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The DST Nitte University Technology Enabling Centre (DSTNUTEC), FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity, Nitte (Deemed to be University), and Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research (NUCSER) jointly organized a guest lecture by Dr. Kajal Chakraborty, Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, on “Bioactive molecules from the aquatic environment”. The guest lecture was held on 27 August 2026, at the Seminar Hall, NUCSER.
Prof. Dr. Indrani Karunasagar, Director of DSTNUTEC and Head of the FAO Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance and Aquaculture Biosecurity, welcomed the gathering and introduced the speaker. The presentation began by explaining why organisms living in challenging aquatic environments produce unique bioactive compounds. These molecules help organisms cope with environmental stress, predators, and other challenges. The speaker provided several fascinating examples of marine-derived compounds that have been developed into important medicines, including compounds from marine sponges, cone snails, tunicates, and other aquatic organisms. A major focus of the presentation was the growing importance of marine nutraceuticals. The speaker discussed how seaweeds, fish, shellfish, microalgae, and other aquatic resources can provide valuable compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, peptides, collagen, chitin, antioxidants, and other bioactive molecules. The discussion on seaweeds was particularly interesting, highlighting their nutritional value and potential applications in functional foods and health products. The presentation also covered the potential of microalgae as sources of important nutraceutical compounds, including spirulina, beta-carotene, EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin. The health benefits and commercial possibilities of omega-3-rich products were also discussed.
Overall, the presentation gave the audience a better understanding of the largely untapped potential of aquatic biodiversity. It clearly demonstrated how research on natural bioactive compounds can contribute to the development of innovative nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceutical products. The session also emphasized the importance of sustainable utilization of aquatic resources and highlighted exciting opportunities for future research and commercialization.
Prof. Dr. Iddya Karunasagar, Advisor- Research & Patents, NitteDU; and Prof. Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, Director- NUCSER, attended this informative session along with 120 participants, including students, faculty, and research scholars from NUCSER.

News Date : 2026-08-31

Last updated 2026-08-31 05:16:56