Professor
B.Sc. (Chem. Special, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka), M.Phil. (Moratuwa, Sri Lanka), Ph.D. (Texas, USA)
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Biosketch:
B.Sc. (Chem. Special) – University of Peradeniya/Sri Lanka/2007
M.Phil. – University of Moratuwa/Sri Lanka/2011
Ph.D. – University of Texas at Dallas/USA/2015
Postdoctoral scholar – University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, USA, 2015-2018
Assistant Professor in Chemistry –Texas A&M University, USA, 2018-2019
Scientist – Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology, 2009-2011
Research Interest:
- Nanotechnology for drug delivery/pharmaceutical applications, agricultural applications and water purification applications.
- Development of nanomaterials from natural resources for various industrial applications
Divisions:
- Inorganic Chemistry
Undergraduate Teaching:
CHE 211 1.0 Concepts in Inorganic Chemistry II
CHE 209 2.0 Inorganic Practical
CHE 315 2.0 Inorganic Practical
CHE 354 1.0 Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
CHE 451 1.0 Inorganic Materials
CHE 476 1.0 Solid State Chemistry
ICH 459 1.0 Nanotechnology and Applications in Industry
Selected Publications and Patents:
PUBLICATIONS
2025
1) Sisitha Rajapaksha, Piumika Yapa, Imalka Munaweera, Innovation management and
nanotechnology: a PRISMA-based analysis and research implications, International Journal of
Innovation Science, 2025.
2) Saranya Selvaraj, Monali Perera, Piumika Yapa, Imalka Munaweera, Inoka C Perera, Tharindu
Senapathi, Laksiri Weerasinghe, In vitro Analysis of XLAsp-P2 Peptide Loaded Cellulose Acetate
Nanofiber for Wound Healing, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2025, 911-922.
3) Janitha Jayapamoda Mahanthe, L Karunanayake, Imalka Munaweera, DAS Amarasinghe,
KAKEI Dharmapala, Hashma Imnisar, Investigating the aspect ratio and concentration of ZnO
nanoparticles as a filler to improve the electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of rubber
composites, Journal of Rubber Research, 2025, 1-17.
4) Sanduni Dabare, Sisitha Rajapaksha, Imalka Munaweera, Empowering innovative strategies:
Utilizing polymer-based nanotechnology for the prevention, control, and detection of aflatoxins,
ochratoxins, and fusarium toxins in food systems, Grain & Oil Science and Technology, 2025.
5) Piumika Yapa, Sisitha Rajapaksha, Imalka Munaweera, The integration of nanotechnology,
nanomedicine, and artificial intelligence for advancements in healthcare: a Conceptual Review
Based on PRISMA Method and Future Research Directions, Next Research, 100330, 2025.
2024
6) PN Yapa, I Munaweera, C Sandaruwan, L Weerasinghe, MM Weerasekera, Metal doped silica
nanohybrids with extensive bacterial coverage for antibacterial applications exhibit synergistic
activity, Biomaterials Advances, 2024, 157, 213753.
7) Piumika Yapa, Imalka Munaweera, Manjula M Weerasekera, Laksiri Weerasinghe, Synergistic
antimicrobial nanofiber membranes based on metal incorporated silica nanoparticles as
advanced antimicrobial layers, RSC Adv, 2024, 14, 33919-33940.
8) Maheshika Sethunga, Katugampalage Don Prasanna Priyantha Gunathilake, Kamburawala
Kankanamge Don Somathilaka Ranaweera, Imalka Munaweera, Antimicrobial and antioxidative
electrospun cellulose acetate-essential oils nanofibrous membranes for active food packaging to
extend the shelf life of perishable fruits, Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies,
2024, 103802 (97).
9) P Yapa, I Munaweera, MM Weerasekera, L Weerasinghe, C Sandaruwan, Potential antifungal
applications of heterometallic silica nanohybrids: A synergistic activity, Biomaterials Advances,
2024 162, 213930.
