Department of Biochemisrty & Molecular Biology – Research

Research

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo comprises an exciting community of talented researchers and academics. Academics and research students of the department conduct research in a welcoming scientific setting based on intra- and inter-departmental collaborations. Our staff members have published research findings in reputed journals and some have received patents for their inventions. The department has the necessary facilities to conduct research related to the basics of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Nutritional Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Genetics. Our well-experienced technical staff also provides dedicated support to ongoing research activities in the department.

Areas of department research include:

    • Natural products-based anti-cancer drug discovery and production and commercialization of natural remedies for cancer
    • Isolation and characterization of bacterial proteins using native bacteria for cancer treatment
    • Development and validation of tools in the assessment of dietary intake and novel biochemical risk markers and genetic polymorphisms in CVD.
    • Assessment of body composition and energy expenditure using stable isotopes
    • Development of PCR-based techniques for the identification of plant fungal pathogens
    • Identification of histone deacetylation and DNA methylation inhibitors
    • Inborn errors of metabolism
    • Lipidomics
    • Nanotechnology-based drug discovery approaches
    • Investigation of microbial biofilms in biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons and in infectious diseases

Publications

Publications in refereed indexed journals (2024 – 2025)

  1. Wickramasinghe VP, Ariff S, Norris SA, Santos IS, Kuriyan R, Nyati LH, Varghese JS, Murphy-Alford AJ, Lucas N, Costa C, Ahuja KD, Lanerolle P (group author). Anthropometric prediction models of body composition in 3 to 24month old infants: a multicenter international study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2024 Nov;78(11):943-51.

 

  1. Lara-Castor L, Micha R, Cudhea F, Miller V, Shi P, Zhang J, Sharib JR, Erndt-Marino J, Cash SB, Barquera S, Mozaffarian D, Waidyatilaka I (Group author), Lanerolle P (group author). Intake of sugar sweetened beverages among children and adolescents in 185 countries between 1990 and 2018: population based study. BMJ. 2024 Aug 7;386.

 

  1. NNorris SA, Nyati LH, Murphy-Alford A, Lucas N, Santos IS, Costa CS, Kuriyan R, Wickranasinghe VP, Ariff S, Jayasinghe S, Kurpad AV, Lanerolle P (group author). Infant growth and body composition from birth to 24 months: are infants developing the same?. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2024 Nov;78(11):952-62.

 

  1. Ahles A, Muhammad A, Yenerall JN and GBD authors Lanerolle P (group author), Waidyatilaka I (group author) et al. How prices and income influence global patterns in saturated fat intake by age, sex and world region: a cross-sectional analysis of 160 countries. BMJ open. 2024 Jan 1;14(1):e074562.

 

  1. Kodithuwakku P, Jayasundara D, Munaweera I, Jayasinghe R, Thoradeniya T, Bogahawatta A, Manuda KJ, Weerasekera M, Kottegoda N. Ilmenite-Grafted Graphene Oxide as an Antimicrobial Coating for Fruit Peels. ACS omega. 2024 Jun 7;9(24):26568-81.

 

