed Project -1
Systematic studies on Bryophytes of Northern Western Ghats in Kerala
Dr. MANJU C. NAIR (Post-Doctoral Fellow)
Assistant Professor The Zamorin‟s Guruvayurappan College Kozhikode-14
Email: [email protected]
The bryophytes are a heterogeneous assemblage of non-tracheophytes, generally grouped into
liverworts, hornworts and mosses. The amphibious adaptation and the characteristic life cycle with
less prominent sporophyte generation parasitic on the gametophyte makes the bryophytes a unique
and fascinating group of plants.
Bryophytes play key roles in the ecosystem dynamics such as
nutrient and water recycling, soil protection, preventing
leaching, making suitable microhabits for the germination
and establishment of seedlings and sporelings, providing
food and shelter to many invertebrates etc. They are the
primary form of carbon nutrient sequestration, water
retention, regulation of soil temperature and pH. These have
been used as experimental models and as biomonitors and
bioindicators of heavy metal pollution, in investigations on
the effects of atmospheric deposition of nitrogen and
Sulphur-containing compounds on uplands and preventing soil erosion and nutrient leaching. In
addition to this, they are economically important being the source of food, medicine, preservatives,
energy sources, etc. The evolutionary significance due to the prominence of gametophytes and other
ecological preferences make them an ideal group for detailed studies.
Abstract of the work
The objective of project was to continue the study of the bryoflora (mosses, liverworts and
hornworts) of the Western Ghats in the northern part of Kerala in detail, The study included
Taxonomy and diversity of Acrocarpic mosses of Thusharagiri hills. The study focused on
collection of plant specimen from Northern parts of Western Ghats in Kerala including six
districts such as Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Assessment of the problems and prospects of conservations of bryophytes of the area was also
envisaged under the project.
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File No 001/WSC-BLS/2010/CSTE
Title of the Project Systematic studies on Bryophytes of Northern Western Ghats
in Kerala
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs. 14,11,000/-, 3 years (from 15/10/2010 to 14/10/2013) (T) No. 155/WSC/2010/KSCSTE, dt. 13.09.2010
Name of the Institution Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute of Plant Sciences ,
Olavanna, Kozhikode.-673014
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. R. Prakashkumar, Director, Malabar Botanical Garden
and Institute of Plant Sciences, Kozhikode.
Date of commencement
of Project
Present status
15/10/ 2010
Project completed on 14/10/2013
Outcome of the Project:
In this study, systematic documentation of the Bryophytes was undertaken from the
Northern Parts of Western Ghats in Kerala. The study is the first of its kind on
Bryophytes of western ghats
The study has resulted in recording of 333 species belonging to 154 genera and 53
families. Of these, mosses comprised 209 species belonging to 108 genera and 31
families. Liverworts comprised 121 species, belonging to 43 genera and 19 families
and hornworts comprised four species belonging to three genera and two families.
One new species, confined to the shola forests, viz., Symphysodontella
madhusoodananii Manju & Rajesh was described. Six species were reported as new to
India. Leucophanes glaucum turned as a new record for the mainland of India. Seven
species were recorded as new to Peninsular India and eight species were reported as
new to Kerala. Odontoschisma and Tuyamaella were two new genus records for
Kerala.
Publications based on the project
International Journals
1. Manju C.N., Leena, T.N., Deepa K.M., K.P. Rajesh & R. Prakashkumar. 2012. Lejeunea
cocoes (Lejeuneaceae; Marchantiophyta) in the Western Ghats of India. Acta Botanica
Hungarica 54: 341-343.
2. Manju, C.N., Prajitha,B. Rejilesh, Anoop, K.P. and R. Prakashkumar. 2012. Trichosteleum
stigmosum (Sematophyllaceae) from Silent Valley National Park, a new record for India.
Taiwania 57: 222-224.
3. Manju, C.N., Rajesh, K.P. and R. Prakashkumar. 2012. On the identity of Riccia fluitans
(Ricciaceae: Marchantiophyta) in India. Acta Biologica Plantarum Agriensis 2: 117-121.
5
2011-12
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -2
Completed Project - 2
Mericloning of Phalaenopsis and Vanda Hybrids
PREETA LIZ KORAH (Research Fellow)
AW-17, Jawahar Nagar
Kadavantara
Kochi-682020
Email: [email protected]
ORCHIDS, the most beautiful flowers in God's creation, comprise a unique group of plants.
Taxonomically, they represent the most highly evolved family among monocotyledons with 600-800
genera and 25,000-35,000 species. Of late, South East Asia has developed into a major supplier of
orchid hybrids. In India, orchids form 9% of our flora and are the largest botanical family of higher
plants .
Many species of orchids Viz., Phalaenopsis and Vanda
are renowned for their attractive flowers. These species
are becoming prominent in the homesteads of Kochi
metro both for ornamental and cut flower purpose. The
non-availability of good quality/ true to type planting
material at reasonable price is the most important
limiting factor for its spread and cultivation at large
scale. At present these hybrids are imported from
Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand etc. by middle men and
grown in private nurseries and distributed to consumers
at an exorbitant price. The import cost and the profit
realized by the middle men enhances the sale price of
these hybrids. This limits its fast spread and its large scale cultivation is made unaffordable for the
common man due to high initial investment and hinders the development of orchid industry in
Kerala.
Abstract of the work
The project aims to study a collection of the most demanded hybrids of Phalaenopsis and Vanda
already selected through homestead survey of orchid growers and protocol development for mass
multiplication of each of the two selected hybrids through mericloning. The project also describes an
efficient micropropagation method for axillary shoot proliferation via PLB (protocorm-like-bodies)
mediated and direct shoot buds in Phalaenopsis and via direct shoot buds in Vanda without callus
formation which ensures the genetic stability of plants.
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File No 008/WSC-BLS/2011/CSTE
Title of the Project: Mericloning of Phalaenopsis and Vanda Hybrids
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs.14,61,000/-, 3 years (from 02.02.2012 to 01.02.2015)
(P) No. 16 /2012/KSCSTE, dt. 09.01.2012
Name of the Institution Rice Research Station, Kerala Agriculture University,
Vyttila P.O, Ernakulam – 682019
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. Shylaraj. K. S, Professor (Plant Breeding &
Genetics), Kerala Agricultural University, Rice Research
Station, Vyttila- 682019
Date of commencement
02/02/2012
Present Status Project completed on 01/02/2015
Outcome of the Project:
Germplasm collection of 30 Phalaenopsis hybrids and 15 Vanda hybrids are
maintained at RRS, Vyttila. Cost effective protocols were standardized by substituting Branded sodium
hypochlorite solution, sucrose and high grade agar. An efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of 3 Phalaenopsis hybrids namely Tying
Shin Zebra, Jinseng Sun and Fuller’s Cheese through direct protocorm-like-body
formation from axenic shoot tip explants has been developed. By repeated bimonthly
subculture of PLB and shoot bud sections on proliferation medium it is possible to
maintain continuous production plantlets which makes the present protocol an
efficient means for commercial proliferation of genetically stable Phalaenopsis and
Vanda hybrids.
CONTRIBUTIONS
1. Germplasm collection of 30 Phalaenopsis hybrids and 15 Vanda hybrids are
maintained at RRS, Vyttila.
2. Cost effective protocols were standardized by substituting
i) Branded sodium hypochlorite solution @ Rs.40/ l. by household commercial bleach
@ Rs.15/ l. for explant sterilization.
ii) Sucrose(Rs.650/kg.) by ordinary sugar (Rs.40/kg.).
iii) High grade agar(Rs.4050/kg.) by industrial agar(Rs.1100/kg.).
3.Two innovations developed were
(i) Vertically cutting shoot tip explant in Phalaenopsis which enhanced rate and earliness
of PLB induction in Phalaenopsis.
(ii) A new media composition , namely, Modified ½ MS was developed which was
effective in producing optimum elongation along with rooting. Conferences
1. Preeta L.K. and Shylaraj K.S. 2015. In vitro induction and proliferation of protocorm-like bodies
(PLBs) from longitudinally cut axenic shoot tips of Phalaenopsis hybrids. Abstracts of National
Seminar on New Frontiers in Agricultural Biotechnology, 3-4 March 2015.
7
2012-13
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -3
A Study on the Persistence of Endosulphan and its Degradation by Biotic and
Abiotic Factors.
JESITHA K. (Research Fellow)
„SITHARA‟, Kohinoor, Thenhippalam (PO)
Malappuram – 673635
Email: [email protected]
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been extensively used in India for agricultural purposes.
Modern agriculture practices reveal an increase in use of pesticides and fertilizers to meet the food
demand of increasing population which results in contamination of the environment. Endosulphan is
widely considered to be a Persistant Organic Pollutant(POP) and the half lives for the combined toxic
residues of endosulphan (alpha endosulphan and beta endosulphan plus endosulphan sulphate ) as
reported by the EPA range from 9 months to 6 years.
Since the organochlorine pesticides are
persistent in the environment, and can
create health problems, study on the
remedial measures become significant.
Unscientific use of endosulphan has
been reported in many places in Kerala,
like Kasargode and Idukki plantation
areas. Although national and
international reports on the rate of
degradation of endosulphan are available, no authentic reports are available on the persistence of
endosulphan in water, soil and sediment on the conditions prevailing in Kerala. The development of a
treatment strategy for the decontamination of the endosulphan affected areas will help to remove any
traces of endosulphan residues in the soil or water of the affected areas.
Abstract of the work
The objective of the project is to study the persistence of endosulphan in water, soil and sediment
samples of selected areas of Kasaragod district in Kerala. Study on the rate of degradation of
endosulphan using microbial, phytoremediation and chemical methods under controlled conditions
are also included. It is also envisaged to develop a sustainable technology for the removal of
endosulphan from contaminated water and soil using various biotic and abiotic elements.
8
Publications
Jesitha K., Nimisha K.M., Manjusha C.M., Harikumar P.S. 2015. Biodegradation of Endo-
sulphan by Pseudomonas fluorescens. Environmental Processes, 2(1), 225-240.
Jesitha, K., Sreechithra, M., Harikumar, P.S., 2013. Endosulphan Remediation Using
Aquatic and Terrestrial Plant Species. Acta Biologica Indica, 2(2), 388-393.
Jesitha K., Harikumar P.S. 2015. Nano-phytotechnological remediation of endosulfan us-
ing zero valent Iron nanoparticles. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicol-
ogy. Springer International publication (under review).
File No 010/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project A Study on the Persistence of Endosulphan and its Degradation by
Biotic and Abiotic Factors.
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs.13,74,910/-, 3 Years & 3 months (24/12/2012 to 31/03/2016)
(P) No.783/2012/KSCSTE, dt. 30.11.2012
Name of the Institution Centre for Water Resources Development and Management,
Kunnamangalam P.O., Kozhikode
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. P. S. Harikumar, Scientist, Water Quality Division
CWRDM
Date of commencement
Present Status
24.12.2012
Project completed
Salient outcome of the project (till date): The photocatalytic degradation of endosulphan was found to be efficient when iron doped -
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were used as photocatalyst. The study indicated that endosulphan
was converted to endosulphan diol which is reported to be a less toxic compound.
Salvinia molesta proved to be effective for the remediation of endosulphan from contaminated
water. Comparing Spinacia oleracea and Solanum lycopersicum, percentage removal of
endosulphan was found to be higher with Solanum lycopersicum.
Nano-phytoremediation, a combined technology was employed to investigate the capability of
combination between phytoremediation and nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) for the removal of
endosulphan from contaminated soil. Among the different plant species selected for the study,
Chittaratha (Alpinia calcarata) was found to be very effective for remediation of endosulphan.
The endosulphan-degrading bacterial strain Pseudomonas fluorescens was isolated, and degradation
of endosulphan by freely suspended and calcium-alginate entrapped bacterial cells were
investigated. Based on the study, the pathway for degradation of endosulphan was suggested.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
The study focused on the degradation of highly persistent toxic organochlorine pesti-
cide such as endosulphan by biotic and abiotic methods, is found to be highly useful
technology for its environmental remediation.
