Ajith Madhavan

Characterization of the bacteriophages binding to human matrix molecules

Recent literature has suggested a novel symbiotic relationship between bacteriophage and metazoan host that provides antimicrobial defense protecting mucosal surface by binding to host matrix mucin glycoproteins. Here, we isolated and studied different bacteriophages that specifically interact with human extracellular matrix molecules such as fibronectin, gelatin, heparin and demonstrated their potency for protection to host against microbial infections. We showed that subpopulations of bacteriophages that work against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli can bind to pure gelatin, fibronectin and heparin and reduced bacterial load in human colon cell line HT29. The bacteriophages were characterized with respect to their genome sizes, melting curve patterns and host tropism (cross-reactivity with different hosts). Since, the bacteriophages are non-toxic to the host and can effectively reduce bacterial load in HT29 cell line their therapeutic potency against bacterial infection could be explored.

Optimization of microbial fuel cell (MFC) operated with waste water as substrate

In the present study bioelectricity generation from waste water was evaluated in a double chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC). Waste water and potassium permanganate solution (0.3%) was loaded in the anodic and the cathodic chamber respectively. The performance of MFC was studied with two different electrodes (aluminum and carbon as anodes and copper as cathode). Current and voltage measurements were carried out using Keithley source meter (2420) and multimeter respectively. The Voltammetric analysis was done to study the anodic oxidation rate. The resistance of the system was found to be low (0.466 Ω for the aluminum anode and 0.673 Ω carbon anode) which were deduced from the power density curves. The system showed a COD removal of 77% over a period of a week ofk operation.