10) PN Yapa, I Munaweera, MM Weerasekera, L Weerasinghe, Nanoarchitectonics for synergistic
activity of multimetallic nanohybrids as a possible approach for antimicrobial resistance (AMR),
Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, 2024, 1-22.
11) Piyumi Kodithuwakku, Dilushan Jayasundara, Imalka Munaweera, Randika Jayasinghe,
Tharanga Thoradeniya, Achala Bogahawatta, KR Jaliya Manuda, Manjula Weerasekera, Nilwala
Kottegoda, Ilmenite-Grafted Graphene Oxide as an Antimicrobial Coating for Fruit Peels, ACS
Omega 2024, 9, 24, 26568–26581.
12) Ineesha Piumali Madhushika, Piumika Yapa, Imalka Munaweera, Chanaka Sandaruwan, MM
Weerasekera, The antimicrobial synergy of polymer based nanofiber mats reinforced with
antioxidants intercalated layered double hydroxides as a potential active packaging
material, Nano Express, 2024, 5 025018.
13) Kithmini Ranathunga, Piumika Yapa, Imalka Munaweera, MM Weerasekera, Chanaka
Sandaruwan, Preparation and characterization of Fe–ZnO cellulose-based nanofiber mats with
self-sterilizing photocatalytic activity to enhance antibacterial applications under visible light, RSC
Adv., 2024, 14, 18536-18552
14) Sehan Jayasinghe, Imalka Munaweera, Chandani Perera, Dumindu P Siriwardena, Nilwala
Kottegoda, Low-Carbon-Footprint Plasma-Functionalized Coconut-Coir-Based Porous Carbon as
an Efficient and Sustainable Adsorbent, ChemistrySelect, 2024, 9(13), e202305164.
15) Aseni S Pathiraja, Senuri Kumarage, Imalka Munaweera, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Amino Silica
Nanohybrid Membranes for Enhanced Removal of Cu (II) Ion in Aqueous Solutions, Water, Air, &
Soil Pollution, 2024, 235(4), 1-17.
16) Sachini D Deshapriya, Imalka Munaweera, Visible-Light-Active Electrospun Membranes Based
on Cobalt-Doped ZnO Nanohybrids: Applications for Food Packaging, ChemistrySelect, 2024,
9(9), e202303830.
17) Aseni Sahasri Pathiraja, Imalka Munaweera, Innovative nanotechnology-based sustainable food
packaging: A brief review, JSFA Reports, 2024, 4(1), 19-32.
18) S.M.M.C. Sethunga, K.K.D.S. Ranaweera, I. Munaweera and K.D.P.P. Gunathilake, In-Vitro
Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils and Oleoresins of Cinnamon, Clove bud, Ginger and their
synergistic interactions, Ceylon Journal of Science, 2024, 53 (1), 5-13.
2023
19) Senuri Kumarage, Imalka Munaweera, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Laksiri Weerasinghe, Nilwala
Kottegoda, Electrospun amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles–cellulose acetate nanofiber
membranes for effective removal of hardness and heavy metals (As(V), Cd(II),Pb(II)) in drinking water
sources, Environ. Sci.: Water Res. Technol., 2023,9, 2664-2679.
20) C Madhusha, T Jayasundara, I Munaweera, C Perera, G Wijesinghe, M Weerasekera, C
Sandaruwan, A Meiyazhagan, FC Robles Hernandez, PM Ajayan, N Kottegoda, Synthesis and
structural characterization of copper nanoparticles doped activated carbon derived from coconut
coir for drinking water purification, Materials Today Chemistry, 2023, 27, 101312.
21) Manesha Fernando, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Preparation and
Characterization of a Plant-Nutrient-Loaded Cellulose Acetate Nanofiber Mat as a Potential
Slow-Release Fertilizer, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. (ACS), 2023, 62, 51, 22149–22154.