The degradation of endosulphan by nanophytoremediation , which is an effective tech-
nology for the removal of endosulphan is an innovative and potential method for the
removal of chlorinated pesticides from the contaminated soils.
The microbial degradation of organochlorine pesticides by microbial methods was
standardized in the present project. By upgrading the developed method using biore-
actors can be an environmental friendly technology for the degradation of organochlo-
rine pesticides, which will be highly beneficial to the society.
9
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -4
Isolation and Characterization of Fungal Endophytes from Certain Medicinal
Plants and RET species in Western ghats and their Therapeutic Potentials.
THULASI G. PILLAI (Post-doctoral Fellow)
2/23, Vrindhavan, Happy Nagar Kozhukkully P.O.,Thrissur - 680751 Email: [email protected]
Endophytes are organisms that spend their whole life or part of life cycle in the symplast or apoplast
region of healthy plant tissues without causing any disease or clinical symptoms. These organisms
include bacteria, fungi, algae and actinomycetes. Some fungal endophytes are able to make some
bioactive compounds as the host plants itself. Endophytes have major influences on plant distribution,
ecology, physiology and biochemistry.
Practical applications of endophytes include potential
biocontrol agents, sources of novel metabolites for
medicine, plant protection and industrial uses and as
research model systems for investigations of host parasite
interactions and evolution in natural systems. Endophytes
of medicinal plants and trees and their potential use are a
most promising resource which awaits exploration.
The Western Ghats is very rich in its medicinal plant
wealth. The forests and hills of this region is a treasure
house of about 700 medicinal plants of which some are
used in traditional and folk medicine.
Abstract of the work:
Study is carried out to isolate and identify true endophytic fungi from 2 medinal plants, Aerva lanata
and Emelia Sonchifolia and an RET species, Cynometra travencorica. The study also envisages
isolation and characterisation of secondary metabolites from the true endophytic fungi and exploring
their cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, anticancer and antidiabetic properties. Study was conducted in
Southern, Central and Northern parts of Kerala for medicinal plants and from four different forest
areas of South Western Ghats for RET. Sampling was done in three different seasons, pre-monsoon,
monsoon and post-monsoon. One hundred and thirteen cultures were obtained from the study. Two
True endophytes were screened from RET by partial sequencing of genomic DNA and the cultures
were identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporoides and Diaporthe eres.
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File No 011/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project: Isolation and Characterization of Fungal Endophytes from
Certain Medicinal Plants and RET species in Western ghats
and their Therapeutic Potentials.
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs.14,42,000/-, 3 Years & 3 months (30/10/2012 to
29/01/2016) (P) No.702 /2012/KSCSTE, dt. 30.10.2012
Name of the Institution Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi Post, Thrissur
District Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. R. Jayaraj, Scientist B, Division of Forest Ecology and
Biodiversity Conservation, KFRI
Date of commencement
of Project
Present status
30.10.2012
Completed
Salient outcome of the project Developed method for isolation of true endophytic fungi from plants
Isolated 113 fungal endophytic cultures
Developed and standardized method for Isolation and characterization of secondary
metabolites from true endophytic fungi
The isolated compounds are found to have cytotoxic properties
Anticancer activity of the secondary metabolites isolated from the true
endophyticfungi.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Development of anticancer drugs
Protection of precious trees and herbs by substituting them with the fungal
endophytes in them for production of medicinal compounds
Standardisation of methodology for the isolation of endophytes and therapeutic
compounds from them.
Publications based on the project
1. Thulasi G.Pillai and R.Jayaraj.2015. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a true endophyte of the
endangered tree, Cynometra travancorica in the Western Ghats”. Journal of Plant Pathology
and Microbiology 6:267.
2. Thulasi G. Pillai. 2014. Genomic analysis of Colletotrichum gloseosporiodes, endophytic
fungi, Lifestyle transition in host. J. of Proteins and proteomics. 5(3). 142.
3. Thulasi G.Pillai and R.Jayaraj. 2015. Identification of Endophytic Fungi/Opportunistic
Pathogen from the Perennial Herb of Amaranthaceae Family. J. Plant Physiology and Pathology
(In Press).
Other Achievements
Attended 2 months training programme at IIT Madras in cell culture technique.
Received Cash award and citation for Best paper presented at BARC, in 2013 by Environmental
Mutagen Society of India
11
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -5
Mitochondria specific anti-oxidant: Target for the reversal of metabolic
remodeling and prevention of cardiac hypertrophy
Dr. SREEJA PURUSHOTHAMAN (Post-doctoral Fellow)
Sudarsana, MLR 63(B) Mangalam Lane Sasthamangalam Thiruvananthapuram Email:
Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is an intermediate step in the progression of hypertension to
cardiac failure. The prevention of LVH is expected to improve prognosis and retard the advancement
to cardiac failure. Therapeutic strategies designed to correct the mediators of cardiac remodeling is
therefore expected to prevent the initiation and progression of hypertrophy. Mitochondrial structural
damage and dysfunction is well documented in heart failure, including an increase in mitochondrial
oxidative damage, impairment of mitochondrial respiration and disturbance of mitochondrial substrate
utilization.
Mitochondria are major site of generation of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) as a by-product of oxidative phosphorylation.
Reduction of oxidative stress by targeting antioxidants to
mitochondria is expected to be a good therapeutic target for
the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy. This can be achieved
through the use of a mitochondria-targeted anti oxidants. A
shift in cardiac energy metabolism from fatty acid, to
glucose was observed in cardiac hypertrophy which may
lead to energy starvation in the due course.
Abstract of the work:
The study is aimed to examine whether attenuation of mitochondrial oxidative stress can improve
cardiac energy status and prevent hypertrophy in H9C2 cell line and compare the efficacy of
mitoprotective and generalized antioxidant in prevention of cardiac hypertrophy. The study of in vitro
and in vivo role of NFkB –PGC 1α interaction in mediating metabolic remodeling is also included.
The study also envisages cardiac response to mitoprotective antioxidant in metabolically adapted rat to
examine whether the treatment can prevent metabolic remodeling and hypertrophy in spontaneously
hypertensive rats.
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File No 013/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project Mitochondria Specific anti-oxidant: Target for the reversal of
metabolic remodeling and Prevention of Cardiac Hypertrophy
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs. 14,00,000/-, 3 Years (from 18.12.2012 to 15.12.2016)
(1 year maternity leave from 23/08/ 2014 to 20/08/2015)
(P) No. 854 /2012/KSCSTE dt. 10/12/2012 Name of the Institution Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Science &
Technology, Trivandrum-695011
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. R. Renuka Nair, Scientist G, Division of Cellular and
Molecular Cardiology, SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram
Date of commencement
18.12.2012
Present Status 3rd
year of implementation of the work is in progress
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
An inverse relationship was observed between stress markers and metabolic enzyme.
Euk 134 is a mitoprotective antioxidant with antihypertrophic effect and Euk 134
treatment has significantly reduced stress markers and reversed down regulation of
metabolic enzyme.
Hypertrophy is associated with increased oxidative stress and down regulation of
enzymes in fatty acid metabolism.
mitoprotective antioxidant treatment was effective in preventing the metabolic down
regulation associated with hypertrophy.
Work to be done:
Examine the cardiac response to mitoprotective antioxidant in metabolically adapted
spontaneously hypertensive rat to study whether the treatment can reverse metabolic
remodeling.
Elucidate the molecular mechanism of metabolic remodeling by studying NFkB-
PGC1α interaction.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy is rapidly increasing in Kerala
Available therapeutic strategies are not effective in promoting repair of the damaged
tissue, but only help in the maintenance of cardiac function
Development of therapeutic strategies that prevent further deterioration and promote
reverse remodeling is warranted.
My study proposes a complementary mechanism that target mitochondrial oxidative
stress for reducing cardiac damage and improve myocardial energy status
Mitochondria targeted anti oxidant is effective in the prevention and regression of
hypertrophy, it can be used as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiac
hypertrophy.
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BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 6
Enhancing bio-efficacy of trichoderma spp. for the management of soil borne
fungal pathogens
HIMA V. M. (Research fellow)
Thavalakulangara House S. N. Nagar, Irinjalakuda (P.O) Thrissur - 680125 Email: [email protected]
Biological control is an important area of focus in the discipline of plant pathology because of the
development of new diseases and the shifting pattern of management and regulation. Trichoderma spp
are well known biocontrol agents, which are active against many soil borne pathogens. In addition to
the ability of Trichoderma spp. to attack or inhibit the growth of plant pathogens directly, recent
discoveries indicate that they can also induce systemic and localised resistance to plant pathogens.
Moreover, certain strains also have substantial influence on plant growth and development.
For becoming an important component of plant
disease management system, it must be effective and
reliable as competitive fungicides. For this reason
Trichoderma spp must be manipulated and improved
for their effective use in the control of plant diseases.
Among the wide variety of techniques used in the
improvement of biocontrol agents, protoplast fusion
seems to be an efficient way to induce genetic
recombination in whole genome even between
incompatible strains. Also this technique has higher
probability to obtain recombinants, which allows testing a large number of recombinants over short
periods.
Abstract of the work:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the antagonistic efficiency of native and induced strains of
Trichoderma spp. for the management of soil borne fungal pathogens and to study the induced
systemic resistance in plants. The important characters considered for selecting the native and induced
strains of Trichoderma spp. are the biocontrol efficiency and plant growth improvement. The study
envisages isolation of native Trichoderma spp. from northern, central and southern zones of Kerala
and in vitro evaluation of their antagonistic potential against soil borne fungal pathogens. The study
also involve pot culture experiment and field experiment for the evaluation of biocontrol efficiency
and plant growth improvement of selected mutants and fusants
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File No 016/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project Enhancing bio-efficacy of trichoderma spp. for the
management of soil borne fungal pathogens
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs. 14,56,000/-, 3 years (from 10.05.2013 to 09.05.2016)
(P) No. 444/2013/KSCSTE dt. 27/03/2013
Name of the Institution Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. S. Beena, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology,
College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University,
Date of commencement 10.05.2013
Present Status 3rd
year of implementation of the work is in progress.
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
A characteristic vinegar smell was observed in the culture of Tr 9 taken as parent
for the strain improvement. This is matching with the literature indicating the
characteristic smell of T. erinaceum. The same isolate is found to be sporulate
faster in summer compared to rainy season. Validated the protocol for induction of mutation and protoplasmic fusion of
Trichoderma spp. Validated the protocol for isolation of DNA and amplification of ITS region of
DNA of Trichoderma spp.
Work to be done:
In vitro screening of mutants and protoplast fusants against the soil borne fungal
pathogens. Characterization of the selected mutants and fusants. Pot culture experiment for the evaluation of biocontrol efficiency and plant growth
improvement of selected mutants and fusants. Studies on induced systemic resistance. Field experiment for the evaluation of biocontrol efficiency and pant growth
improvement of selected mutants and fusants.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Development of a potential fungal bio agent
That will be efficient for the management of soil borne pathogens of many crops of
Kerala
Publications based on the project
Hima, V.M. and Beena, S. 2013. Hypocrea koningii – Teleomorph of Trichoderma koningii, first re-
port from India. J. Mycol. Plant Pathol. 43 (2): 257
Hima, V.M. and Beena, S. 2014. Cultural and antagonistic variability among indigenous isolates of
Trichoderma spp. from Kerala [abstract]. In: Abstracts, 26 Kerala Science Congress, 28-31, January,
2014, Wayanad. Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, Trivandrum. p.12.
15
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 7
Synthesis of diphenolic bis-2-aminothiazoles as novel antioxidants.
