Marine Pharmacology and Toxicology, Biopiracy of Natural Products Development, Identification of Novel Bioactive Metabolites from Natural Resources, Live Feed Aquaculture, Plankton Pharmacology
Reproductive potential of male calanoid copepod Sinodiaptomus (Rhinediaptomus) indicus Kiefer: A potential live prey for fish larvae Dharani, Gopal, Bukhari, Dilshad Begum, Vijayaraj, Radha, Altaff, Kareem International Journal of Aquatic Biology, 2025 Copepods are a morphologically, physiologically, and ecologically highly diverse group with different reproductive characteristics and have evolved structural specialties of sperm form and spermatophore structure. These reproductive peculiarities are important for their implications in applied biology. Copepods are the preferred food for finfish and shellfish larvae due to their optimal size range and nutritive value. Although many copepod species are successfully mass-cultured, limited success is still reported in commercial-level production for use in aquaculture hatcheries. Unlike rotifers and Artemia, which reproduce by parthenogenesis and attain high-density production easily, copepods reproduce sexually, involving mate selection, a copulatory process, and leading to the transfer of spermatophores and fertilization of eggs. This necessitates an understanding of the reproductive biology of cultivable copepod species to establish effective culture protocols. The freshwater calanoid copepod Sinodiaptomus (Rhinediaptomus) indicus is a promising candidate for mass culture, and this article describes the reproductive biology of the male using histological and electron microscopic studies. The ultrastructure of the spermatozoon of this species is reported for the first time. Laboratory experiments showed long lifespan and high spermatophore production (34 in 25 days) in this animal, which is a key factor in deciding male-female ratio formulation in the inoculum for mass culture. It is suggested that the S. (R.) indicus could be an ideal species for mass culture and use as live feed in fish and prawn larval rearing.
Advancements and Applications of Split Technology in CRISPR/Cas12a: Transforming Molecular Diagnostics and Biosensing Saikarthik Jayakumar, Srinivasan Vengadassalapathy, Santhosh Venkadassalapathy, Sheela Durairajan, Radha Vijayaraj, Lakshmanan Govindan Biosensors, 2025 The rapid evolution of CRISPR technology has revolutionized molecular biology, and among the various systems, CRISPR/Cas12a stands out for its high specificity and efficient collateral cleavage activity. This review article focuses on the recent advancements and applications of split technology within the CRISPR/Cas12a framework, highlighting its transformative role in molecular diagnostics and biosensing. Split technology innovatively divides functional nucleic acid components into modular segments that are activated by specific targets, significantly enhancing the specificity and sensitivity of biosensors. This design addresses the inherent limitations of traditional sensor systems, enabling the direct detection of ultrashort nucleic acids and improved discrimination of single-nucleotide variants, thereby facilitating the simultaneous detection of multiple biomolecules. The versatility of split-enabled biosensors extends beyond genetic testing, making them valuable tools in diagnostics, therapeutics, and environmental science. Despite challenges such as crRNA degradation and reassembly kinetics, ongoing research and engineering solutions continue to enhance the stability and performance of these systems. This review synthesizes the foundational principles, recent advancements, and potential applications of split technology while also identifying challenges and opportunities for future exploration. Ultimately, our insights provide a comprehensive resource to leverage the full potential of CRISPR/Cas12a-based split technology in advancing biosensing methodologies and clinical applications.
