Holothuria atra: An Underutilized Marine Resource for Nutritional and Collagen Benefits

Nishani Jayanika Jayathilake, Nipuna Deelaka Wimalagunarathna, Isuru Wijesekara , Varuni Karunika Gunathilake

Published in Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Bioresource Technology

The results showed that body wall tissues of H.atra contained high moisture level (83.2%), proteins (10.2%) and low levels of fat (2.0%) and carbohydrates (2.1%). Further, flesh contains, 0.4% saturated fatty acids, 0.4% unsaturated fatty acids, considerable amount of Calcium, Magnesium and Sodium. Collagen yield from the body wall was recorded as 0.95% and fibrils observed as irregular and dense with a loose and porous structure. Attenuate Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Ultra Violet Vis spectroscopy indicated the collagen was Type I.

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Chemical composition and biological efficacy of Acorus calamus (L.) rhizome essential oil on Sitophilus oryzae (L.), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) as stored-grain protectants

S.S. Wijerathna, A.G.W.U. Perera, S.D.M. Chinthaka

Published in Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology

Highlights of the research

  • Acorus calamus essential oil was toxic to S. oryzae, R. dominica, O. surinamensis.
  • α-Asarone enriched oil produced significant repellency on test insects in an hour.
  • Botanical was a potent feeding deterrent against S. oryzae, and R. dominica in 72 h.
  • The essential oil induced phagostimulant activity against O. surinamensis adults.
  • A. calamus oil caused severe ultrastructural impacts on insects’ cuticular surfaces.
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