Dr. SANDHYA V. SATHEESH (Post-doctoral Fellow)
Vazhakottathil House, Parayakadavu, Amrithapuri P.O. Karunagapally Kollam - 690525 Email: [email protected]
Generation and further reactions of free radicals within biological systems are involved in cellular
damage. Such damages lead to several life threatening diseases in humans such as cancer, respiratory
tract disorders, rheumatic arthritis, cataract, asthma, heart diseases, stroke, atherosclerosis and
diabetics. The systemic or endogenous antioxidants defenses of the body are usually capable of
meeting the antioxidant damage. However, under conditions of oxidative stress, these natural defenses
may not cope thereby requiring external supplementation of anti oxidants.
This imbalance suggests that the design of newer
antioxidants is a worthwhile research pursuit. The
newer antioxidant molecular design could incorporate
the concept of synergy in that two antioxidant
molecules that are individually active could be
covalently coupled to form a hybrid. Such a hybrid
molecule could be expected to show improved
antioxidant properties. This concept has been used in
the design of bioactive molecules such as anticancer
compounds in which two known anticancer compounds have been coupled to generate a hybrid.
Abstract of the work:
Phenols, especially those in which the hydroxyl groups are
flanked by bulky alkyl groups have been used as well
established antioxidants. Typical examples include
butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT) in which the phenolic hydroxyl
group is shielded by one or two t-butyl groups. These two
have been recognized as permitted food additives. Aminothiazoles are isosteric with phenols, but have
the advantage that these lack the acidity of phenols. The present project envisages the union of these
two antioxidant molecules to fashion a hybrid system comprising of a covalently united t-
butylphenolic unit appended to an aminothiazole unit.
The aim of this project is designing of a synthetic path to highly functionalized antioxidant bisphenoli-
2-aminothiazoles such as 4,4’-phenylene-bis which has both phenol and aminothiazole units
incorporated in the final structure and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity of these novel hybrid
molecules. Thus a set of hybrid molecules, consisting of these two individual molecular units would be
expected to possess improved antioxidant activity than the individual components.
16
File No 018/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project : Synthesis of diphenolic bis-2-aminothiazoles as novel
antioxidants.
Amount Sanctioned & :
Period
Rs. 14,16,000/-, 3 Years (from 16.04.2013 to 15.04.2016) (P) No. 446/2013/KSCSTE dt. 27/03/2013
Name of the Institution : Department of Chemistry, University of Kerala,
Trivandrum
Name & Address of :
Scientist Mentor
Dr. T.S. Anirudhan, Professor and Head,
Department of Chemistry, University of Kerala
Date of commencement: 16.04.2013
Present Status :
3rd
year implementation of the work is in progress.
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
Precursor 3,5 –di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyacetophenone was synthesized and purified. Precursor, α-Bromo-3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyacetophenone was synthesized and
purified. Several terephthaloyl-bis thioureas were synthesized.
Reaction condition for the thiazole synthesis was established.
Several 4,4’- phenylene-bis’5-(3,5-di-tbutyl-4-hydroxybenzoyl)-2-aminothiazole]
were synthesized and purification are in progress.
Work to be done:
The establishment of the structure of 4,4’- phenylene-bis’5-(3,5-di-tbutyl-4-
hydroxybenzoyl)-2-aminothiazole] by spectral methods such as IR, 1H NMR,
13C
NMR and mass spectra. The antioxidant assays such as DPPH assay, alkaline DMSO assay, β- carotene
bleaching assay and FRAP assay will be carried out.
Appropriate reference and standard compounds will also be assayed.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
The study will involve the design and development of a new class of antioxidant
molecular entities. Thiazoles, especially aminothiazoles, are commonly reported to
have a wide range of therapeutic properties like antioxidative, anti-tubucular,
anesthetic, antimicrobial, antitumor, antiviral and antipyretic. Supplemental
antioxidants are gaining popular worldwide as life extension “anti-aging supplements”
and life extension “nutritional supplements”. Thus, research on newly designed
antioxidant molecule is warranted.
17
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 8
Development of Holographic Lens to use in conjunction with solar cells.
SREEBHA A.B. (Research Fellow)
Naraniyat Illam Farook College P.O. Feroke, Calicut – 673632 Email: [email protected]
Holographic Lens (Holo Lens) is basically an optical element made by holographic methods. It can be
used as an alternative to conventional Lens. Compared to conventional optical elements, Holographic
elements are thin and can be inexpensive in mass production. They are wavelength sensitive and can
perform multiple functions simultaneously. A single Holo Lens can split the solar spectrum and
concentrate the radiation of desired wavelength and diffract away the heat radiation.
The main limitation of solar power generation now
is the high cost of photovoltaics. One approach to
overcome this is to concentrate light from the sun
using optical components, thereby reducing the
total area of photovoltaics. But traditional
concentrators need to mechanically track the sun so
as to face the sun directly. They are complicated,
bulky and unattractive. They heat up the solar cells,
and require a cooling system. Even though the
concentrating power of Holographic Optical
components is weak compared to conventional ones, it has several advantages. Holographic elements
can be made to deviate heat-generating frequencies away from the cells and hence cooling system can
be avoided. Also, holograms in a concentrator can be designed to focus light from different angles to
avoid tracking the sun.
Abstract of the work
The project envisages the development of good Holographic Lens and use the same in conjunction
with solar cells, facilitating creation of high yielding solar modules. The Holo Lens concentrates and
couples solar radiation on to the solar cell. Successful development of the proposed work will be
breakthrough advancement towards green and sustainable energy. The project envisages identification
of suitable materials for recording holographic lens and fabrication of a holographic lens in the
material. Study the performance and property variations of holographic lens in heavy sun light are also
included in the study. The study also envisages the coupling of holographic lens with solar cells and
enhancement of efficiency.
18
File No 023/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project: Development of Holographic Lens to use in conjunction with
solar cells.
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs. 15,00,000/-, 3 years (from 25.04.2013 to 24.04.2016) (P) No. 445 /2013/KSCSTE dt. 27/03/2013
Name of the Institution Department of Optoelectronics, University of Kerala,
Thiruvananthapuram
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. V.P. Mahadevan Pillai, Professor & Head, Department of
Optoelectronics, University of Kerala
Date of commencement 25.04.2013
Present Status 3rd
year of implementation of the work is in progress
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
Composition and recording geometry of red sensitive photopolymer was optimized.
The addition of cross linker to this material increased the diffraction efficiency and
stability of the recording material. Also, the addition of cross linker reduced the
exposure energy needed to record efficient holograms.
A comparison of the fabricated polymer with a commercial grade photopolymer was
also done.
A green sensitive photopolymer material for holography is fabricated with shelf life
of less than one month.
Work to be done:
The optimization of the chemistry and geometry for good holographic elements in
green sensitive photopolymer and to improve the life of the materials.
To write efficient lenses in the material and club it with good organic solar cells and
study the enhancement in the efficiency.
To make good holographic lenses in different photopolymers and silver halides and
to use it in a holographic solar concentrator module for domestic purposes.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
The technology replaces conventional bulky concentrators with sleek flat holographic
panels to concentrate light on to solar cells which consecutively will reduce the cost
of the intact solar module.
Solar holograms can either be installed on rooftops or can be incorporated into
windows and glass doors.
Solar holograms can even work well in low irradiation (with no sun tracking) to get
the maximum power output from solar cells without regard to seasonal or diurnal
variations and the successful development of the proposed system will be a
breakthrough advancement towards green and sustainable energy.
Publications based on the project
1. A.B. Sreebha, V.P. Mahadevan Pillai, P.T. Ajith Kumar. Springer Proceedings Phys. 2014. Volume
No.166, Book title: Advances in Optical Science and Engineering, ISBN: 978-81-322-2366.
19
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 9
Production and characterization of industrially significant biomolecules from
Candida tropicalis
PRIJI PRAKASAN (Research fellow)
Research scholar Enzyme Technology laboratory Biotechnology Division, Department of Botany University of Calicut, Malappuram - 673 635 E-mail: [email protected]
Candida tropicalis is a typical inhabitant of the human body, which is not normally considered to be a
health issue. However, a colony of C. tropicalis can experience overgrowth under some conditions,
causing an infection known as candidiasis. It has been noticed that in tropical countries like India, C.
tropicalis isolates are more prevalent in clinical materials like blood, urine and sputum. Humans are
the natural but not the exclusive habitat of C. tropicalis. It has been isolated from animal sources like
intestinal contents of marine mammals, birds, bovine, porcine, canine, mice and equine species, abo-
masums of cattle and bovine milk. However, inhabitance of Candida spp. (albicans, tropicalis, krusei,
rugosa, parapsilosis) and Trichosporon (cutaneum, sericeum) in the gut of ruminants, especially cow
and sheep has been reported. Apart from the clinical significance, only a few studies have been report-
ed on the exploration of C. tropicalis as a microbial source for the production of industrially signifi-
cant biomolecules like biosurfactants and polyhydroxy alkonates (PHAs).
Abstract of the work:
This study deals with the production, isolation and molecular characteri-
zation of these biomolecules employing thin layer chromatography
(TLC), GC, GC-MS, LC, LC-MS, FTIR, NMR etc coupled with the op-
timization of culture conditions by Response Surface Methodology. The
candidate genes are cloned in other organisms to enhance production.
Relevance of this study resides in the facts that the dual production of bi-
osurfactant and PHAs by C. tropicalis is still an untapped area of re-
search. Moreover, exploration of yeast for the production of industrially
significant biomolecules facilitates further enhancement of production by genetic manipulations.
The aim of the study involves the isolation, identification and molecular characterization of Candida
tropicalis from the rumen of Malabari goat. Then the ability of the culture to produce biosurfactant
and biopolymers was explored by various methods. This study also deals with the production, isolation
and molecular characterization of these biomolecules employing thin layer chromatography (TLC),
GC, GC-MS, LC, LC-MS, FTIR, NMR etc coupled with the optimization of culture conditions by
Response Surface Methodology (RSM).
20
File No 024/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project: Production and characterization of industrially significant
biomolecules from Candida tropicalis
Amount Sanctioned & Period Rs. 15,97,000/-, 3 Years (from 01.04.2013 to
31.03.2016) (P) No. 447/2013/KSCSTE, dt. 27/03/2013
Name of the Institution Enzyme Technology Laboratory, Biotechnology
Division, Department of Botany,University of Calicut,
Kerala – 673 635
Name & Address of Scientist Mentor Dr. Sailas Benjamin, Associate Professor, Department of
Botany, University of Calicut
Date of commencement 01.04.2013
Present Status 3rd
year of implementation of the work is in progress.
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
Designed suitable media for the production of biosurfactant and Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
Statistically optimized the culture parameters for the production of biosurfactant and PHB.
Purification and molecular characterization of biosurfactant and PHB from the potent strain was
carried out.
Production of PHB and biosurfactant were optimized employing RSM.
Work to be done:
Physico-chemical characterization of the biosurfactant
Biological activities of the biosurfactant.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Kerala, being rich with various vegetable oils and oil wastes, use of oils for the production of
industrially significant biomolecules will boost our oil and oil based industries.
It opens an unexplored area of utilizing our resources in an economic way. Incorporation of and
oil wastes in the industrial production of variable biologicals make them challenging targets for
future R&D activities.
In addition, legal aspects such as stricter regulations concerning environmental pollution by
industrial activities and health regulations will also strongly influence the chances of these
biomolecules replacing their chemical counterparts.
Publications based on the project
1. Priji, P., Unni, K.N., Sajith, S. and Sailas Benjamin (2013). Candida tropicalis BPU1, a novel
isolate from the rumen of the Malabari goat is a dual producer of biosurfactant and
polyhydroxybutyrate. Yeast. 30 (3): 103-110. 2. Priji, P., Unni, K.N., Sajith, S., Binod, P., Sailas Benjamin (2015) Production, optimization and
partial purification of lipase from Pseudomonas sp. strain BUP6, a novel bacterium characterized
from Malabari goat. Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry, 62(1), 71-78. 3. Priji P., Sajith S., Sreedevi S., Unni K.N., Kumar S., Sailas Benjamin (2015). Candida tropicalis
BPUI produces polyhydroxybutyrates on raw starchy substrates. Starch (under review).