  1. Doluweera M, Kirihene KD, Indika NL, Sirisena CN, Jatunarachchi AH, Chandrasena U, Dharmadasa SG, Samaranayake A, Devendra VG, Edirisinghe VN, Sugandhika Suresh T. Students’ perceptions of online education: A session at the FAOBMB–IUBMB–CBSL virtual education symposium 2021. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. 2024 Mar;52(2):228-36.
  2. Rajapaksha W, Nicholas IH, Thoradeniya T, Karunaratne DN, Karunaratne V. Novel alginate nanoparticles for the simultaneous delivery of iron and folate: a potential nano-drug delivery system for anaemic patients. RSC Pharmaceutics. 2024;1(2):259-71.
  3. Dilanthi HW, Jayasena KL, Dhammika ND, Indika NL, De Silva MM, Kankananarachchi I, Punchihewa PM, Irugalbandara D, Schroeder S, Karunaratne K, Jasinge E. Genotypic Spectrum in a Cohort of Sri Lankan Patients With Homocystinuria. JIMD reports. 2025 Jan;66(1):e12470.
  4. Ediriweera MK, Cuong DM, Cho SK. Cow milk derived-fat inhibits the proliferation of liver cancer-cells. Applied Biological Chemistry. 2024 Jan 23;67(1):7.
  5. Ediriweera MK, Anandappa JM, Zhang B. The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory potential of fatty acid amides. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IJBB). 2024 Nov 28;62(1):17-24.
  6. Ediriweera MK, Sandamalika WG. The epigenetic impact of fatty acids as DNA methylation modulators. Drug Discovery Today. 2024 Dec 20:104277.
  7. Pragash V, Ediriweera MK. Combining the Folch method with a simplified alternative fat extraction technique for use in a colorimetric assay to measure the degree of unsaturation in fat samples in a biochemistry laboratory. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, 2025
  8. Warawita D, Thambyrajah J, Handunnetti S, Dissanayake D. Comparative analysis of stress hormones in long-term meditators and non-meditators. Ceylon Journal of Medical Science. 2024 Dec 10;61(1).
  9. Basnayake P, Gunatilake M, Goonasekera H, Muro A, Lokuhetty D, Ediriweera M, Thammitiyagodage M. Anti-anemic properties of Pterocarpus marsupium latex and its cytotoxic and embryotoxic effects. Indian Journal of Physiology and Allied Sciences. 2024 Mar 30;76(01):57-71.
  10. de Lanerolle Dias M. Breakfast, a must for Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. International Journal of Biochemistry and Physiology, 2024, 9(2), 1-4.
  11. Bajunaid R, Niu C, Hambly C, Liu Z, Yamada Y, Aleman-Mateo H, Anderson LJ, Arab L, Baddou I, Bandini L, Bedu-Addo K…….Lanerolle P….. John R Speakman. Predictive equation derived from 6,497 doubly labelled water measurements enables the detection of erroneous self-reported energy intake. Nature food. 2025 Jan 13:1-4.
  12. Dabare P, Wickramasinghe P, Waidyatilaka I, Devi S, de Lanerolle Dias M, Wickremasinghe R, Samaranayake D, Jayawardena R, Hills AP, Lanerolle P. Validation of physical activity recall questionnaire and log using doubly-labelled water in Sri Lankan children. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2025 Feb 18:1-7.
  13. Lara-Castor L, O’Hearn M, Cudhea F, Miller V, Shi P, Zhang J, Sharib JR, Cash SB, Barquera S, Micha R, Mozaffarian D, Waidyatilaka (Group author), Lanerolle P (group author). Burdens of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease attributable to sugar-sweetened beverages in 184 countries. Nature medicine. 2025 Jan 6:1-3.
  14. Thillany PV, Ediriweera MK, Kumar MP, Chandran T. Identification of potential therapeutic targets of fatty acids for inflammatory bowel diseases: An in silico approach. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 2025, In press
  15. Witharana C, Lanerolle Dias MD. Genes on your Plate: How Diet Alters Epigenetic Patterns. International Journal of Biochemistry & Physiology, 9(2), 2024
  16. Mututanthri SA, Thoradeniya T, Harris R. Quantitative relationship between free sugars intake and early childhood caries among preschoolers in Sri Lanka. Journal of Dentistry. 2025 Jan 1;152:105441.
  17. Karupaiah T, Rahman SM, Zhang J, Kumar N, Jamiyan B, Pokharel RK, Borazon EQ, Thoradeniya T, Tho NT, Mackay S, Kelly B. Extent and Nature of Television Food and Nonalcoholic Beverage Marketing in 9 Asian Countries: Cross-Sectional Study Using a Harmonized Approach. JMIR Pediatrics and Parenting. 2024 Dec 4;7:e63410.

Conference proceedings – published abstracts

  1. WMB Sewwandi, Lanerolle P, Waidyatilaka I, de Lanerolle Dias M. Contribution of selected risk factors to the burden of stroke in South East Asia Region. Colombo Medical Congress, 9th -13th December 2024 PP36

 

  1. Chandrasena, D.P.A.N.U., Bandara, S.A.C.J.D., Batawalage, B.H.A.I., Indunil, R.P.W., Fernando, M.D.M., Perceived Responsibilities, Level of Knowledge, and Factors Associated with Knowledge on Stoma Care among Nurses in a Tertiary Level Hospital in Sri Lanka. Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health -APACPH, South Korea (2024), Poster presentation (abstract number P-T05C-0213).

 

  1. SK Mahaliyana, MDM Fernando, SMT Jayasena. The antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of Aspergillus flavus MM1 cultured in soil extract medium and Potato Dextrose Agar medium. Business Management School (BMS) Second Research Symposium, 2024, Oral presentation, p28.

 

  1. VK Thantilage, MDM Fernando, SMT Jayasena. Effectiveness of growth medium towards antioxidant activity of water extract of Aspergillus Flavus MM1. Business Management School (BMS) Second Research Symposium, 2024, Oral presentation, p29.