22) Maheshika Sethunga, M.M.K.D. Ranasinghe, K.K.D.S. Ranaweera, Imalka Munaweera, K.D.P.P.
Gunathilake, Synergistic antimicrobial activity of essential oils and oleoresins of cinnamon
(Cinnamomum zeylanicum), clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale),
Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology, 2023, 51, 102800.
23) Maheshika Sethunga, Kamburawala Kankanamge Don Somathilaka Ranaweera, Imalka
Munaweera, Katugampalage Don Prasanna Priyantha Gunathilake, Optimization of enzyme-
assisted extraction of essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Syzygium aromaticum,
and Zingiber officinale, by response surface methodology, JSFA Reports, 2023, 3(19), 19-29.
24) Chamalki Madhusha, Kavindya Weerasinghe, Imalka Munaweera, Chandani Perera, Gayan
Wijesinghe, Manjula Weerasekera, Yugantha Idangodage, CS Kalpage, Nilwala Kottegoda,
Phosphate functionalized activated carbon sachet filters for drinking water purification, Environmental
Science: Water Research & Technology, 2023, 9, 193-210.
25) Kasun L Seneviratne, Imalka Munaweera, Sriyani E Peiris, Piyumi Kodithuwakku, Colin N Peiris,
Nilwala Kottegoda, Visible Light Active Silver Decorated Iron Titanate/Titanium Dioxide
Nanohybrid for Sterilization of Explants Grown by In Vitro Technique, Advanced Materials
Technologies, 2023, 2201292.
26) Manesha Fernando, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Potential Applications of
Electrospun Nanofibers in Agriculture, Current Scientia,1-23, 2023.
27) Sayani Nimanka, Nimshi Fernando, Madhavi de Silva, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda,
Climate Smart Agriculture: The Role of Fertilizer Innovations and Efficient Plant Nutrient
Management, Current Scientia, 73-99, 2023.
28) Aseni Sahasri Pathiraja, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Surface Functionalized
Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Enhanced Removal of Heavy Metals: A Review, Current
Scientia, 24-44, 2023.
29) Peiris, S. E., Seneviratne, K. L., Shashikala, R. P. A., Peiris, Colin N., Imalka, M. & Piumika, Y. P.
In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Copper and Sulfur Nanoparticles for Controlling
Bacterial Blight Caused by Xanthomonas sp. in Anthurium andraeanum Lind, SLIIT J Hum & Sci.,
46-55, 2023.
2022
30) Piyumi Kodithuwakku, Dilushan Jayasundara, Imalka Munaweera, Randika Jayasinghe,
Tharanga Thoradeniya, Manjula Weerasekera, Pulickel M Ajayan, Nilwala Kottegoda, A review
on recent developments in structural modification of TiO 2 for food packaging applications,
Progress in Solid State Chemistry, 2022, 67, 100369.
31) Maheshi Sethunga, KKDS Ranaweera, KDPP Gunathilake, Imalka Munaweera, Recent
advances in the extraction methods of essential oils and oleoresins from plant materials and its
potential applications: A comprehensive review, Journal of Food and Bioprocess Engineering,
2022, 5(2), 151-167.
32) Prasad Disanayake, Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, Gayan Wijesinghe, Manjula
Weerasekera, Samitha Deraniyagala, Nilwala Kottegoda, Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of
Cobalt-Doped Rutile/Ilmenite Derived from Natural Sands as Visible-Light-Active Photocatalytic
and Antimicrobial Agents, 2022, ChemistrySelect, 7(33), e202202598.
33) Chamalki Madhusha, Madhavi De Silva, Imalka Munaweera, Chandani Perera, Nilwala
Kottegoda, The Quest for Sustainable Catalysis through Transition Metal Doped Carbonbased
Single-Atom Catalysts, 2022, Iranian Journal of Catalysis, 12(3), 261-282.
