In the Phytochemistry laboratory, development, analysis, and optimization of technical processes for target dependent bioactive compound isolations and assays are carried out. A brief account is given below.
A PROCESS FOR ISOLATION OF PHYTOECDYSTEROID.
An eco-friendly process for isolation of phytoecdysteroids and related compounds has been developed( patent pending). It utilizes very small quantity of solvents. Taking advantage of presence of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functionalities within the molecule, a convenient method has been developed by use of judicious matrices.The processinvolves selective isolation for obtaining phytoecdysteroid depending upon the accompanying contaminants present in the plant extracts.
A PRACTICAL PROCEDURE FOR ISOLATION OF ANACARDIC ACIDS AND ANALOGS FROM CASHEW WASTE.
A simple and quick process for isolation of non-isoprenoidphenolics such as anacardic acids and their analogs from plant sources such as cashewnut shell liquid (Anacardium occidentale)has been developed. It involves selective isolation of components namely anacardic acids, cardol, cardanol and related compounds could be recovered by careful use of adsorbant and mixture of solvent. The processdoes not require elaborate infrastructure and ordinary glass wares and equipments are used. It is energy efficient, eco-friendly,simple and quick.
A SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC ASSAY FOR TRACKING BIOTRANSFORMATION OF NARINGIN TO NARINGENIN.
Quantative analysis of naringenin in the presence of its glycoside is a tedious process. A spectroscopic method in conjunction with shift reagent has been developed.It is a quick, simple method for the analysis and hasdirect application in food industry. Process for selective hydrolysis of disaccharides has been developed.
INCREASING THE YIELD OF SILK FIBRE WITH INDIGENOUS INSECT GROWTH REGULATORS
Sericulture is a labor intensive agro based cottage industry engaging marginal farmers; mainly women.Sericulture serves as an important tool for rural reconstruction, benefiting the weaker sections of the society. It does not require elaborate establishment. It provides assurred income to marginal farmerswithin short period.Using insect growth regulators (IGR’s) isolated from the local plants such as juvenile and moulting hormones or their analogs (juvenoids and ecdysoids), field trials have been carried out in the farms in Kuttanoor village. By judicious application in correct time and developmental stage, an increase in yieldupto(15-20% of silk fibre has been obtained.