Evaluating the Ecological Impact of Idol Immersions: A Study of Ganesh Chaturthi in the Adyar Estuary, Chennai, India Indian Journal of Environmental Protection, 2025
Augmentation of Apocyclops royi Mass Production Using Live and Preserved Chloroidium saccharophilum for Marine Finfish Hatcheries Prem Kumar Duraivel, Theodore Reginald Philip, Altaff Kareem, Vijayaraj Radha Aquaculture Studies, 2025 This study aimed to explore sustainable feeding practices for the mass production of Apocyclops royi using Chloroidium saccharophilum in live, frozen, and lyophilized forms, combined with different feeding strategies. A. royi, collected from the Kovalam coastal area, was taxonomically identified. C. saccharophilum was cultured in Conway medium and processed into live, lyophilized, and frozen forms. Five experimental groups were established: Group 1 (A-CLi) fed live C. saccharophilum, Group 2 (A-CF) fed frozen C. saccharophilum, Group 3 (A-CLy) fed lyophilized C. saccharophilum, Group 4 (A-C-LFL) fed a mixed diet of all three forms, and Group 5 (A-C-LFLY) fed a mixed diet with yeast. The indoor mass production of A. royi was conducted under optimized conditions, and population density was monitored. Results showed that mixed diets (A-C-LFL and A-C-LFLY) significantly enhanced survival, growth, and reproduction. The fatty acid composition of A. royi was dominated by PUFAs, including EPA and DHA with C. saccharophilum combination diets. The amino acid profile revealed high levels of essential amino acids like Glutamine, Aspartic acid, and Leucine. This study demonstrates that mixed diets (A-C-LFLY) improve A. royi productivity, supporting year-round copepod culture and offering a sustainable solution for live feed production in marine aquaculture.
Bioactive molecules from marine macroalgae for the management of diabetes mellitus with reference to their inhibitory activity: An overview Vijayaraj Radha, Kareem Altaff Herbs for Disease Prevention and Treatment, 2024 Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue related to insulin that is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Synthetic hypoglycemic medications can be used to treat diabetes; however, long-term use of these medications has several negative effects. As a result, there is a paradigm change in favor of using natural agents that may be antidiabetic. The marine environment is a rich source of both biological and chemical diversity, which is being investigated to identify novel compounds with potential for use in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutritional supplement industries. Marine organisms, especially marine macroalgae, comprise numerous significant novel secondary metabolites possessing strong pharmacological characteristics that have been identified. Sources of marine macroalgae include various bioactive compounds exhibiting various health-promoting properties. Hence, the present chapter aimed to discuss the different antidiabetic mechanisms of bioactive compounds from marine macroalgae and also talked about the variety of marine macroalgal bioactive substances that could help avoid or manage type 2 diabetes by focusing on several pharmacologically significant pathways, such as preventing the activity of enzymes like lipase, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, aldose reductase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, and dipeptidyl-peptidase-4.
Zinc in Marine Ecology and Environment K. Altaff, R. Vijayaraj Zinc Early Development Applications and Emerging Trends, 2024 Zinc is essential to all cells in all known organisms and it is the second most abundant trace element, after Fe, in most vertebrates. While Fe is used in relatively few but abundant proteins, such as haemoglobin, the body uses Zn much more diversely and often in minute quantities. Zn is required for a variety of basic biological processes including metabolism of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. It is also involved in more advanced functions, such as the immune system, neurotransmission, and cell signalling. Zn concentrations in aquatic environments vary immensely as a function of distance from land in the marine environment, human activities, and also natural geology. The toxicity of Zn compounds to aquatic animals is modified by several environmental factors, particularly the hardness of the dilution water, the dissolved oxygen concentration, and temperature. The resistance of aquatic animals to Zn poisoning varies with species. Basic information on ecological and toxicological aspects of zinc in the marine environment is provided in this chapter, with a focus on the sources and applications of marine resources as well as their chemical and biological properties. The effects of Zn deficiency in marine environments and its toxic effects on marine organisms and recommendations for their protection are also proposed.