34) Sehan Jayasinghe, Pasan Siriwardena, Imalka Munaweera, Chandani Perera, Nilwala
Kottegoda, Sustainable Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Activated Carbon using Plasma
Technology, Chempluschem, 2022, 87(10), e202200202.
35) Senuri Kumarage, Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Application of
Metal/Metal Oxide Doped Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes in Sustainable Catalysis, Current
Scientia, 2022, 25(01), 26-42.
36) Senuri Kumarage, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, A comprehensive review on
electrospun nanohybrid membranes for wastewater treatment, Beilstein Journal of
Nanotechnology, 2022, 137-159.
37) Thilini Amarasinghe, Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Review on
Mechanisms of Phosphate Solubilization in Rock Phosphate Fertilizer, Communications in Soil
Science and Plant Analysis, 2022, 944-960.
38) Senuri Kumarage, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Contemporary, Multidisciplinary Roles
of Mesoporous Silica Nanohybrids/Nanocomposites, ChemistrySelect, 2022, e202200574.
2021
39) Kasun L Seneviratne, Imalka Munaweera, Sriyani E Peiris, Colin N Peiris, Nilwala Kottegoda,
Recent Progress in Visible-Light Active (VLA) TiO 2 Nano-Structures for Enhanced Photocatalytic
Activity (PCA) and Antibacterial Properties: A Review, Iranian Journal of Catalysis, 2021, 11, 217-
245.
40) Chamalki Madhusha, Kumudu Rajapaksha, Imalka Munaweera, Madhavi de Silva, Chandani
Perera, Gayan Wijesinghe, Manjula Weerasekera, Dinesh Attygalle, Chanaka Sandaruwan,
Nilwala Kottegoda, A Novel Green Approach to Synthesize Curcuminoid-Layered Double
Hydroxide Nanohybrids: Adroit Biomaterials for Future Antimicrobial Applications, ACS omega,
2021, 6, 9600-9608.
41) Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Functional nanomaterials as smart
food packaging: A Brief, African Journal of Agriculture and Food Science, 2021, 3, 58-78.
2020
42) Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, Veranja Karunaratne, Nilwala Kottegoda, A Facile
Mechanochemical Approach to Synthesizing Edible Food Preservation Coatings Based On
Alginate/Ascorbic Acid-Layered Double Hydroxide Bio-Nanohybrids, Journal of Agricultural and
Food Chemistry, 2020, 68, 8962–8975.
2018
43) Chenchen Bing, Yu Hong, Christopher Hernandez, Megan Rich, Bingbing Cheng, Imalka
Munaweera, Debra Szczepanski, Yin Xi, Mark Bolding, Agata Exner, Rajiv Chopra,
Characterization of different bubble formulations for blood-brain barrier opening using a focused
ultrasound system with acoustic feedback control, Nature Scientific Reports, 2018, 8, 7986.
44) Imalka Munaweera, Sumbul Shaikh, Danny Maples, Ashish Ranjan, David Greenberg, Rajiv
Chopra, Temperature-Sensitive Liposomal Ciprofloxacin for the Treatment of Biofilm on Infected
Metal Implants using Alternating Magnetic Fields, International Journal of Hyperthermia, 2018,
34, 189-200. (Special issue – Thermal Therapy and Infectious diseases.
2017
45) Rajiv Chopra, Sumbul Shaikh, Yonatan Chatzinoff, Imalka Munaweera, Bingbing Cheng, Seth M.
Daly, Yin Xi, James J. Howard, Joris Nofiele, Chenchen Bing, Dennis Burns, David E Greenberg,
Employing high-frequency alternating magnetic fields for the non-invasive treatment of prosthetic
joint infections, Nature Scientific Reports, 2017, 7, 7520.
46) Nadeesh Madusanka, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Nilwala Kottegodaa, Dinaratne Sirisena, Imalka
Munaweera, Ajith De Alwis, Veranja Karunaratne, Gehan A.J. Amaratung, Urea–hydroxyapatite-
montmorillonite nanohybrid composites as slow release nitrogen compositions, Applied Clay
Science, 2017, 150, 303–308.