21
2013-14
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 10
Flexible Nanomaterial Doped Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) Devices
for Switchable Window Applications
NIMMY JOHN V. (Research Fellow)
Thuruthel House Eramalloor P.O Alapuzha – 688537 Email: [email protected]
It has been observed that conventional cathode ray tubes (CRT) are replaced with low power consum-
ing, aesthetically admitted liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. Lot of research have been conducted
to further to reduce power consumption of the LCD systems. Development of these devices with im-
proved power efficiency (low switching voltage) can further reduce the power issues by which the
socio-economic situation can be improved. Addition of ferroelectric nanomaterials to liquid crystals have considerable effect in the performance
of the liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. Ferroelectric nanomaterials present in the liquid crystal
medium may get polarized during the operation of the LCD devices. This residual polarization can
reduce the switching voltage of the device considerably.
Abstract of the work
First part of the project mainly focuses on effect of
different nanoparticle and its different concentra-
tion on the switching voltage and performance of
the device. In the second part the flexible Polymer
dispersed liquid crystal devices with ferroelectric
nanomaterials doped devices were fabricated and
tested for the performance. Morphology of the
polymer dispersed liquid crystal with varying
liquid crystal composition will be studied using
scanning electron microscopy and atomic force
microscopy grain analysis. Effect of different
liquid crystal concentration of switching voltage
characteristics will be investigated using Mach–
Zehnder interferometer.
The present study aims at the optimization of
liquid crystal concentration in Polydime-
thylsiloxanes (PDMS) for the fabrication of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) cells. This
study will contribute to the developments in the field of liquid crystal devices, which find wide appli-
cations in consumer electronics.
22
. File No 015/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project Flexible Nanomaterial Doped Polymer Dispersed Liquid
Crystal (PDLC) Devices for Switchable Window
Applications
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs. 15,96,000/-, 3 Years (from 01.10.2013 to 30.09.2016)
(P) No. 492 /2013/KSCSTE,dt.05/04/2013
Name of the Institution School of Nano Science and Technology, National
Institute of Technology, Calicut
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. N. Sandhyarani, Associate Professor, School of Nano
Science and Technology, National Institute of
Technology
Date of commencement
of the project
01-10-2013
Present Status 3rd
year implementation of the work is in progress
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
The addition of nanoparticle reduces the switching voltage of the Polymer
Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) device considerably.
The electro-optical studies of ZnO nanoparticle doped PDLC cell have been done
using a He-Ne laser followed by Matlab calculations.
Morphology of the ZnO nanoparticles are investigated using a field emission
scanning electron microscope.
Work to be done:
Effect of ferroelectric and metal nanoparticles in the switching behavior of PDLC
cells. Flex crack resistance study of the electrodes. Electro-optical characterization of flexible switchable windows using the electro
optical device. The device performance on conformable and different flex angle.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Development of nanomaterial doped PDLC devices will improve power efficiency
of display devices and further reduce the power issues by which the socio-economic
situation can be improved. .
PDLC devices with flexibility can find applications in rollable and switchable
window devices.
This hybrid PDLC systems takes up small space with improved performance and
their characteristics can definitely uplift the knowledge in the science and
technology of display devices.
23
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 11
Evolution of Karamana River Basin and its Implications on Hydrogeology: A
Geomatics approach using Morphometric Analysis
SREEJA R. (Research Fellow)
Puthupparampil Pariyaram P.O. Kottayam - 686021
Email: [email protected] , [email protected]
Concern for water is growing nowadays and the importance of water for supporting life is gaining
recognition due the complexities of interactions within and between ecosystems. The demand for
water is increasing exponentially due to population explosion, recurring drought, agricultural,
industrial and mining activities. Due to over exploitation of ground water, the ground water levels in
many areas show a declining trend, which in turn tends to increase both the investment cost and the
operational cost. This problem can be alleviated to some extent by artificially recharging the potential
aquifers and efficient harvesting of the rainwater. This requires an understanding of the
geomorphology, geology and hydrogeology of the area.
In this context, as a tool, morphometric analysis of
the drainage basin will give insights on the terrain,
tectonic history, lineaments and finally to the
hydrogeological setup. Today geomatics emerges
as a platform to collect, store, analyse, present and
retrieve spatial data in any scale. Remote sensing
and GIS are playing a rapidly increasing role in the
field of hydrology and water resources development
Abstract of the work
In the present study, the Karamana river basin is selected as the study area. This basin caters a major
part of the water demand of Thiruvananthapuram, the Capital of Kerala. The Karamana river with a
drainage area of 702 Km2 originates from Chemmunji mottai, a peak in the Western Ghats mountain
ranges at an elevation of 1717 m aMSL (above Mean Sea Level).. The length of main stream is 68
km and main tributaries of the river are Thodayar, Attayar, Kaviyar, Chittar, Attingal thodu, Kottur
thodu and Killiyar. As per Milliman and Syvittski (1992) Karamana river falls within the small
mountainous river category.
The present study envisages detailed investigation using Geomatics, through the integration of
geomorphology, geology, hydrogeology is aimed to bring out all the related parameters which will be
useful for the planning, development, conservation and management of the water resources in
Karamana river basin.
24
File No No.029/WSD-BLS/2013/CSTE
Title of the Project Evolution of Karamana River Basin and its
Implications on Hydrogeology: A Geomatics
approach using Morphometric Analysis Amount Sanctioned & Period Rs 15,96,000/-, 3 years (from 23/12/2013 to
22/12/2016)
(P) No.1016/2013/KSCSTE dt. 23/10/2013
Name of Institution School of Environmental Sciences, M G
University, Kottayam
Name & Address of Scientist
Mentor
Dr. Mahesh Mohan, Assistant Professor, School of
Environmental Sciences, M.G. University
Date of commencement of project 23/12/2013
Present Status 3rd
year of implementation of the work is in
progress Salient outcome of the project (till date):
Identified a gravel layer just above laterite on the river bank near Aryanad, demands
detailed studies, indicating occurrence of Late Quaternary sediments in the study area.
A hand operable coring device for soft formations has been designed and tested.
Drainage map, slope map and land use map were prepared.
Work to be done:
Geomorphological analysis, Remote Sensing and GIS analysis
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Thematic maps such as drainage, geology, hydrogeomorphology, hydrogeology,
lineaments, water table, groundwater potential, etc are being prepared on a large scale
(1:50000), so that the micro level data can also be incorporated. Thus the maps can be
used even in the micro level planning process which would be very helpful for local to
higher-level administrative processes.
The status of quality and spatial availability of water resources in the Karamana River
Basin that has been reported in this work and the water resources management strategies
evolved in this study can enable the framing of policies that stress on wise use of water in
the basin.
Strategies for artificial groundwater recharge and water conservation based on the spatial
and temporal availability/demand evolved during the study can be implemented by local
bodies to increase the water availability in the basin.
Publications based on the project
1. Sreeja R., Arun P.R., Mahesh Mohan and Pradeepkumar A.P. (2015) Groundwater Potential
of a Fastly Urbanizing Watershed in Kerala, India: A Geospatial Approach. International
Journal of Engineering Research, Volume No.4, Issue No.10, pp : 578-581, ISSN: 2347-5013. 2. Sreeja R., Arun P.R. and Pradeep Kumar A.P. (2015) Groundwater Potential of Killiyar
Watershed, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A geospatial Approach. Proceedings of the 27th
Kerala Science Congress, scheduled to be held at Alleppy during 27-30 Jan 2015. 3. Sreeja R., Arun P.R., Mahesh Mohan and Pradeepkumar A.P. (2015) Groundwater Potential
of a Fastly Urbanizing Watershed in Kerala, India: A Geospatial Approach. International
Journal of Engineering Research, Volume No.4, Issue No.10, pp: 578-581, ISSN: 2347-5013.
25
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 12
Assessment of Biodiesel Application Potential of Microalgae collected from the
Backwaters of Kerala
Dr. MANJU MARY JOSEPH (Post-doctoral fellow)
Kanniplamthadathil house Vadavucode P.O. Ernakulam -682310. Email: [email protected]
Biodiesel production from microalgae have recently received a lot of attention because of the
escalating price of petroleum, depleting natural resources and more significantly, the emerging
concern about global warming that is associated with burning fossil fuels. While the lipid content of
the algae has the largest influence on the ultimate cost of the produced biofuel, the fuel characteristics
such as ignition quality, cold-flow properties, and oxidative stability are determined by the structure of
the fatty acids. Producing unpalatable secondary metabolites such as polysaccharides, polyphenols,
terpenoids, free fatty acids is one of the strategies to increase their survival by reducing the chance of
being grazed upon. Although more energy per acre can potentially be produced from microalgae in
comparison to land plants, the current cost for microalgal biomass production is much higher than
from other energy crops. Hence finding promising microalgae for commercial cultivation is multi-
facetted and challenging; necessitating further research by combining the fatty acid profile and the
survival potential for cheap and sustainable biodiesel production.
Abstract of the work
The main objective of the present work is to isolate a few locally
available algal species that could be economically cultured to have
the potential to serve as a future biofuel.
Microalgae from different salinity gradients of Cochin estuary will be
collected and cultured by replicating the natural environmental con-
ditions and stress conditions and their survival potential will be ex-
amined by analysing polysaccharides, polyphenols, terpenoids and
free fatty acids etc. This would eventually help to isolate a few locally
available algal species that could be economically cultured to have the
potential to serve as a future biofuel.
Extraction of algal oil from the collected algae and analysis of total
lipids, fatty acid profile and glycerol is also included in the study.
26
File No No.033/WSD-BLS/2013/CSTE
Title of the Project Assessment of Biodiesel Application Potential of Microalgae
collected from the Backwaters of Kerala
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs.13,96,000/-, 3 years (from 26/10/2013 to 25/10/2013)
(P) No. 1014/2013/KSCSTE dt. 23/10/2013
Name of Institution Department of Chemical Oceanography, School of Marine
Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. S. Muraleedharan Nair, Professor, Department of
Chemical Oceanography, SMS,, CUSAT
Date of commencement
of Project
Present Status
26/10/2013
3rd
year of implementation is in progress
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
Compiling the Growth parameters, FAME profile and Biodiesel fuel properties, it
could be concluded that Navicula sp, Thalassiosira sp. and Chaetoceros sp. are the best
diatom strains among the five analysed, whereas Skeletonema sp. and Nitzhia sp. were
found to be inferior for biodiesel production.
Work to be done:
To complete the genus and species level identification of microalgae collected from
different regions of Cochin Backwaters, using standard keys and DNA profiling.
To complete the chemical analysis of the isolated strains of microalgae (FAME and
CJNS nalysis).
From the chemical and statistical evaluation, establish locally available potent algal
strain for biodiesel production.
To quantify glycerol, the by-product of transesterification.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Biodiesel production from microalgae is highly significant because of the fluctuating
price of petroleum, depleting natural resources and more importantly, the emerging
concern about global warming that is associated with burning of fossil fuels.
The study will give preliminary but most important information about locally dominant
microalgal strains with high biomass productivity, the desired lipid content and the
suitable fatty acid profile that could be commercially tapped for biodiesel production.
The selection of an energy and cost-efficient production model could play a very
important role in achieving competitive biodiesel production.
Publications based on the project
1. Evaluation of Biodiesel Production Potential of Five Diatom Strains using Fatty acid Methyl
Ester Profiles and Multi-criteria Decision Analysis. Algal Research (Elsevier)(Communicated) 2. Algal feedstock selection for biodiesel production based on fatty acid profiling: A Review.
Current Science India (Communicated)
27
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 13
Studies on multi-component transparent conducting oxide thin films for device
applications
JAYA T.P. (Research Fellow)
Yamuna P.O. Marykunnu Calicut- 673 012 Email: [email protected]
Transparent Conducting Diodes (TCO)s form a very important group in the materials science world
due to their immense potential applications, such as in flat panel displays, thin film transistors,
architectural windows, etc. TCOs form the most important component of all kinds of photovoltaic
devices and new generation opto-electronic devices. The applications of TCOs are in the form of
transparent contact in new generation electronic devices such as LCD, OLEDs , optical arrays , flat
panel displays, automobile windows , defroster widows of refrigerators and thin film transistors for
invisible electronics. Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) is used as the most common commercial TCO
component in these systems, but Indium is very costly and the availability of Indium is going to
exhaust in the near future. Alternative materials have to be discovered to replace Indium.
