Central University of Kerala

About: Central University of Kerala is a education organization based out in Kāsaragod, India. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Catalysis. The organization has 556 authors who have published 881 publications receiving 7474 citations.

Cerium Ions Grafted on Functionalized Mesoporous SBA-15 Molecular Sieves: Preparation and Its Catalytic Activity on p -Cresol Oxidation

Abstract: Cerium ions were grafted onto the internal surface of organo-functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 molecular sieves by a post-synthesis method. The resultant SBA-DA-Ce materials were fully characterized by various analytical and spectroscopic techniques including powder XRD, N2 physisorption studies, SEM, FT-IR, DR-UV–Vis, TG-DTA, 29Si and 13C MAS-NMR techniques. The organo-functionality present on the surface was confirmed by the MAS-NMR and FT-IR studies, while the presence of cerium as Ce4+ ions was evident from the DR-UV–Vis studies. The catalytic activities of materials with different cerium ion content were assessed in terms of the oxidation of p-cresol under varying reaction conditions. The diamine-functionalized SBA-15 with 8 mmol of cerium ions per gram of SBA-15 (i.e., SBA-DA-Ce-8) showed the best catalytic activity, with a p-cresol conversion of ~ 87%. Cerium ions were grafted on the surface of functionalized SBA-15 by the post-synthesis method. The resultant SBA-DA-Ce showed promising activity on p-cresol oxidation with a conversion of 87%.

The Conserved Mitochondrial Gene Distribution in Relatives of Turritopsis Nutricula, an Immortal Jellyfish

Abstract: Turritopsis nutricula (T. nutricula) is the one of the known reported organisms that can revert its life cycle to the polyp stage even after becoming sexually mature, defining itself as the only immortal organism in the animal kingdom. Therefore, the animal is having prime importance in basic biological, aging, and biomedical researches. However, till date, the genome of this organism has not been sequenced and even there is no molecular phylogenetic study to reveal its close relatives. Here, using phylogenetic analysis based on available 16s rRNA gene and protein sequences of Cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (COI or COX1) of T. nutricula, we have predicted the closest relatives of the organism. While we found Nemopsis bachei could be closest organism based on COX1 gene sequence; T. dohrnii may be designated as the closest taxon to T. nutricula based on rRNA. Moreover, we have figured out four species that showed similar root distance based on COX1 protein sequence.

Bioengineered Plants Can Be an Alternative Source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Human Health

Abstract: Omega-3 (also called n-3) long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have very essential and critical roles in human health due to their multiple health benefits. These important long-chain fatty acids influence a range of health benefits through their cellular, molecular and physiological actions, particularly with respect to the eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22:6 n-3) acids. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) cannot be produced by the human body, as it can be fulfilled through diet only. Marine fish are the major dietary sources of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, but the increasing demands of fish oil apply huge pressure on declining marine stocks. Recent development in the field of transgenic plants has, however, generated a good deal of excitement among plant biotechnologist, and plants are being looked upon as a potential source for the production of health beneficiary molecules including multicomponent botanical drugs, plant-derived pharmaceuticals, functional foods, dietary supplements and plant-produced recombinant proteins. Many of these products will not only complement conventional pharmaceuticals in the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of diseases but also add value to agriculture and improve the yield quality. An alternative source to achieve the recommended daily intake of EFAs is the need of the hour today. In this chapter, an attempt has, therefore, been made to discuss the impact of omega-3 fatty acid on human health that is facilitated by its biological actions and the new sustainable source in order to produce these fatty acids by the genetic modifications of the plants and their application for health benefits.