2016
47) Rohit S Mulik, Chenchen Bing, Michelle Ladouceur-Wodzak, Imalka Munaweera, Rajiv Chopra,
Ian R Corbin, Localized delivery of low-density lipoprotein docosahexaenoic acid nanoparticles to
the rat brain using focused ultrasound, Biomaterials, 2016, 83, 257-268.
48) Imalka Munaweera, Michael Trinh, Jessica Hong, and Kenneth J. Balkus Jr. Chemically
Powered Nanomotor as a Delivery Vehicle for Biologically Relevant Payloads, Journal of
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2016, 16, 9063-9071.
49) Bhuvaneswari Koneru, Yi Shi, Imalka Munaweera, Mary Wight-Carter, Humam Kadara, Hong
Yuan, Anthony J Di Pasqua, Kenneth J Balkus Jr. Radiotherapeutic bandage for the treatment of
squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, Nuclear medicine and biology, 2016, 43, 333-338.
2015-2011
50) Imalka Munaweera, Shi Yi, Bhuvaneswari Koneru, Ruben Saez, Ali Aliev, Anthony J. Di Pasqua,
Kenneth J. Balkus Jr. Chemoradiotherapeutic magnetic nanoparticles for targeted treatment of
non-small cell lung cancer, Mol. Pharmaceutics, 2015, 12, 3588–3596.
51) Imalka Munaweera, Yi Shi, Bhuvaneswari Koneru, Amit Patel, Mai H. Dang, Anthony J. Di
Pasqua, Kenneth J. Balkus Jr. Nitric oxide and cisplatin releasing wrinkle amine mesoporous
silica nanoparticles for treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma, Journal of Inorganic
Biochemistry, 2015, 153, 23-31.
52) Imalka Munaweera, Ali Aliev, Kenneth J. Balkus, Jr. Electrospun cellulose acetate-garnet
nanocomposite magnetic fibers for bioseparations, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2014, 6,
244–251.
53) Imalka Munaweera, Bhuvaneswari Koneru, Yi Shi, Anthony J. Di Pasqua, Kenneth J. Balkus Jr.
Chemoradiotherapeutic wrinkled mesoporous silica nanoparticles for use in cancer therapy, APL
Materials, 2014, 2, 113315 (Invited paper).
54) Imalka Munaweera, Daniel Levesque-Bishop, Shi Yi, Anthony J. Di Pasqua, Kenneth J. Balkus
Jr. Radiotherapeutic bandage based on electrospun polyacrylonitrile containing holmium-166 iron
garnet nanoparticles for the treatment of skin cancer. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2014,
6, 22250–22256.
55) Imalka Munaweera, Jessica Hong, Alicia D'Souza, Kenneth J. Balkus Jr. Novel wrinkled periodic
mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles for hydrophobic anticancer drug delivery. Journal of
Porous Materials, 2014, 22, 1-10.
56) G P Gunaratne, Nilwala Kottegoda, Nadeesh Madusanka, Imalka Munaweera, Chanaka
Sandaruwan, W M G I Priyadarshana, Asitha Siriwardhana, B A D Madhushanka, U A
Rathnayake, Veranja Karunaratne, Two new plant nutrient nanocomposites based on urea coated
hydroxyapatite: Efficacy and plant uptake, Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 86, 494–9.
57) Nilwala Kottegoda, Imalka Munaweera, Nadeesh Madusanka, Dinaratne Sirisena, Nimal
Dissanayaka, Gihan A.J. Amaratunga and Veranja Karunaratne, The advent of nanotechnology in
smart fertilizer, World Agriculture, 2012, 3, 27-31.
58) Nilwala Kottegoda, Imalka Munaweera, Nadeesh Madusanka and Veranja Karunaratne, A green
slow release fertilizer composition based on urea modified hydroxyapatite nanoparticles
encapsulated wood, Current Science, 2011,101, 73-78.