Abstract of the work:
The main objective of this work is to find novel TCO materials as a replacement for Indium tin oxide
(ITO), currently used for almost 90% of TCO applications .
The project proposes to fabricate thin films of multi-component
transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) from high purity target
materials synthesised by solid state reaction technique. The
multicomponent target materials for thin film deposition are
synthesised by utilising the non-stoichiometry associated with
basic compounds in TCO phase space. The applications of basic
oxides in TCO phase space are limited due to the scarcity of
materials that can simultaneously exhibit transparency and
conductivity. It is possible to explore new compounds by
varying the stoichiometry and by introducing impurity
in small scale to the existing crystal structure of basic TCO host
materials.
28
File No No.014/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project Studies on multi-component transparent conducting oxide thin
films for device applications
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs 15,96,000/-, 3 years (from 12/12/2013 to 11/12/2016)
(P) No.1015/2013/KSCSTE dt. 23/10/2013
Name of Institution Department of Physics, University of Calicut, Calicut University
P.O, Thenhipalam, Malappuram
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. P.P Pradyumnan, Associate Professor, Department of
Physics, University of Calicut
Date of commencement
of project
Present status
12/12/2013
3rd
year of implementation is in progress
Salient outcome of the project
(till date):
Synthesis of Indium tin oxide, Aluminium zinc oxide, titanium oxides via hydrothermal
method and solid state reaction method.
Fabrication of these powders into thin film form by RF magnetron sputtering.
Characterisation of bulk powders and thin films for various applications.
Fabrication of transparent p-n heterojunctions.
Work to be done:
The thin films will be used in devices such as flat panel displays, solar cells etc.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) comprise a class of materials in which one
property, namely conductivity, is strongly coupled to a second property, namely, optical
transparency. This study leads to understand the fundamental aspect of carrier generation in metal
oxide complex compounds and how to control the physical property of such materials.
Fabrication of active windows for achieving this duality in a single window are under
consideration. Solar cell, flat-panel display, and solid-state lighting areas also require
development of improved TCO materials with increased performance and resistance to
changes in optoelectronic properties. In addition to these, the challenge of building a
material that is both conducting and transparent will drive the scientific curiosity to
further develop novel and simpler methods of synthesis.
Publications based on the project
1. Jaya. T.P, Divya N.K, P.P.Pradyumnan. Effect of surfactants on the morphological and optical
properties of ZTO ceramics Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2-4 (2014) 442- 444,
ISSN 2279 – 0381.
2. Jaya T P, Divya N K, P P Pradyumnan. Phase Investigation of Micro Crystals of ZTO.
International Journal of Chem Tech Research, Vol.6, No.6, pp 3259-3261, Aug-Sep (2014) ISSN :
0974-4290.
29
BACK TO LAB PROJECT – 14
Immunomodulatory effect of beta glucan on neutrophil functions in Diabetes
mellitus- An in vitro study
NEETHI RAJ P. (Research Fellow)
Parakkatt house V K C (P O), Thevackal Cochin 682021 Email: [email protected]
Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high glucose level in blood. Simultaneous
presence of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia as seen in type II diabetes can lead to profound and
persistent defects of immune system and this may contribute to the inability of immune cells to rouse
to defensive mode when an infection starts. Neutrophils are the primary players during infections and
it determines the fate of infection by modulating even the functioning of other cells. However, the
extent of modulation of these cells in diabetes conditions is yet to be clear. Nutritional interventions by
way of consuming immunomodulatory compounds in a daily basis should be advisable to these
individual as an invasive and easy method for the effective diabetes management. Betaglucan, a
glucose polymer found as structural constituents of the cell wall of yeasts, moulds and endosperm of
cereals is a known potent immunomodulator though their effect on individual cells is not well studied.
Abstract of the work:
This project proposal aims at studying the
modulation of neutrophil cell functions
during diabetes and also to find out how
useful it is to include a betaglucan rich diet
in diabetes patients for alleviating the above
mentioned neutrophil dysfunctions.
Measurement of proinflammatory and anti-
inflammatory cytokines in the cell
supernatants of neutrophils exposed to HG
and/or HI will tell about whether the neutrophil functions are altered because of them. Parallel m-RNA
expression studies of these cytokines may reveal the level at which HG and HI influences their
activity. The effective dose of beta-glucan in reverting the neutrophil function can be assessed by
treating the neutrophil in the presence of different concentration of beta-glucan and the above
mentioned neutrophil function may be assessed in the presence of this polysacharide in vitro. To
confirm the results, neutrophil function of rat neutrophils may also be assessed after dietary
consumption of beta glucan.
30
File No 039/WSD-BLS/2013/CSTE
Title of the Project Immunomodulatory effect of beta glucan on neutrophil
functions in Diabetes mellitus- An in vitro study
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs.13,00,000/-, 3 years (from 15/03/2014 to
14/03/2017),(P) No. 1368/2014/KSCSTE dt. 20/02/2014
Name of Institution M. G. University, School of Biosciences, P. D. Hills,
Kottayam
Name & Address of Scientist
Mentor
Dr. Anie Y, Assistant Professor, School of Biosciences,
M G University
Date of commencement
of project
15/03/2014
Present Status 2nd
year of implementation of the work is in progress
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
Chemotactic potential of diabetic neutrophils were substantially reduced than normal
control subjects. No correlation was observed between the fasting blood sugar and
HbA1C levels. Phagocytic activity of neutrophils was decreased in the case of diabetes mellitus. The
defective phagocytosis showed a positive correlation with fasting blood sugar level and
HbA1C level. Chemotaxis, ROS productions, killing and NETosis do not seems to be directly
associated with blood glucose level, HbA1C level and gender or sex of the patients. Ketosis, HbA1C level and neutrophil secretions modulate neutrophil functions.
Work to be done:
Pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-12, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory
cytokine TGF-β1 of neutrophils cells under different experimental conditions by
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbenet Assay (ELISA) and mRNA expressions by RT-PCR.
In vitro evaluation of immunomodulatory effect of beta glucan will be done by
isolating beta glucan from oats/rice bran and then treating the isolated neutrophil cells
with this beta glucan.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Proper functioning of immune cells is crucial to avoid infections in Diabetes Mellitus
(DM) patients. This research work studies the alterations in neutrophil cells functions.
Betaglucan is a carbohydrate present in oats, barley, mushrooms etc and has profound
beneficial effect on immune system. The study looks into the usefulness of betaglucan
rich diet for controlling neutrophil dysfunctions in DM patients.
Publications based on the project
1. Neethi Raj P., Haritha V.H., Anie Y. Netrophil extracellular Trap formation during
hyperglycemia: In proceeedings of 27th
Kerala Science Congress held during 28-30 January
2015 at Alappuzha p.123.
31
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -15
Molecular analysis of the α-amylase production in Streptomyces griseus
(MTCC 3756) and development of a low cost maltose processing technology
DIVYA BALAKRISHNAN (Research Fellow)
Divya house Kulangara bhagom Chavara P.O. Kollam - 691583. Email: [email protected]
Microbial enzymes are becoming increasingly important for their technical and economical . The
enzymes not only play an important role in the cellular metabolic processes but have also gained
considerable attention in the industrial community. The microbial amylases have almost completely
replaced chemical hydrolysis of starch in starch processing industry. Amylases are using in the
industrial starch conversion process, as in starch liquefaction, maltose production, paper, food, sugar
and pharmaceutical industries etc. α-Amylases catalyze the hydrolysis of internal α-1,4-O-glycosidic
bonds in polysaccharides giving maltose units. These enzymes are used in the production of high
maltose syrup from starch in combination with pullulanase. Maltose covers a wide range of application
in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Bacterial α-amylases are now also used in areas of clinical,
medicinal, and analytical chemistry.
Abstract of the work:
The aim of this study is the molecular level
characterization of the genes encoding α-amylase in
Streptomyces griseus, its cloning and heterologous
expression in E. coli and development of a low cost
technology for maltose production from starch. The
conditions will be standardized to express the protein in
E. coli with high yield under laboratory conditions. The protein will be purified using different
chromatographic techniques and will be analyzed for its physico-chemical features which are
important to the industry. Once the application part is established, the protein will be produced in
fermenter level and purified and further analysed for maltose production from different starch sources.
Cloning and expression of biocatalyst genes into a suitable and faster growing mesophilic hosts like E.
coli or yeasts followed by optimization of fermentation have provided possibilities of producing the
specific enzymes for various purposes. It allows easy preparation and cost effective purification on
large scales for industrial applications.
32
File No 041/WSD-BLS/2013/CSTE
Title of the Project
Molecular analysis of the α-amylase production in
Streptomyces griseus (MTCC 3756) and
development of a low cost maltose processing
technology
Amount Sanctioned & Period Rs.15,96,000/-, 3 years (from 03/03/2014 to
02/03/2017)
(P) No. 1367/2014/KSCSTE dt. 20/02/2014
Name of Institution Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and
Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram
Name & Address of Scientist
Mentor
Dr. Shiburaj S, Scientist-C, Division of
Microbiology, JNTBGRI
Date of commencement of project
03/03/2014
Present Status
2nd
year of implementation is in progress
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
After Sephadex G-100, the specific activity of α-amylase increased up to 34.7 U/mg
with 7 fold purification with a yield of 14.5 % and molecular weight was observed to `
60KDa.
The purified protein was trypsin digested and subjected for LC- MS/MS analysis. By
analyzing its partial amino acid sequences, the enzyme was proposed to be α-amylase.
The nucleotide sequences of alpha amylase gene were retrieved from the NCBI and
subjected to CLUSTALW. The conserved regions were obtained and primers were
designed using primer 3 tool. 5 set of primers were designed. Among 5 primers
constructed, Primer AMY 5 were amplified and 500 bp amplified product obtained. A
phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 4.0 Programme.In the phylogenetic tree
the partial amylase gene of S. griseus clusters with that of S. fulvissimus.
Work to be done:
Purification of expressed proteins in the heterologous system
Lab level physico-chemical analysis of enzymes.
Standardization of conditions to produce enzymes in fermenter.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
The industrial enzyme market is one of the fastest growing revenue generating sectors in
the world. Since very few enzymes have been potentially utilized at the industrial level,
hence there is a huge scope for the development of robust and low cost enzymes and
cost effective production through recombinant DNA technology.
Industrially valuable production of thermostable amylase and development of a low cost
maltose processing technology will add an advantage to the socio-economic or
developmental scenario of the state of Kerala, by attracting enzyme industries to the
state.
Publication based on the project
International Journal
1. Divya Balakrishnan, Neethu R S, Pradeep N S and Sugathan Shiburaj (2015). Cellulolytic Activity of
Streptomyces clavifer TBG-MNR13 (MTCC 4150) isolated from Neyyar Wild Life Sanctuary of Kerala,
India" International Journal of Applied Biotechnology and Biochemistry. 5 (1) 1-15.
33
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -16
Fabrication and characterization of hetero junction solar cells: FTO/ n-silver
indium gallium selenide / p- silver indium selenide / metal (In or Al)
RAJANI JACOB (Research Fellow)
Madavilayil Y.M.C.A Road Athani P.O. Ernakulam - 683585 Email: [email protected]
Economical use of sunlight has been a key goal of scientists for over 50 years to meet the annual elec-
tricity requirements of the entire world population. Today, there are several research attempts on pho-
tovoltaic materials that could provide improved performance of photovoltaic systems which has be-
come one of the best potential unconventional energy sources to meet the increasing energy demands .