 

  1. Basnayake BMPI, Gunatilake M, Goonasekera HW, Muro A, Lokuhetty D, Ediriweera MK, Thammitiyagodage MG. In vitro and In vivo Study of Assessing Cytotoxicity, Embryotoxicity, Anti-anaemic, and Other Hematopoietic Potentials in Latex of Pterocarpus marsupium Including its Bioactive Ingredients Mediating such Potentials – A proposal presentation. Proceedings of the 11th Annual Scientific Sessions and International Conference of the Sri Lanka Association for Laboratory Animal Science 2024, PP-07, p. 68.

 

  1. NIdharshana Premkumar, H. W. Dilanthi. In-vitro inhibition of heat-induced protein denaturation and hemolysis using a given A. flavus MM1 methanolic extract.-General Sir John Kotelawala defence university 17th international research conference 2024, oral presentation

 

  1. M.N.P. Kumari, K. Siridewa. Preliminary results of alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of six selected herbal teas used in Sri Lanka: Potential application in the management of hyperglycemia. Oral Presentation, Page 48, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024.

 

  1. M. Udukumbura, H.W. Dilanthi, M.D.M. Fernando. Evaluating the genotoxicity of betel (Piper betle) leaves on human buccal cells using the DNA comet assay Oral Presentation, p49, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024.

 

  1. V.S. Pabasara, M.D.M. Fernando, W.K.S.M. Abeysekera. Antioxidant activity and in vitro cytotoxicity of two edible mushrooms cultivated in Sri Lanka. Oral Presentation, p50, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024.

 

  1. S. Bahavan, M.D.M. Fernando. Evaluation of antioxidant activity in Tinospora cordifolia stem extract combined with Sri Lankan bee honey. Oral Presentation, Page 51, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024.

 

  1. V. Thillany, S.T. Thoradeniya, V.H.W. Dissanayake,C.A.A. Hewamadduma. Muscular dystrophy landscape in Sri Lanka: a systematic review of molecular diagnostics and socio-economic factors. Poster Presentations Page 94, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024

 

  1. Siridewa, A.J. Jeevathas, K.D.P.D Kahawita, K. Juvitran. Nutritional awareness, its association with dietary patterns, and barriers to a healthy dietary pattern among students in the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo. Poster Presentations Page 104, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024

 

  1. S.S. Thanthilage, M.K. Ediriweera. Comparison of saponification values in fats extracted from king coconut milk, buffalo milk, and walnut using the Folch method : implications for food science applications. Poster Presentations Page 106, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024

 

  1. M.B. Sewwandi, M. de Lanerolle Dias, I.Waidyatilaka, P. Lanerolle. Contribution of selected risk factors to the burden of stroke in the South-East Asia Region. Poster Presentations Page 107, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024

 

  1. Madhuhansani, R.A.R. Moulana, F.S. Mubarak, S.T. Thoradeniya, M. de Lanerolle Dias, R. Hewapathirana, K.D. Sandaruwan, B.H.R. Pushpananda, L.N.C. De Silva. A Regulatory Compliance Platform to monitor the impact of food advertisements. Poster Presentations Page 108, Colombo Medical Congress, 2024

 

  1. V. Thillany, S. Tharanga Thoradeniya, Channa Hewamadduma. Inherited disorders of muscle in patients of Sri Lankan heritage: A Systematic Literature Review highlights significant unmet needs, Online oral presentation at the Annual Spring meeting – Scientific sessions of Sri Lankan Medical and Dental Association in the UK, held in Birmingham, UK, in May 2024.

 

  1. Madhuhansani M, Moulana RAR, Mubarak FS, Thoradeniya ST, De Lanerolle Dias M, Hewapathirana R, Sandaruwan KD, Pushpananda BHR, De Silva LNC. A Regulatory Compliance Platform to monitor the impact of food advertisements. PP37, presented at the Colombo Medical Congress 2024.

 

 

 

Book Chapters

 

Dilanthi HW, Indika NL, Jasinge E. Homocystinuria-Megaloblastic Anemia: cblG and cblE Complementation Types. InGenetic Syndromes: A Comprehensive Reference Guide 2024 Jan 10 (pp. 1-5). Cham: Springer International Publishing.

 

Books as editors

Ediriweera MK and Somi KC. Biology of fatty acids. Elsevier.

Patents

Piyumi Kodithuwakku, Dilushan Jayasundara, Imalka Munaweera, Randika Jayasinghe, Tharanga Thoradeniya, Achala Bogahawatta, K. R. Jaliya Manuda, Manjula Weerasekera, and Nilwala Kottegoda. Modified ilmenite nanohybrid materials for food packaging applications and a mechanochemical method of preparation thereof, Patent No:21845