Chitin-Derived Silver Nanoparticles for Enhanced Food Preservation: Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Potential R. Vijayaraj, K. Altaff, M. Jayaprakashvel, R. Muthezhilan, B. Saran, P. Kurinjinathan, Selvakumari Jeyaperumal, Venkatesan Perumal, R. M. Saravana Kumar, Lakshmanan Govindan Micro, 2023 In this research article we report the potentials of chitin-based silver nanoparticles (chitin AgNPs) derived from Indian mimic goatfish (Mulloidichthys ayliffe) scales as an effective food preservation agent. The study comprehensively presents the multifaceted attributes of chitin AgNPs, including their synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties. Chitin yield from M. ayliffe scales and three-spot swimming crab (P. sanguinolentus) exoskeleton was determined, with the insoluble content quantified. FTIR analysis unveiled distinct absorption peaks for chitin, and scanning electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructure of chitin from both the sources. Using UV–visible spectroscopy, the biosynthesis of AgNPs was accomplished and characterized, with the color shift of the solution serving as proof of a successful synthesis. UV–vis spectra provided insights into nanoparticle size and shape. SEM micrographs exhibited spherical particle morphology, while FTIR spectra indicated amino group interactions contributing to AgNP stabilization. The antimicrobial potential of chitin AgNPs was assessed against the food pathogen, Vibrio spp. Chitin films displayed significant antimicrobial activity, particularly AgNP-synthesized chitin from M. ayliffe scales, demonstrated the highest Vibrio spp. inhibition activity. Furthermore, chitin AgNPs were incorporated into the common chili, Capsicum annuum and the tomato, Solanum lycopersicum to extend their shelf life at room temperature. This study reveals the efficacy of chitin AgNPs from M. ayliffe scales as potent agents for food preservation, offering insights into their physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial attributes. The application of chitin AgNPs to perishable food items highlights their potential in enhancing shelf life and quality, opening innovative avenues for sustainable food preservation.
Protective effect of Lawsonia inermis Linn. on chronic inflammation in rats International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 2018
In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of silver nanoparticle synthesized Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.: A green synthetic approach International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 2018
Evaluation of in vivo antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn. Seeds by streptozotocin induced diabetic rats International Journal of Green Pharmacy, 2018
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using abutilon indicum (Link): An Investigation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential against carrageen induced paw edema in rats Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2017
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Facilitating greener education and cleaner shipping through the development of Novel bespoke micro textured metals to combat bioFOULing in niche areas on vessels S Durr, S Conlan, J Ahuir Torres, M Sharp, E Blanco-Davis, T Opoz, ... 2025 Proceedings of the International Association of Maritime Universities … , 2025 2025
Merits of the cyclopoid copepod Apocyclops dengizicus as a suitable and sustainable live feed for marine finfish seed production TR Philip, PK Duraivel, A Kareem, V Radha 3 Biotech 15 (11), 1-13 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Reproductive potential of male calanoid copepod Sinodiaptomus (Rhinediaptomus) indicus Kiefer: A potential live prey for fish larvae G Dharani, DB Bukhari, R Vijayaraj, K Altaff International Journal of Aquatic Biology 13 (5), 18-25 , 2025 2025
Climate Change and the Dynamics of Coastal Pollution: A Plankton-Based Assessment of Chennai’s Urban Creeks R Vijayaraj, K Altaff, PK Duraivel, PT Reginald, R Piliyan Navigating Climate Change: Impacts on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience … , 2025 2025
Assessment of the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of 1, 2, 3-Benzenetriol and 1, 5-Anhydro-6-deoxyhexo-2, 3-diulose extracted from Camellia sinensis. S Avarave, J Thomas, R Vijayaraj, AB Altemimi, K Altaff, L Govindan, ... Journal of Food Science & Technology (2008-8787) 22 (164), 113 , 2025 2025