Moreover, the study of materials in thin film form suitable for pollution free, renewable energy
sources such as photovoltaic devices are of significant importance in this era of energy and environ-
mental concerns. Though Si technology has been dominating the field, chalcopyrite thin films like
CuInSe2 and CuInGaSe2 has found a breakthrough in the fabrication of cost-effective solar cells. Re-
cent researches propose Ag-based chalcopyrite compounds as better candidates for solar cell fabrica-
tion due to its favorable band gap that matches the optimum solar spectrum and the absence of short-
ing effects which is usually observed in Cu based photovoltaic devices caused by the larger diffusion
coefficients of copper.
Abstract of the work:
The study envisages the fabrication of hetero junction
devices with nanostructured thin films of Ag(In,Ga)Se2
(AIGS) and AgInSe2 (AIS) belonging to the family of I-
III-VI compounds. The proposed hetero structures are:
Schottky diodes with configuration FTO/n-AIGS/Al and
Hetero structure devices with configuration FTO/n-
AIGS/p-(In or Al). Fluorine Tin Oxide (FTO) coated on
glass substrates and metal thin films will serve as the
electrodes. Assessment of efficiency trend of cells
would be done by voltage-current measurements using a
solar simulator. Even though improving efficiency is
one of the objectives, influence of different cell
parameters that affect the efficiency will also be
investigated.
34
File No 042/WSD-BLS/2013/CSTE
Title of the Project
Fabrication and characterization of hetero junction
solar cells: FTO/ n-silver indium gallium selenide /
p- silver indium selenide / metal (In or Al)
Amount Sanctioned & Period
Rs. 16,00,000/-, 3 years (07/03/2014 to 06/03/2017)
(P) No. 1349/2014/KSCSTE dt. 13/02/2014
Name of Institution
Dept. of Physics, Union Christian College, Aluva
Name & Address of Scientist
Mentor
Dr. Rachel Reena Philip, Assistant Professor,
Department of Physics,U C College, Aluva
Date of commencement of
project
07/03/2014
Present Status
2nd
year of implementation in progress
Salient outcome of the project (till date):
Successful incorporation of tin and antimony in polycrystalline thin films of AgInSe2
which resulted in the enhancement of conductivity by about three orders.
Fabrication of different hetero structures like, Al/p-Si/n-AgInSe2:Sn/Al and ITO/n-
AgGaSe2/p-AgInSe2:Sn/Al. Work to be done:
Preparation of the thin films by spray pyrolysis using precursor solutions of silver
nitrate, indium trichloride, gallium nitrate/gallium trichloride, sodium selenosulphate/
SeC(NH2)2 etc.
A comparative study of the film properties deposited by the different techniques.
Fabrication of hetero structures with configuration FTO/n-AIGS/Al.
Optimization of the conditions for the solar cells with configuration, n-Ag(InGa)Se2 /
p-AgInSe2 as active pn junctions and by allowing modifications especially in
thickness and band gap of p and n layers for better performance.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
The Kerala state has a greater potential for harvesting the sunlight to meet the annual
energy requirements, which requires more and more studies on photovoltaic
materials.
The outcome of the study is expected to give valuable information regarding the
Silver (Ag) based p-n junctions which is essential in the field of fabrication of new
photovoltaic materials and configurations.
The present study on Ag-based chalcopyrites is expected to be contributory to the
research community, since there are very few studies on Ag-based I-III-VI
compounds for photovoltaic applications compared to their well known counter parts
- Cu-based I-III-VI compounds.
Publication based on the project
International Journal
1. Rajani Jacob, Gunadhor S. Okram, Johns Naduvath, Sudhanshu Mallick, and Rachel Reena
Philip, “Tin Incorporation in AgInSe2 Thin Films: Influence on Conductivity” The Journal of
Physical Chemistry C (Impact factor: 4.835), J. Phys. Chem. C, 119 (10), (2015), 5727-5733,
ACS Publication, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b00141.
35
2014-15
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -17
Scientific Validation of Kashayams used in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
ASWATHY I.S. (Research Fellow)
Research Scholar Department of Biochemistry University of Kerala Kariavattom Campus Thiruvananthapuram -695581 Email: [email protected]
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by chronic joint inflammation and
continuous cell infiltration in to the synovium. The mesenchymal cells which interact with the activated T cells
are an important determinant in the development of chronic inflammation in the joints. Matrix
metalloproteinases (MMP) are responsible for degradation of extracellular matrix components and plays a
crucial role in joint destruction. Key molecules involved in intracellular pathways of rheumatoid arthritis are
NFκB, MAP kinase, phosphoinositide 3 kinase/ AKT; signal transducers, activators of transcription factors
(TNFα) and ROS production. All these molecules can be the target for drug designing. Although several
Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs have been found to be effective in Rheumatoid arthritis treatment they
are not without their drawbacks. In this context Kashayams that is used in classical ayurvedic treatments gain its
importance. Kashayam which is otherwise called herbal decotions are ayurvedic polyherbal formulations in
liquid form containing soluble principles of herbs.
Abstract of the work:
The present study aims to provide a scientific validation for the classic
ayurvedic knowledge on Kashayam based treatment of RA. Three
kashayams Guggulutiktam, Balaguluchyadi and Punarnavadi kashayams
used in rheumatoid arthritic treatment are taken for studies. But they lack
proper scientific background and the present study have the objective to
give scientific validation to these herbal decotions based on molecular
signalling of inflammatory molecules and immunomodulatory effect in
experimentally induced animals.
Since these kashayams are used in rheumatoid arthritic conditions based on
classical ayurvedic texts, by providing scientific background the global
knowledge about Ayurveda and Indian herbs will hopefully be enhanced.
36
File No : No.022/WSD-BLS/2012/CSTE
Title of the Project : Scientific Validation of Kashayams used in Rheumatoid
Arthritis (RA)
Amount Sanctioned
& Period : Rs. 26,00,000/-, 3 years (from 02/03/2015 to 01/03/2018)
(P) No. 911/2015/KSCSTE dt. 09.02.2015
Name of Institution : Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
: Dr. A. Helen, Department of Biochemistry, University of
Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695581
Date of
commencement of
project
: 02.03.2015
Present Status : 1st year implementation of the project
Expected outcome of the project:
The study will provide a scientific validation to the empirical knowledge of the
ayurvedic poly-herbal formulations used in RA treatment. The results can be extrapolated to find the link between other inflammatory diseases
and formulations. The study results in the promotion and marketing of ayurvedic medicine on a bigger
scale due to the assurance obtained by the scientific testing and validation process
involved.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Helpful to those suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis and is following conventional
medicines.
Scientific data addition to ayurvedic kashayams and its awareness is necessary to
attract common man towards our traditional system of medicine.
Although the treatment plan is of long term the systematic approach will reduce the
symptoms effectively.
While going through molecular level of action of kashayams new pathways could be
elucidated.
37
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -18
Investigations on the development of solid acid catalyst from natural palygorskite
collected from different parts of India
DHANYA BALAN A.P. (Research Fellow)
Kayakkulam Periye P.O. Kasaragod 671316 Email: [email protected]
One of the major current challenges before chemist is to develop synthetic methods that are less polluting that is
to design clean or green chemical transformations. Catalysts are substances that change the rate of a
chemical reaction without actively taking part in the reaction as a reagent. Chemical manufacturing
processes require the use of catalysts. The chemical manufacturing process should be such that they do not
cause permanent damage to the environment or disturb the ecological balance. The use of eco-friendly solid
acid catalyst is catching up as they cause only reduced pollution and waste disposal problems compared to their
toxic and corrosive counter parts viz AlCl3,BF3,HFand HCl etc. In this perspective, the study on clay based eco-
friendly catalysts become the need of the day. Clay catalysts are less expensive, reusable non corrosive and
have no disposal problem. The use of eco-friendly catalysts that do not damage the environment is
preferred over usual ones that damage the environment and the eco-system.
An important family of catalysts that has received considerable attention of the synthetic chemist in recent times
is derived from the soil. Important one being clays and zeolites. These are heterogeneous catalyst offer several
intrinsic advantages over their heterogeneous counter parts. Zeolites are widely used in the petrochemical
industry in acid catalysed process.
Abstract of the work:
The present work focusses on the development of catalysts from
Palygorskite clays collected from different parts of India. The
substance is an under explored in terms of knowledge of its
catalytic properties. The samples will be treated to produce
catalytic properties and the catalytic effects on various reactions
will be studied through various analytical methods to formulate
results.
38
File No. No.040/WSD-BLS/2013/CSTE
Title of the Project Investigations on the development of solid acid catalyst from
natural palygorskite collected from different parts of India
Amount Sanctioned &
Period Rs 29,82,000/-, 3 years (from 09/02/2015 to 08/02/2018)
(P) No. 914/2015/KSCSTE dt. 09.02.2015
Name of Institution Department of Chemistry, Government College, Kasaragod
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. Pushpaletha P., Assistant Professor, PG Department of
Chemistry, Government College, Kasaragod
Date of
commencement of
project
09/02/2015
Present Status 1st year implementation of the project
Expected outcome of the project
The development of environmentally benign and reusable solid acid catalysts is of
great practical importance.
The Palygorskite based catalysts will help in the utilization of natural resources for
the production of efficient environment friendly catalysts with wide potential for use
in the industrial level.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Commercial clay catalysts are made out of a German clay. Clay catalysts are not
currently prepared from Indian clays. So the present study is of Interest to chemical
Industries who are switching over from liquid acid catalysts to solid acid catalysts.
There are several methods for developing solid acid catalysts from palygorskite. Our
aim is to find the method which give the best catalyst with highest activity and
selectivity for alkylation and acetylation reaction and to find a correlation between
physical properties of the catalyst and its catalytic activity.
39
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -19
Microstructural Investigations in Gas Sensing of Doped Tin Oxide Thin Films
PRASANNA KUMARI K. (Research Fellow)
Mudhayekara (H) Mathirapilly, College (PO), Kothamangalam Eranakulam - 686666 Email: [email protected]
Due to rapid industrialization accompanied by globalization, developing countries like India are now
facing grave environment crisis. Increasing environmental pollutants, effluents, toxic and inflammable
gases, radiation etc. are posing a great threat to the healthy and sustained existence of flora and fauna
all over the world. Nowadays much attention has been given to develop high performance gas sensors
and system for monitoring such gases in various environments. The detection of hazardous gases has
always been a complex subject and makes choosing an appropriate gas monitoring a difficult task
The metal oxide semiconductor thin films are widely employed as gas sensors owing to its remarkable
advantages in fabricating devices with lesser size, easy array-integration and lower power consump-
tion along with high sensitivity and selectivity. The thin films are layers of material on a substrate with
thickness less than about one micron and properties strongly influenced by surface and interface ef-
fects. The development of gas sensors using thin film technology mainly uses metal oxides like tin ox-
ide (SnO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), iron oxide (Fe2O3) as active materials. Among them, tin oxide is report-
ed to have good sensitivity towards various gases and the selectivity can be improved by adding do-
pants.
Abstract of the work:
The study aims to prepare nanosized SnO2 thin films by Spray pyrolysis in different dopant
concentrations especially non-noble metals. By varying the precursor combination, the grain size and
grain boundaries in relation to gas sensing and sensor response is to modified. The available data
involved in the field of tin oxide films are mostly based on empirical data and calls for a systemic
study. Therefore the study focuses on the structural and performance analysis of tin oxide films in
fabricating efficient gas sensors.
40
File No No.043/WSD-BLS/2014/CSTE
Title of the Project Microstructural Investigations in Gas Sensing of Doped Tin
Oxide Thin Films
Amount Sanctioned
& Period Rs. 12,35,000/-, 3 years (from 09/02/2015 to 08/02/2015)
(P) No. 909/2015/KSCSTE dt. 09.02.2015
Name of Institution Department of Physics, Mar Athanasius College,
Kothamangalam
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. Deepa S., Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Mar
Athanasius College, Kothamangalam
Date of
commencement of
project
09.02.2015
Present Status 1st year implementation of the project
Expected outcome of the project:
The study will result in production of a better analysis and material characteristics of
doped tin oxide thin films for gas sensing applications.