PATENTS – International
1) Iron garnet nanoparticles for cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Anthony J. Di Pasqua,
Kenneth J. Balkus Jr., Imalka Munaweera, Yi Shi, United States Patent US9808543, Nov. 7,
2017. (Granted & Licensed).
2) Iron garnet nanoparticles for cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Anthony J. Di Pasqua,
Kenneth J. Balkus Jr., Imalka Munaweera, Yi Shi, United States Patent and US10195297, Feb.
5, 2019. (Granted & Licensed).
3) Compositions for sustained release of agricultural macronutrients and process thereof, Nilwala
Kottegoda, Imalka Munaweera, Nadeesh Madusanka and Veranja Karunaratne, United States
Patent Publication: US8361185 B2, Jan. 29, 2013. (Granted & Commercialized)
4) A cellulose based sustained release macronutrient composition for fertilizer application, Nilwala
Kottegoda, Imalka Munaweera, Nadeesh Madusanka, Sunanda Gunasekara, Lilantha
Samaranayake, Ajith De Alwis and Veranja Karunaratne, United States Patent Publication:
US8617284 B2, Dec. 13, 2013. (Granted & Commercialized).
5) A method of making silver-iron titanate nanoparticles and uses thereof, Kasun Laknath
Seneviratne, Imalka Munaweera, Sriyani Edussuriya Peiris, Colin Nisantha Peiris, Nilwala
Kottegoda, US20240051842A1, Feb.15, 2024.
6) Nilwala Kottegoda, Imalka Munaweera, Nadeesh Madusanka, Ajith De Alwis, Sunanda
Gunasekara, Veranja Karunaratne, A Cellulose Based Sustained Release Macronutrient
Composition for Fertilizer Application, MX336854B, 2016-01-05 (Mexico patent).
7) Nilwala Kottegoda, Imalka Munaweera, Nadeesh Madusanka, Ajith De Alwis, Sunanda
Gunasekara, Veranja Karunaratne, A Cellulose Based Sustained Release Macronutrient
Composition for Fertilizer Application, AP3633A, 2016-03-08 (ARIPO patent).
8) Nilwala Kottegoda, Imalka Munaweera, Nadeesh Madusanka, Ajith De Alwis, Sunanda
Gunasekara, Veranja Karunaratne, A Cellulose Based Sustained Release Macronutrient
Composition for Fertilizer Application, ZA201209065B, 2014-06-25 (South Africa patent).
9) Elastomeric polymer/spinel nanoparticles composites to introduce special properties to dipped
articles, W.S.Fernando, L.P.Nethsinghe, N.S.Kottegoda and M.T.I.S.Munaweera,
PCT/IB2009/051158, WO/2010/046789, April. 29, 2010.
10) Method of making a nano-fertilizer composition for sustained release of macronutrients, K.T.H.
Piumi Ayesha Lakmini Peiris, Manikkuwadu Thilini Uthpala Amarasinghe, M.T. Imalka Shanika
Munaweera, Nanayakkara Liyanage Veranja Vipul Karunaratne, Nilwala Svetlana Kottegoda,
PCT/IB2022/051529, WO/2022/180504, Sep.01, 2022.
11) A method of making silver-iron titanate nanoparticles and uses thereof, Kasun Laknath
Seneviratne, Imalka Munaweera, Sriyani Edussuriya Peiris, Colin Nisantha Peiris, Nilwala
Kottegoda, PCT/IB2021/053178, WO/2022/219380, Oct.10, 2022.
12) Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, A.D.L. Chandani Perea, Kavindya
Weerasinghe,Sehan Jayasinghe, Idangodage Yugantha Chathuranga Perera, Tissa Dodangoda,
C.S. Kalpage, Nilwala Kottegoda, A process for manufacturing functionalized activated
nanoporous carbon and use thereof, PCT/IB2022/051863, WO2023166331A1, July.09, 2023.
