Chemistryhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/37482024-03-29T12:34:34Z2024-03-29T12:34:34ZBiodiesel and Its Importance as an Alternative Energy Source for the Fuel CrisisPerera, B.S.S.Kadigamuwa, C.C.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/268152023-10-31T04:55:24Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZBiodiesel and Its Importance as an Alternative Energy Source for the Fuel Crisis
Perera, B.S.S.; Kadigamuwa, C.C.
Upsurging of the population throughout the world has given a negative effect on daily energy consumption. Fossil fuel reserves are decreasing gradually due to the energy demand and the need of finding alternatives is growing. Biodiesel is such an alternative that derived from crops and animals. It is also contributing to the green environment as it does not emit carbon dioxides, carbon monoxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter comparative to petroleum diesel. There are several types of oils and fats that are used in deriving biodiesel such as edible oil and non-edible oils. Palm oil, jatropha oil, soybean oil, castor oil, algae and animal fats are some of the feedstocks used in producing biodiesel. Waste cooking oil is an economical alternative for the sources of biodiesel. The triglycerides of oils and fats are used to produce alcohols and esters which could be result from catalytic or non- catalytic reactions. Biodiesel is composed of mono-alkyl esters of long-chain fatty acids and is synthesized mainly by pyrolysis, microemulsion and transesterification. The transesterification is the most common and widely used method of manufacturing biodiesel. Acid catalyzed transesterification, alkali catalyzed transesterification, enzyme catalyzed transesterification and non-catalytic esterification are broadly used in the transesterification process. Properties, such as, cetane number, cloud and pour point, density and viscosity have an enormous impact on the quality of biodiesel. This chapter provides an overview of the manufacturing process and characteristics of biodiesel.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZGeochemical Release and Environmental InterfacesKadigamuwa, C.C.Perera, N.T.Perera, B.S.S.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/268142023-10-31T04:54:12Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZGeochemical Release and Environmental Interfaces
Kadigamuwa, C.C.; Perera, N.T.; Perera, B.S.S.
The geochemical release is the process of chemical weathering of minerals from their parent materials. These minerals originate from naturally occurring solids which interact with the environment through their surfaces. Depending on different environmental conditions that affect these surfaces, they could release minerals and gases to the environment. These released minerals and gases could transfer through environmental interfaces. Environmental interfaces are broadly de need as any surface in equilibrium with its surrounding environment. There are various types of environmental interfaces including geochemical, atmospheric aerosols, nanomaterials, and indoor surfaces. Thus, investigating the connection between geochemical release and these varied and complex environmental interfaces is necessary to understand both beneficial and adverse effects on living organisms.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions of Paspanguwa: A decoction of traditional five medicinal herbal mixtureMadushani, H.M.R.Jayawardena, P.A.S.N.P.Kadigamuwa, C.C.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/268132023-10-31T04:07:04Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZAntioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial actions of Paspanguwa: A decoction of traditional five medicinal herbal mixture
Madushani, H.M.R.; Jayawardena, P.A.S.N.P.; Kadigamuwa, C.C.
The name ‘Paspanguwa’ term comes from a combination of five primary herbs Zingiber officinale, Hedyotis corymbosa, Solanum xanthocarpum, Coscinium fenestratum, and Coriandrum sativum. In the present study, water extracts of the individual ingredient and the Paspanguwa decoction were screened for their total soluble phenolic (TPC) & flavonoid (TFC) contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity, and their ability to inhibit protein denaturation. Furthermore, this study focuses on the evaluation of antibacterial and antifungal activities against selected bacterial, and fungal strains. The highest TPC and TFC were seen in C. sativum as 12.76 (± 1.00) μg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, and S. xanthocarpum as 778.19 ± 1.40 μg catechin equivalent/g of dry weight respectively. The highest IC 50 value for the DPPH assay and reducing power percentage were seen in S. xanthocarpum as 609.7 (± 5.6) μg/mL and C. sativum as 22.95 (± 0.96) respectively. The ability to inhibit protein denaturation varied in the order of Paspanguwa decoction > Z. officinale > C. sativum > C. fenestratum > S. xanthocarpum > H. corymbosa at all three concentrations (625, 1250, and 2500 μg/mL). According to the agar disk diffusion method, the aqueous extracts derived from coriander 0.7 (± 0.1) cm and Paspanguwa mixture 0.7(± 0.1) cm had shown antibacterial potentials only against Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strain. When it comes to antifungal effects, only favourable results were achieved against Candida albicans due to the antifungal activity of ginger 0.8 (± 0.1) cm and Paspanguwa mixture 0.7(±0.1) cm. These results suggest that Paspanguwa water extract is a good source of antioxidants with TFC and TPC with a higher ability to inhibit protein denaturation, but it is not effective in antimicrobial activities.
2023-01-01T00:00:00ZPreliminary studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in methanol extracts of mistletoe (Dendrophthoe falcata) in guava (Psidium guajava)Hashitha, TharakeeKadigamuwa, C.C.http://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/267992023-10-26T07:49:05Z2023-01-01T00:00:00ZPreliminary studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in methanol extracts of mistletoe (Dendrophthoe falcata) in guava (Psidium guajava)
Hashitha, Tharakee; Kadigamuwa, C.C.
Mistletoe’s antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to bioactive compounds, make it a potential natural remedy for oxidative stress and inflammation-related ailments. This study is focused on evaluating the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of mistletoe (Dendrophthoe falcata) grown on guava (Psidium guajava). Cold extraction with methanol was used to maximize the extraction of heat-sensitive bioactive compounds. Samples were collected from three guava trees hosting Dendrophthoe falcata mistletoe, including guava (S1 L, S2 L, S3 L) and mistletoe leaves (S 1 M, S 2 M, S 3 M). The mistletoe’s antioxidant activity was evaluated through total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, and ferric-reducing power analysis. The mistletoe leaf sample (S 3 M) from tree 03 displayed the highest TPC (169.46 ± 2.06 GAE mg/g) and TFC (46.16 ± 1.15 CE mg/g). S 3 M also exhibited the lowest IC 50 value (0.091 ± 0.001 mg/mL) in the DPPH test, indicating strong radical scavenging activity. The FRAP assay yielded a value of 0.523 ± 0.010 mg/g BHT equivalent for S 3 M. Positive correlations were observed between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities. Additionally, the mistletoe leaf samples (S 3 M) demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in the heat- induced hemolysis assay (IC 50 = 488.302 ± 23.407 μg/mL) and egg albumin denaturation assay (IC 50 = 311.582 ± 12.404 μg/mL), suggesting potential anti-inflammatory properties. The host leaf sample from host tree 03 displayed higher antioxidant activity (TPC: 239.06 ± 2.45 mg/g, TFC: 65.03 ± 1.65 mg/g, IC 50 for DPPH: 0.086 ± 0.004 mg/mL, FRAP: 0.565 ± 0.013 mg/g BHT equivalents) and anti-inflammatory activity (IC50 for heat-induced hemolysis: 466.889 ± 23.417 μg/mL, IC 50 for egg albumin denaturation: 120.758 ± 19.190 μg/mL). Despite sample variations, mistletoe’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated without hindrance. In conclusion, methanol extracts of mistletoe exhibit promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, require further research in this area.
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