RISE 2025, organized by the Research and Innovation Circle of the Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, was successfully held on August 1st, 2025, at the GMB Unit.
Held under the inspiring theme “Beyond Boundaries”, the event highlighted groundbreaking undergraduate research, innovative projects, and creative solutions developed by the student of Faculty of Applied Sciences. It served as a vibrant platform for fostering collaboration between academia and industry, where bold ideas transcended traditional limits and transformed into real-world applications.
The opening ceremony was graced by the Vive Chancellor, Senior Prof. Pathmalal M. Manage, Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Upul Subasinghe, and former Vice Chancellor, Senior Prof. Sudantha Liyanage. Both academics and private sector participants highly valued the effort of Dr. Kasun Thambugala the event Coordinator, Dr. Pamoda Jayatunga, the GMB Unit Coordinator and the GMB team for their hard work in orgnising this event within a short time.
Innovations and Research Findings from the Research and Innovation Circle, Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit for RISE’25
Eco-Friendly Soap Production from Fungal and Marine Bioresources
This innovative project explores sustainable soap production using bioactive compounds extracted from medicinal mushrooms and marine algae. The formulation shows natural antimicrobial properties, offering an eco-conscious alternative to conventional soaps.
Cost-Effective Medium Development for Fungal Growth: An Alternative to PDA
This project presents a sustainable and affordable alternative to Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) by formulating a fungal growth medium using agar extracted from red seaweed found along Sri Lanka’s coastal waters. The medium supports vigorous fungal growth while significantly cutting laboratory costs using locally sourced ingredients.
Nutritious Pet Food from Fish Waste
This project introduces an affordable and eco-friendly pet food made from processed fish waste. Rich in proteins and essential nutrients, it provides a sustainable alternative to commercial pet feeds while minimizing environmental impact and production costs.
Low-Cost Gel Electrophoresis Unit
This project features a budget-friendly, gel electrophoresis system designed for molecular biology related experiments. Built using readily available materials, it offers an accessible alternative for schools and research labs, enabling DNA analysis at a fraction of the commercial cost.
Low-Cost Water Distillation Unit
This innovative setup provides a simple and affordable method for purifying water using basic materials and minimal energy. Designed for use in resource-limited settings, the unit offers an effective solution for producing clean, distilled water for laboratory use.
A New Era of Clean Air, Inspired by Nature: An Eco-Friendly Air Biofilter
In collaboration with the Department of Biosystems Technology, Faculty of Technology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, this project develops a sustainable air purification system using natural biofiltration. By harnessing living microorganisms and plant-based materials, the biofilter effectively removes airborne pollutants, providing an innovative, green solution for cleaner indoor and outdoor air.
Maize Leaf Disease Detection via Mobile App Using AI
In collaboration with the Department of ICT, Faculty of Technology, this project introduces a mobile application that detects maize leaf diseases using a convolutional neural network based on the pre-trained VGG16 architecture. The app enables rapid, on-site disease identification, empowering farmers with accessible, AI-driven crop diagnostics.
Sustainable Cultivation of Lentinus squarrosulus on Diaper Waste
This pioneering research, a collaboration between the University of Kelaniya and the Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit, explores the first-ever cultivation of Lentinus squarrosulus in Sri Lanka. Grown on processed diaper waste, this innovative method not only supports circular bioeconomy practices but also introduces a novel, market-absent edible mushroom with promising nutritional and medicinal potential.
Innovations and Research Findings from the Other Departments for RISE’25
- 2D Pressure Sensor Array Based on Natural Rubber/Carbon-Filler Nanocomposite: A Prototype Study.
- Development of a Healthy Avocado (Persea Americana) Based Spread.
- Development of a Value-Added Beverage Series Using Avocado (Persea Americana): A Comparative Study.
- Development of Banana Flour Incorporated Muffin.
- Effect of Canistel Fruit Powder on Physiochemical Properties of Turkish Delight, A Flour-Based Confectionary.
- Development of an Easy-Care Cotton Fabric Based on Chitosan with Enhanced Antibacterial, Crease Recovery, And Water Repellent Properties.
- Development of a Robust, Non-Fluoro and Eco-Friendly Superhydrophobic Paint Formulation.
- Development of a Biodegradable Packaging with Antimicrobial Properties from Bacterial Cellulose (SCOBY) Matrix by Incorporating Myristica Fragrans Essential Oil.
- Development of Slow-Release Transdermal Drug Loaded Rubber Sheets.
- Alginate–Cinnamon Oil Coatings for Textiles: A Sustainable Approach to Antimicrobial Protection.
- Enhancement of Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Latex Sheets by Incorporating Allyl-Modified Microcrystalline Cellulose (AMCC).
- Development of Rich Fiber Biscuit.
- Development of A Biodegradable Hydrogel Using Aloe Vera Gel and Coconut Husk Fibers for Agricultural Applications.