PATENTS – Local
13) Dipped gloves based on elastomeric nanocomposites, W.S.Fernando, L.P.Nethsinghe,
N.S.Kottegoda and M.T.I.S.Munaweera, Sri Lankan Patent Application No: 15164, 2011.
14) Thilini Uthpala Amarasinghe, Imalka Munaweera, Veranja Karunaratne, Nilwala Kottegoda, A
Composition and Method to Manufacture Nano-Rock Phosphate and Urea Modified Nano-Rock
Phosphate for fertilizer applications, Sri Lanka patent application No: 21626, 2021.
15) Piyumi Kanchana, Imalka Munaweera, Dilushan Jayasundara, Randika Jayasinghe, Tharanga
Thoradeniya, Nilwala Kottegoda, Modified ilmenite nanohybrid materials for food packaging
applications and a mechanochemical method of preparation thereof, Sri Lanka patent application
No: 21845, 2023.
16) Namal Arachchilage Kasun Laknath Seneviratne, Imalka Munaweera, Sriyani Edussuriya Peiris,
Colin Nisantha Peiris, Nilwala Kottegoda, A method of making silver-iron titanate nanoparticles
and uses thereof, Sri Lanka patent application No: 22180, 2023.
17) Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, A.D.L. Chandani Perea, Kavindya Weerasinghe,Sehan
Jayasinghe, Idangodage Yugantha Chathuranga Perera, Tissa Dodangoda, C.S. Kalpage,
Nilwala Kottegoda, A process for manufacturing functionalized activated nanoporous carbon and
use thereof, Sri Lanka patent application No: 22195, 2022. (Status – Patent filed)
18) Chamalki Madhusha, Imalka Munaweera, Chandani Perera, Gayan Wijesinghe, Manjula
Weerasekera, Nilwala Kottegoda, Electrospun activated carbon nanofibrous membrane as an
efficient and multi-purpose smart nanomaterial for drinking water purification, Sri Lanka patent
application No: 22287, 2022. (Status – Patent filed)
19) Senuri Hansika Kumarage, Imalka Munaweera, Chanaka Sandaruwan, Laksiri Weerasinghe,
Nilwala Svetlana Kottegoda, A portable filter with incorporated amine functionalized silica
nanoparticles in electrospun cellulose
acetate nanofibers for effective removal of hardness and heavy metals in drinking water sources,
Sri Lanka patent application No: 22661, 2023. (Status – Patent filed)
(19)Yapa Mudiyanselage Piumika Nisansala Yapa, Imalka Munaweera, Manjula Manoji
Weerasekara, Rankothge Laksiri Prasanna Weerasinghe, An anti-microbial functional layer and
the process of making thereof, Sri Lanka patent application No: 22761, 2023. (Status – Patent
filed)
(20)Sethunga Mudiyanselage Maheshika Chathuranganee Sethunga, Imalka Munaweera,
Kamburawala Kankanamge Don Somathilake Ranaweera, Katugampalage Don Prasanna
Priyantha Gunathilake, Active food packaging membrane for shelf-life enhancement and the
method of preparation, Sri Lanka patent application No: 22762, 2023. (Status – Patent filed)
*Patents 3 and 4 above have been extended to China, Mexico, Brazil, Australia, Canada, ARIPO,
European Union, India, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Africa, and Nigeria.
