Doctor of Philosophy
P. Neville R. J. Amunugoda
Industrial Technology Institute, Malabe, Sri Lanka
Title: Nano Carriers and functional food product development boosting immunity
Functional foods with appropriate nutrients are capable in stimulating immune system and long-term persistence by activating the innate and adaptive immunity. The human body has antigen-specific responses in lymphocytes which are massively stimulate via adequate macro- and micro-nutrient supplements. Excessive intake of several bioactive compounds through nutraceuticals or concentrated capsules can be associated with impaired immune responses. the mode of action of nano-carriers enriched food formulations in direct targeting susceptible load and secondary infections, and its influence in stimulating natural human immune system can be address by ( a)Factors affecting in developing specific site targeting nano-carriers, and encapsulation of bioactive compounds in dose-dependent b) Stability of nano-carriers in formulated foods and inside the human body before identifying the viral loading sites and/or immune cells (c) Mode of action in suppressing the viral activity via direct releasing and/or immune receptor binding. To increase the stability and target identification, nanoparticles are functionalized by conjugating with targeting ligands, which have an inherent ability in selective binding to cell types or regions. Controlled doses of bioactive compounds are encapsulated to this functionalized nano-carriers in order to release upon internalization through intracellular physiological properties, such as pH, redox reactions, and protease/lipase digestion. Even though there are limited evidences, the released bioactive compounds may attack the viral colonies itself in lethal dosages and/or inactivate the viral replicating mechanisms in order to control the pathogenicity. Moreover, this targeting mechanism is also used to activate the immune cells during a pathogenic infection by direct targeting the T-cells, monocytes and cytotoxic lymphocytes in order to overexpress or suppress the immune related protein production. Human body has a natural immune activation mechanism and the external supplement of bioactive compounds in desired doses via nano- carriers enriched food formulations have a diverse effect on stimulating the immune system and double the strength of immune action. Major targeting sites for the designed nano-carrier are lungs, heart, blood vessels, intestines, brain, and kidneys where the higher load of infections have concentrated. However, after the supplement of nano-carriers’ clinical studies are recommended to check the function of organs. Nano-carriers and nano-biosensors can improve natural functional foods aimed at supporting health during and after infections. Traditional sterilization and supplements have limitations in eliminating pathogens and delivering active compounds effectively. Nanotechnology offers solutions by enabling rapid pathogen detection and inactivation during food processing, protecting herbal bioactive through nano-encapsulation, and ensuring targeted delivery in the body with controlled release. Surface modification of nanoparticles can improve stability and cellular transport. Although generally low in toxicity, nanomaterials require proper safety evaluations. Overall, functional foods enhanced with nanotechnology may provide greater health benefits if clinically validated.
Biography of the presenting author
Neville Amunugoda received B.Sc. Sp. Degree in Agriculture Science from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka in 1993 and the Ph.D. degree in food drying and post-harvest engineering from the Faculty of Engineering Technology, Open University of Sri Lanka in 2011.During 1994-1195 Amunugoda worked short period at the Post Harvest Technology Group of ITI under Cold Chain MARD Project for postharvest managements of perishable crops. From 1994 to 2001 he was an Agriculture Project Manager in two Private Companies in Sri Lanka related to local in farm and out grower producing of perishables for domestic and overseas market. He re-joined to Industrial Technology Institute, (ITI) Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2001. Since re-joining the ITI, Amunugoda has been involved with research & Development works related to Post Harvest and food processing technology including food process engineering, food value chain development, business incubation, food safety and security,
He currently working as Director/ Principal Research Scientist, Food Technology Section and Management Committee Member, Industrial Technology Institute. His research interest includes developing surface processing and surface modification techniques and product development using cold plasma and nano- technology including food and pahrmaceutical Biotechnology. From 2012 he has initiated Bamboo and Rattan Research Arm and expanding his research horizon to Material, Herbal and Modern Forest Product Development Technology and Environmental Research for integrated research output
Presenting author details
Full name: Dr. Pathirajage Neville Rohitha Jayashantha Amunugoda
Contact number: +94718475734
Email: neville@iti.lk
Website: www.iti.lk
Session name/ number: Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology or Food Biotechnology
Category: (Oral presentation)