Production of highly efficient gas sensors with better selectivity and sensitivity,
which may find applications in the various industrial and residential sectors.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Due to industrialisation and globalisation, developing countries like India are facing
environmental crisis. Air pollution is one of the most crucial current environmental
problems of our modern society and there are lot of gases and dangerous polluting
agents whose detection is therefore important in various fields like air quality
control, combustion process and engine emission. The detection of various gases like
CO, H2, LPG, CH4 etc has become very important because of the continuous
increase in the environmental pollution. In order to regulate the emission of toxic or
environmentally sensitive gases into the atmosphere, a safety regulation has been
designed to create safer living and working conditions. This forces a need for
development of effective and sensitive pollution monitors. This work explains some of the key factors found to affect the sensing properties of
these materials. Currently available sensors are based on the chemical interactions
between the gas and a specific material whose physical properties are modified by the
gas. For any gas sensor to be useful, it should be able to detect the active gas
component in the presence of non-interfering background constituents. Here,
semiconductor oxide sensors are extensively studied in order to improve their sensing
characeristics such as sensitivity, selectivity, response rate to various kinds of gases to
meet the increasing needs of sensors in complicated systems under strict conditions
Gas sensors based on solid state semiconductor materials offer considerable
advantages in comparison to other gas sensing methods. Semiconductor sensors are
inexpensive to produce, easy to miniaturize, rugged, reliable and can be designed to
operate over a range of conditions including high temperatures. SnO2 based gas
detectors are presently used for detecting LPG and CO2 to prevent leakage, detecting
CO for pollution control, and as alcohol sensors for controlling drunken driving etc.
The most important use of SnO2 sensors in the home is in gas leak alarms.
41
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -20
Wetland studies of Akathumuri-Anchuthengu-Kadinamkulam estuarine system,
south west coast of India
KRISHNA R. PRASAD (Research Fellow)
Vandipura Veedu Near Ananthavaleeswaram Temple Nalanchira P.O. Trivandrum - 695015 Email: [email protected]
Wetlands are distinctive ecosystems that exhibit enormous diversity in terms of genesis, geography,
geology etc. The coastal belt of Kerala consists of an extensive system of estuaries and brackish waters
known as Kayals that lie in parallel along the Arabian Sea. Rapid and uncontrolled urbanization has
led to the destruction of these wetlands. Lack of scientific data is a major constraint in formulating a
solution to this problem.
Abstract of Work:
The Akathumuri-Anchuthengu-Kadinamkulam(A-A-K)
Estuarine system is selected for the study. The purpose of
this study is to establish the rate of sedimentation and pattern
by employing stable radioactive isotopes Previous studies
have revealed that the study area is a veritable hot spot, with
alarmingly low values of productivity ascribed mainly to the
high organic pollution consequent to husk retting. It is
noteworthy that this is the only source of pollution in the
estuary. Extensive husk retting is giving way to silting up of
the water body.
In the light of the above an attempt has been made in the
investigation to provide some scientific data on the sediment
rate and pattern, fossil study, sedimentological, mineralogical
and geochemical parameters of the wetland. It is hoped that
an assessment of A-A-K estuaries would be useful in
chalking out long term management plan for the sustainment
of this wetland systems
42
File No
No.046/WSD-BLS/2014/CSTE
Title of the Project Wetland studies of Akathumuri-Anchuthengu-
Kadinamkulam estuarine system, south west coast of India
Amount Sanctioned &
Period
Rs. 23,10,000/-, 3 years (from 04/03/2015 to 03/03/2018)
(P) No: 910/2015/KSCSTE dt. 09.02.2015
Name of Institution National Centre for Earth Science Studies, Akkulam,
Thiruvananthapuram 695011
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. Reji Srinivas, Scientist-B, Marine Sciences Division,
National Centre for Earth Science Studies
Date of commencement
of project
04.03.2015
Present Status 1st year implementation of the project
Expected outcome of the project:
The study on A-A-K wetland will result in the creation of scientific data for the long
term management of the wetland system.
The usage of several scientific tools and utilities will help in the preparation of a
wetland health report card and maps that will result in formulation of better
management strategies of the estuary.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
The work highlights present status of the estuarine water and sediment quality.
Helps to evaluate the loss of wetland due to various anthropogenic activities.
Results could be used for future policy making and better management of this
ecosystem.
43
2015-16
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -21
Climate Smart Natural Resource Management of Cassava
(Manihot esculenta Crantz) using Geoinformatics Tools
SHINY R. (Research Fellow)
“Domus Gratia” TC 7/1755-3 Pangode, Thirumala P.O. Thiruvananthapuram 695006 Email: [email protected]
The main objective of the study is to develop a climate smart natural resource management for cas-
sava .Crop identification and production forecasting for the crop is still unexplored which will be
taken into account for the study. Studies on the impact of different scenarios of future climate on
suitability and productivity and gain in yield due to various adaption options in major growing zones
using GIS tools, ecological niche and crop models are lacking. Hence it is planned to study the im-
pact of future climate on suitability and productivity of cassava in major growing areas. A proper
soil resource management by secondary and micro-nutrient inclusive plant nutrient formulations is
very important and continuous practice of the technology on yield, nutrient use efficiency and carbon
sequestration is lacking is also studied.
Abstract of Work:
The aim of the study is to estimate area and forecast
production of cassava in major growing areas of
India using temporal multi-sensor remote sensing
data. Studies on changes in suitability of cassava to
different scenarios of future climate and the gain in
production due to various adaptation options is also
included. The effect of secondary-and micronutrient inclusive plant nutrient formulation in improving
yield and nutrient use efficiency of cassava and soil quality and soil carbon sequestration is also
included. The study also plans to develop a decision support system for climate smart natural resource
management of cassava
44
File No No. 056/WSD-BLS/2014/CSTE
Title of the Project Climate Smart Natural Resource Management of Cassava
(Manihot esculenta Crantz) using Geoinformatics Tools
Amount Sanctioned &
Period Rs. 19,85,000/-, 3 years (from 04/09/2015 to 03/09/2018)
(P) No. 472/2015/KSCSTE dt. 01.09.2015
Name of Institution ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (ICAR-CTCRI)
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
DR. G.Byju, Principal Scientist, Division of Crop Production,
ICAR-CTCRI,Sreekaryam,Thiruvananathapuram
Date of commencement
of project
04.09.2015
Present Status 1st year implementation of the project
Expected outcome of the project:
Methodology to estimate exact crop acreage using remote sensing technique and also
helps to forecast production in cassava.
Knowledge regarding the impact of different scenarios of future climate on suitability
and productivity and gain in yield due to various adaptation options in major cassava
growing zones.
The study also provides information for a proper soil resource management by second-
ary and micronutrient inclusive plant nutrient formulations.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Development of a farmer friendly decision support system for climate smart natural resource
management of cassava, which will benefit the future cassava based agrarian system in India,
thereby improving the socio- economic status of the stakeholders involved.
45
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -22
Production and characterization of β- glucanase from Streptomyces sp.
LEKSHMI K. EDISON (Research Fellow)
Kalpakassery House Nedumon Kovalam P.O. Thiruvananthapuram 695527 Email: [email protected]
Enzymes are potential biocatalysts performs specific biochemical reactions. Particularly microbial enzymes are of special interest because they are considered as organic catalysts. It becomes increasingly important in the fields of agriculture, medicine and industry due to their broad technical and economical advantages. β- Glucanase represents a group of hydrolyzing enzymes helps for breaking down the beta linked glucose polymers that is too long to digest by humans easily. They are active on insoluble substrates like β-glucan components, act as both exo and endo hydrolyses. Thus helps for digesting grains such as barley, oats, wheat, soya bean meal etc. These enzymes also have a beneficial role in enological practices thereby reduce wort viscosity and improve filtration process and yield extractions.Based on the type of cleavage of glycosidic linkage they are further classified as β- 1,3-Glucanase, β- 1,6-Glucanase and β- 1,4-Glucanase. Abstract of the work:
The enzyme β- Glucanases are less characterized in
Streptomyces sp in comparison with other bacterial and fungal
β- Glucanase. Because of this reason Streptomyces sp will be
considered as a novel potential strain.
The study aims the isolation and characterization of a novel
Streptomyces strains and molecular level characterization of
genes encoding the β-Glucanase enzyme, co-expression of
different β- Glucanase genes in E. coli.
The conditions will be standardized to express the protein in E. coli with high yield under laboratory
conditions. The protein will be purified using different chromatographic techniques and will be
analyzed for its physico-chemical features which are important to the industry. Once the application
part is established, the protein will be produced in fermenter level and purified and further analysed its
activity levels using different glucan substrates.
46
File No
No. 050/WSD-BLS/2014/CSTE
Title of the Project Production and characterization of β- glucanase from
Streptomyces sp.
Amount Sanctioned &
Period Rs. 16,60,000/-, 3 years (from 01/12/2015 to 30/11/2018)
(P) No. 523/2015/KSCSTE dt. 14/09/2015
Name of Institution Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research
Institute, Palode, Trivandrum
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. N. S. Pradeep, Scientist-E, Division of Microbiology,
JNTBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram
Date of
commencement of
project
01/12/2015
Present Status 1st year implementation of the work is progress.
Expected outcome of the project:
New genes coding for β- Glucanase from an entirely new strain of Streptomyces
will be cloned and characterized. These will lead to the production of new
recombinant β- Glucanase enzyme comprising synergic action of both endo-β-1,3-
Glucanase and exo-β-1,4- Glucanase that will execute the complete degradation of
barley β- glucan. A commercially valuable β- Glucanase enzyme having potential application in
brewing industry and a low cost brewing process with low viscosity of mashes, high
yields of ethanol, and low levels of residual beta-glucans will be the result.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
New genes coding for β- Glucanase from an entirely new strain of Streptomyces
will be cloned and characterized. These results will direct the possibilities of utiliz-
ing E. coli as the expression system, usually to get the organism to produce as much
of that protein as possible and can be studied in highly pure form.
By elucidating the genomic component of this gene, bioinformatics tools can be
used to modify the protein to improve its features.
Introduction of β- Glucanases as a commercially valuable product, a low cost brew-
ing process with low viscosity of mashes, high yields of ethanol, and low levels of
residual beta-glucans will be the result.
47
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -23
Nutritional and Biochemical Studies of Wild Edible Mushrooms used by
Tribes of Palghat and Wayanad Districts of Kerala
SHAHINA.N.K. (Research Fellow)
Shahina manzil Melattur (P.O.)
Malappuram -679326 Email: [email protected]
Fungi have been occupying a prominent position in the biological world because of their variety,
economic and environmental importance. The ethno botanical exploration studies related to plants are
done by many workers but scientific validation of wild fungal resources are poorly studied. Study and
research on the tribal knowledge of Kerala state on the utility of edible fungal resources in medicine
and their ecological diversity was not formed the basis for any organized study. Moreover lack of
proper documentation of ethnic knowledge along with transformation in primitive group is also
eroding rapidly.
Many ethnic tribes in Kerala are found to be mycophilic, they are hunting and consuming various
mushrooms as their food. Knowledge of nutritional value and chemical analysis of wild mushrooms
used by tribes are limited.
Abstract of the work:
The main objectives of this study are collection,
identification and isolation of selected wild edible
mushrooms used by tribes of Palghat and Wayanad district
of Kerala. Study the nutritional and biochemical analysis of
the collected wild edible mushrooms and domestication of
two promising species if any find out (after sensory
evaluation study) during the course of investigation. These
Nutritional studies of potential wild edible mushrooms
which have remained unexploited can provide a source of
livelihood, a way through for a new drug discovery etc.
Domestication of potential mushroom helps in wider acceptability of people for mushroom
consumption and for cultivation.