Advancements and Applications of Split Technology in CRISPR/Cas12a: Transforming Molecular Diagnostics and Biosensing S Jayakumar, S Vengadassalapathy, S Venkadassalapathy, S Durairajan, ... Biosensors 15 (9), 595 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Evaluating the Ecological Impact of Idol Immersions: A Study of Ganesh Chaturthi in the Adyar Estuary, Chennai, India JMPKD Radha Vijayaraj, Kareem Altaff, Md. Anwar Nawaz R. Indian Journal of Environmental Protection 45 (5), 464 - 474 , 2025 2025
Augmentation of Apocyclops royi mass production using live and preserved Chloroidium saccharophilum for marine finfish hatcheries PK Duraivel, TR Philip, A Kareem, V Radha Aquaculture Studies 25 (3) , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Asian seabass ( Lates calcarifer ) larval rearing using cyclopoid copepod ( Apocyclops royi ) live feed: A new approach R Vijayaraj, M Jayaprakashvel, K Altaff The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology 86 (1), 5 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Bioactive molecules from marine macroalgae for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus with reference to their inhibitory activity: An overview V Radha, K Altaff Herbs for Disease Prevention and Treatment, 1-24 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
5 Zinc in Marine Ecology K Altaff, R Vijayaraj Zinc: Early Development, Applications, and Emerging Trends, 49 , 2024 2024
Zinc in Marine Ecology and Environment K Altaff, R Vijayaraj Zinc, 49-60 , 2024 2024 Citations: 1
Nonenzymatic Selective Electrochemical Determination of Dopamine Using Fe 3+ -Doped Hydroxyapatite K Panneerselvam, AR Warrier, RR Mathiarasu, V Radha, R Krishnan International Conference on Recent Advancements in Materials Science and … , 2024 2024
Chitin-derived silver nanoparticles for enhanced food preservation: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial potential R Vijayaraj, K Altaff, M Jayaprakashvel, R Muthezhilan, B Saran, ... Micro 3 (4), 912-929 , 2023 2023 Citations: 8
Enrichment of Dioithonarigida (Giesberch, 1896) with different microalgal diets and its effect on survival and growth of Latescalcarifer (Bloch, 1790) larvae MA NAWAZ, R VIJAYARAJ, G BASKAR, SV MEENAKSHI, K SIVAKUMAR Iranian Journal of Ichthyology 10 (1), 41-48 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Investigation on Photocatalytic Activity of Copper (II) Oxide Nanoparticles for the Bio Fabrication and Industrial Applications R Vijayaraj, P Kurinjinathan, K Rajesh, K Anandan, V Thayanithi, ... Chemistry Africa 6 (3), 1297-1303 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
Anatomy and histological evaluation of the reproductive system of marine calanoid copepod Centropages furcatus from a mass culture perspective MA Sheriff, V Radha, K Altaff, T Akaylı, Ç Ürkü, Ö Dürrani, N Noroh, ... Aquatic Research 6 (4), 233-244 , 2023 2023 Citations: 2
Diversity rhythm in pontellid copepods (Pontellidae: Copepoda) from the Covelong coast pre-and post-COVID-19 lockdown, Bay of Bengal MA Nawaz, S Kandhasamy, B Gurunathan, V Radha Turkish Journal of Zoology 47 (2), 71-80 , 2023 2023 Citations: 9
Inhibitory Activity of Chitin, (2-Acetamido-2-Deoxy-Hexopyranose) against Penicillin-Binding Proteins of Staphylococcus aureus R Vijayaraj, K Altaff, G Lakshmanan, M Jayaprakashvel, S Mickymaray, ... Coatings 12 (12), 1854 , 2022 2022 Citations: 6
Efficacy of Apocyclops royi (Cyclopoida, Copepoda) Nauplii as Live Prey for the First Feeding Larvae of Silver Pompano, Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède, 1801) R Vijayaraj, M Jayaprakashvel, K Altaff Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research 20 (4), 29-34 , 2022 2022 Citations: 7
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
In vitro anti-inflammatory activity of silver nanoparticle synthesized Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh.: A green synthetic approach NS Kumaran International Journal of Green Pharmacy (IJGP) 12 (03) , 2018 2018.0 Citations: 42
Bioactive compounds from marine resources against novel corona virus (2019-nCoV): in silico study for corona viral drug R Vijayaraj, K Altaff, AS Rosita, S Ramadevi, J Revathy Natural Product Research 35 (23), 5525-5529 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 37
Therapeutic significance of Loligo vulgaris (Lamarck, 1798) ink extract: A biomedical approach SK Nadarajah, R Vijayaraj, J Mani Pharmacognosy research 9 (Suppl 1), S105 , 2017 2017.0 Citations: 32