BOOKS
1) Characterization Techniques for Nanomaterials, CRC Press, 2023
Imalka Munaweera, M.L. Chamalki Madhusha
ISBN: 9781032406619 (hbk)
ISBN: 9781032406640 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781003354185 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003354185
2) Smart Nanomaterials, CRC Press, 2023
Imalka Munaweera, M.L. Chamalki Madhusha
ISBN: 9781032416175 (hbk)
ISBN: 9781032432243 (pbk)
ISBN: 9781003366270 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003366270
3) Principles and Applications of Nanotherapeutics, CRC Press, 2024
Imalka Munaweera, Piyumika Yapa
ISBN: 978-1-032-53875-4 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-032-58034-0 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-003-44220-2 (ebk)
DOI: 10.1201/9781003442202
4) Nanotechnology in Drug Discovery, Bentham Books, 2024
Laksiri Weerasinghe, Imalka Munaweera, Senuri Kumarage
ISBN: 978-981-5238-82-2 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-5238-81-5 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2024
DOI:10.2174/97898152388151240101
BOOK CHAPTERS
1) Susanthi Jayasinghe, Imalka Munaweera, Disni Dedunupitiya, Chamalki Madhusha, Nilwala
Kottegoda and Veranja Karunaratne, Recent Patents and Commercially Available
Nanotherapeutics on Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Nanotherapeutics for the Treatment of
Hepatocellular Carcinoma, 2022, 449-490, Book: Nanotherapeutics for the Treatment of
Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Bentham Science Publisher. ISBN: 978-981-5039-76-4.
2) Imalka Munaweera, Susanthi Jayasinghe, Dimanthi Uduwela, Chamalki Madhusha, D. Nedra
Karunaratnea, Veranja Karunaratnea, Nanotheranostics and Cancer Prognosis, Diagnosis and
Therapy,
Book: Novel Molecular Oncotargets and Nano-Oncotherapeutics, 2023, 285-350, Cambridge
Scholars Publishing. ISBN (13): 978-1-5275-0713-5.
3) Senuri Kumarage, Laksiri Weerasinghe, Imalka Munaweera, Advanced mass spectrometry for
organic
contaminants detection, Book: Applications of Modern Mass Spectrometry, 2023, Vol. 2, 1-54,
Bentham Science Publisher. ISBN: 978-981-5050-07-3.
4) Wathsala Dissanayake, Madhavi de Silva, Imalka Munaweera, Veranja Karunaratne, Nilwala
Kottegoda, Nanotechnology-based urea delivery systems as climate-smart fertilizers: Current
status and beyond, Book: Nanofertilizer Delivery, Effects and Application Methods. 2024, 483-
496, Elsevier Publisher. ISBN: 9780443133329.
5) Senuri Kumarage, Imalka Munaweera, Graphene-Based Hybrid Photocatalysts for
Environmental Remediation, 2024, Vol. 2, 1-54, Springer Publisher. ISBN: 978-3-031-68464-7.
NEWS PAPER ARTICLE
Imalka Munaweera, Chamalki Madhusha, Insights of nanotechnology in Covid-19: Therapy, detection,
and prevention, The Morning, Friday, July 9, 2021, Page 5-6.
Awards:
- Award for Translational Pilot Grant Program 2017-2018, UT Southwestern Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), USA, 2017.
- Society for Thermal Medicine New Investigator Travel Award (Jayne Koskinas Ted Giovanis Foundation), USA, 2017
- Research Day Award: Best Basic Science Poster Presentation, 2016
Radiology department, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, USA
- Natural sciences and mathematics scholarship, 2011-2015
School of natural science and mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, USA
- 1st Place – American Chemical Society meeting in miniature graduate student competition, USA, 2015
- Finalist – The Fiber society’s graduate student paper competition- USA, 2014
- Betty and Gifford Johnson graduate scholarship, 2013
School of natural science and mathematics, University of Texas at Dallas, USA
- National science & technology award, Sri Lanka, 2010
Category – Innovative advanced technologies with commercial potential
(Awarded by the president of democratic socialist republic of Sri Lanka)
Affiliations:
- Member American Chemical Society
- Member Royal Society of Chemistry
- Member Golden Key International Honour Society
Contact information:
Web : http://scholar.sjp.ac.lk/Imalka, https://www.linkedin.com/in/imalkamunaweera
Email: imalka@sjp.ac.lk