48
File No No. 061/WSD-BLS/2014/CSTE
Title of the
Project
Nutritional and Biochemical Studies of Wild Edible Mushrooms
used by Tribes of Palghat and Wayanad Districts of Kerala
Sanction Order
No. & Date
Rs. 14,80,000/-, 3 years (from 11/12/2015 to 10/12/2018)
(P) No. 661/2015/KSCSTE dt. 26.10.2015
Name of
Institution
Department of Botany and Research Centre, St Albert’s College,
Ernakulam
Name & Address
of Scientist
Mentor
Dr. K. Madhusudhanan, Assistant Professor, Department of
Botany & Research Centre, St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam
Date of
commencement of
project
11/12/2015
Present Status 1st year implementation of the work is in progress
Expected outcome of the project:
The work will also help in identifying new wild mushrooms (if any) unknown to
scientific world and also in describing its taxonomic position in the fungal kingdom.
The nutritional, biochemical study will help in wider applicability of selected
species of wild mushroom in pharmacological/ drug industry Domestication of potential wild species if any found during the investigation based
on sensory evaluation will add to the list of cultivable variety Establishing institutional linkages and partnership with Governmental/ Non-
Governmental and communities working in the area of wild edibles and tribal
development programmes.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Nutritional and Biochemical properties of selected wild mushrooms can identify
active principles of the wild mushrooms used by tribes.
On discovery of active principles, potential in drug industry can be explored.
Domestication of potential wild mushroom species will add to the list of cultivable
variety.
49
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -24
Identification, isolation and characterization of Acyl Homoserine Lactone-mimic
compounds from selected plants
SHEETAL SIVANKUTTY (Research Fellow)
Madathumparampil Chumathra P.O. Thiruvalla Pathanamthitta - 689103 Email: [email protected]
Quorum sensing is a form of bacterial communication to coordinate certain behaviors based on the
local density of the bacterial population. As environmental conditions change rapidly, bacteria need to
respond very fast in order to survive. Quorum sensing can be described as a process through which the
accumulation of signaling molecules enables a single cell to sense the communication from other cells.
Many different bacteria which live together constantly produce and secrete certain signal molecules
known as autoinducers/pheromones. They possess specific receptors which can detect these signaling
molecules. Up on binding of inducer to this receptor, it activates transcription of certain genes,
including those for inducer synthesis.
The inhibition of quorum sensing using antagonist results in cell growth and hence is beneficial for the
production of desired product. Quorum sensing also has interesting role in the pollution control by
enhancing the synthesis of enzymes that can degrade the recalcitrant through regulation of concerned
AHL. Thus further research and understanding quorum sensing makes as possible to defeat against
many problems, such as plant pathogen interactions, multiple drug resistance along with the
degradation of organic pollutants.
Abstract of the work:
The study aims to isolate and identify the quorum sensing mimic molecules
from selected plants and to test the ability of these mimic molecules in
inducing quorum sensing molecules as well as interfering with the quorum
sensing system. The study also aims to isolate the Pseudomonas specific AHL
mimic compounds from some selected plants.
50
File No
No. 058/WSD-BLS/2014/CSTE
Title of the Project Identification, isolation and characterization of Acyl
Homoserine Lactone-mimic compounds from selected plants
Amount Sanctioned &
Period Rs. 10,72,400/-, 2 years (P) No. 664/2015/KSCSTE dt. 27.10.2015
Name of Institution School of Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University,
Kottayam
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. Jayachandran K, Associate Professor, School of
Biosciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Date of Start of project 01/01/2016
Present Status 1st year implementation of the work is in progress
Expected outcome of the project:
The sighting of novel AHL agonists and antagonists offers new mechanism in
controlling plant pathogens or inactivating their pathogenicity by interfering in their
QS regulatory system. It can also influence or enhance the production the desired
product in fermentation such as antibiotics, enzymes, rhamnolipids etc. Able to enhance the quorum sensing mediated degradation of certain compounds the
rate of the treatment process can be increased. Enhancing QS can also modulate the
extent of nitrogen fixing in agricultural yield.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Sighting of novel AHL agonists and antagonists offers new mechanism in controlling
plant pathogens or inactivating their pathogenicity by interfering in their Quorum
sensing regulatory system. It can also enhance the production of the desired product in fermentation such as
antibiotics, enzymes, rhamnolipids etc.By enhancing the quorum sensing mediated
degradation of certain compounds the rate of the treatment process can be increased. Enhancing quorum sensing can also modulate the extent of nitrogen fixation in
agricultural yield.
51
BACK TO LAB PROJECT -25
Molecular Barcoding and Phylogenetic assessment of selected insect pests
(Lepidoptera and Hemiptera) of major cucurbits cultivated in Malappuram
District, Kerala
PRIYA BHASKARAN K. P. (Research Fellow)
Ayyappankavu House Parappanangadi P.O. Malappuram - 676303 Email: [email protected]
Cucurbits are vegetable crops belonging to family Cucurbitaceae, which primarily com-
prised species consumed as food worldwide in various forms i.e., salad (cucumber, gherkins,
long melon), sweet (ash gourd, pointed gourd), pickles (gherkins), deserts (melons) and culinary
purpose. Cucurbits provide humans and animals with numerous edible products. The flesh is an
important source of carbohydrates and water for the consumers of the tropical and semiarid
regions of the world. The seeds are rich in oil and protein. Cucurbits share about 5.6 % of the
total vegetable production of India. Being a large group of vegetable, cucurbits provide better
scope to enhance overall productivity and production.
Abstract of Work:
The major cucurbits produce to the Kerala market contributes are Bitter
gourd, Ash gourd and Red Pumpkin. The major insect pests attacking
these cucurbits are under Lepidoptera and Hemiptera Order. The
successful control of any insect pest is primarily based on its correct
identification. The classical taxonomy of most of these pests is well
described using morphological aspects. Studies addressing species-level
problems have involved the analysis of nuclear, chloroplast and
mitochondrial DNA at different levels of sequence resolution using
RFLPs, RAPD, DNA sequencing, single copy DNA-DNA hybridization
and others. Several of these recent advances in nucleic acid technology
have been used in the taxonomic studies of living organisms.
52
File No No. 049/WSD-BLS/2014/CSTE
Title of the Project Molecular Barcoding and Phylogenetic assessment of
selected insect pests (Lepidoptera and Hemiptera) of major
cucurbits cultivated in Malappuram District, Kerala
Amount Sanctioned &
Period Rs. 14,65,000/-, 3 years (from 10/12/2015 to 09/12/2015) (P) No: 702/2015/KSCSTE dt. 11.11.2015
Name of Institution Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Malappuram
Name & Address of
Scientist Mentor
Dr. Sebastian C. D., Assistant Professor, Department of
Zoology, University of Calicut
Date of Start of project 10/12/2015
Present Status 1st year implementation of the work is in progress
Expected outcome of the project:
Data on mtDNA COI gene sequence of lepidopteran and hemipteran pests of Bitter
gourd, Ash gourd and Red Pumpkin (Cucurbitaceae) widely cultivated in
Malappuram district, Kerala will be generated.
Information on phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis of these pests can be
developed.
The genetic divergence within and between the different species of the selected pests
will be deciphered.
Significance of the outcome in societal context:
Information on proper identification and phylogenetic analysis of common pests of
Bitter gourd, Ash gourd and Red Pumpkin can be developed.
The data about the makeup and origin of invasive pest populations in Kerala would
aid effective Pest Managements strategies and provide general information on
invasion biology. The COI barcode sequence information on pests can be used to find out their
evolutionary variation, host affiliation, geographic distribution and insect-host
interaction pattern.
53
BACK TO LAB PROJECT - 26
Empowerment of rural women for cultivation of economically viable
medicinal plants through agro-biotechnological interventions
Dr. RESMI. J
“Neelambari”, Thulamparambu South,
Haripad P.O., Alappuzha – 690514,
Kerala.
Email : [email protected]
Nationally, Kerala State is identified as a major consumer of medicinal plants. Apart from the age
old practices of Ayuvedic systems in its purest form, the state promotes herbal tourism, which is a
dwelling activity at present and generates employment potential. It is needless to note that, there is
tremendous scope for medicinal plant cultivation in Kerala for the development of herbal industry
and enhancement of economic background of rural unemployed women. Production of ideal type
and quality planting material for large-scale cultivation is also an important task. The planting
material therefore should be of good quality, rich in active ingredients, pest- and disease-resistant,
suitable for the agro-climatic condition of the proposed land and pharmaceutical demand. For
commercial exploitation of medicinal plants, a more optimized and reliable low cost
micropropagation protocol is necessary for continuous large scale plantlet production for
cultivation.
Considering the importance of promotion of cultivation of economically important medicinal plants
and income generation for unemployed rural women in Kerala state, this project is proposed with
the objectives of homestead cultivation of selected high value and industrially demanded medicinal
plants [Kaempferia galanga (Kacholam) and Curcuma longa (Manjal/Turmeric)] through
appropriate agro-technologies and increase the income of rural women. The target beneficiaries of
the project are unemployed rural women of one village of Alapuzha District in Kerala state. With
the effective implementation of the project the beneficiaries can find an alternative self-income
generation without hampering their other ongoing income generating activities. Broadly, the
activities of the project aim to train the beneficiaries on a scientific mode of homestead cultivation
with know-how of good agro-technology practices using genuine planting materials, linkage for
sustainable marketing of raw materials with local raw drug shops/ Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical firms
and formation of Self Help Groups to sustain the programme
after the completion of the project. Besides this, activities
will be concentrated to develop a cost-effective
micropropagation protocol for superior genotypes of
Kaempferia galanga and Curcuma longa cultivation. The
major outcomes of the project will be livelihood
enhancement and empowerment of rural women, promotion
of cultivation of medicinal plants and supply of genuine raw
materials for drug preparation.
54
File No. : File No. 068/WSD-BLS/2015/CSTE
Title of the Project : Empowerment of rural women for cultivation of economically vi-
able medicinal plants through agro-biotechnological interven-
tions.
Amount sanctioned and period : Rs. 23,68,000/- for 3 years,
(Council Order No. 992/2015/KSCSTE Dated 5/2/2016)
Name of Institution : Dept. Of Plant Breeding, Onattukara Regional Agricultural
Research Station (ORARS), Kayamkulam
Name and Address of Scientist : Dr. M. R. Bindu, Associate Professor,
Mentor Department of Plant Breeding, ORARS, Kayamkulam
Present status : yet to commence
Expected Outcome of the project
Income generation for rural unemployed women through homestead cultivation of selected com-
mercially valuable medicinal plants.
Generation of well trained women farmers on scientific mode of medicinal plant cultivation.
By adopting intercropping, the beneficiaries will get income from both crops with less expendi-
ture.
Enrichment of soil fertility by using medicinal plant’s unused leafy biomass after harvest as green
manure.
Formation of women Self Help Groups to sustain the programme.
Delivery of uniform raw materials timely to the industries.
Uplift the selected village to the map of State/ National/ International herbal trade.
Germplasm establishment of superior genotypes of K. Galanga and C. longa in ORARS.
Optimization of a cost effective micro-propagation protocol for superior genotypes of these se-
lected medicinal crops for cultivation.
Significance of the outcome in societal context
Cultivation of medicinal plants is socially acceptable and risk free income generation source for
rural women with less attention and expenditure compared to other crops. Besides, it can create
self -reliance and empowerment for rural women. Women farmers will be well trained on scien-
tific mode of medicinal plant cultivation . It is significant to provide pure and genuine raw mate-
rials, thereby enhancing the quality, efficacy and safety of the drugs.
Selected medicinal plants are commercially viable and suitable for agro-climatic conditions of
the target sites and intercropping with coconut, plantain etc. that do not require day-to-day atten-
tion and skills as floriculture and other crops
Formation of Self Help Groups can raise the programme to a sustainable level after the comple-
tion of the project. In addition, it will create leadership qualities and group tasking in women
beneficiaries and empower them culturally, socially and financially. It will lead to form small
scale entrepreneurs in the field which helps to sustain and promote the medicinal crop cultivation
programme.
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