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from ethanolic seed extract of Acranythes aspera (Linn.) and its anti-inflammatory activities R Vijayaraj, KN Kumar, P Mani, J Senthil, GD Kumar, T Jayaseelan Int J Pharm Ther 7, 42-8 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 27
Micro-algal diet for copepod culture with reference to their nutritive value–A review K Altaff, R Vijayaraj International Journal of Current Research and Review 13 (07), 86 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 26
Hypoglycemic and antioxidant activity of Achyranthes aspera seed extract and its effect on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats R Vijayaraj, KN Kumar, P Mani, J Senthil, T Jayaseelan, GD Kumar Int J Biol Pharm Res 7, 23-8 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 23
Biological activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn: A review R Vijayaraj, R Vidhya Asian journal of biochemical and pharmaceutical research 1 (6), 86-93 , 2016 2016.0 Citations: 19
Evaluation of in vivo antidiabetic and antioxidant activity of Achyranthes aspera Linn. seeds by streptozotocin induced diabetic rats NS Kumaran International Journal of Green Pharmacy (IJGP) 12 (01) , 2018 2018.0 Citations: 18
biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Abutilon indicum (Link): An investigation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential against carrageen induced paw edema in rats ÂNS Kumaran Asian Journal of Pharmaceutics (AJP) 11 (02) , 2017 2017.0 Citations: 18
In Silico Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Docking of Novel Bioactive Compound (11-Methoxy-2-Methyltridecane-4-Ol) for Inhibiting Carbohydrates Hydrolyzing … R Vijayaraj, N Sri Kumaran, K Altaff, S Ramadevi, A Sherlin Rosita Journal of Biologically Active Products from Nature 9 (6), 445-456 , 2019 2019.0 Citations: 15
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Hibiscus rosa sinensis: An approach towards animicrobial activity on fish pathogen aeromonas hydrophila R Vijayaraj, NS Kumaran International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 8 (8), 5241-5246 , 2017 2017.0 Citations: 15
BIOSYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANO PARTICLES FROM LEUCAS ASPERA (WILLD.) LINK AND ITS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL AGAINST CARRAGEEN INDUCED PAW EDEMA IN RATS RVS N. Sri Kumaran International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 8 (6), 2588-2593 , 2017 2017.0 Citations: 13
Protective effect of Lawsonia inermis Linn. on chronic inflammation in rats NS Kumaran International Journal of Green Pharmacy (IJGP) 12 (03) , 2018 2018.0 Citations: 12
Influence of heat shock protein (HSP-70) enhancing compound from red alga (Porphyridium cruentum) for augmenting egg production in copepod culture–A new in silico report K Altaff, R Vıjayaraj Marine Science and Technology Bulletin 10 (2), 186-192 , 2021 2021.0 Citations: 10
Diversity rhythm in pontellid copepods (Pontellidae: Copepoda) from the Covelong coast pre-and post-COVID-19 lockdown, Bay of Bengal MA Nawaz, S Kandhasamy, B Gurunathan, V Radha Turkish Journal of Zoology 47 (2), 71-80 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 9
Volatile bioactive compounds from marine macro-algae and their pharmacological properties R Vijayaraj, K Altaff, NS Kumaran Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences (IJMS) 51 (10), 832-842 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 9
Chitin-derived silver nanoparticles for enhanced food preservation: synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial potential R Vijayaraj, K Altaff, M Jayaprakashvel, R Muthezhilan, B Saran, ... Micro 3 (4), 912-929 , 2023 2023.0 Citations: 8
Swarnakala: Biosynthesis of silver nano particles from Leucas aspera (willd.) Link and its anti-inflammatory potential against carrageen induced paw edema in rats NS Kumaran, R Vijayaraj Int J Pharm Sci Res 8, 2588-93 , 2017 2017.0 Citations: 8
Efficacy of Apocyclops royi (Cyclopoida, Copepoda) Nauplii as Live Prey for the First Feeding Larvae of Silver Pompano, Trachinotus blochii (Lacepède, 1801) R Vijayaraj, M Jayaprakashvel, K Altaff Asian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Research 20 (4), 29-34 , 2022 2022.0 Citations: 7
Swarnakala.(2019) R Vijayaraj, NS Kumaran vivo and In vitro Models for Biological Screening of Anti-Diabetic Drugs … , 0 Citations: 7
