Dr. KK Asanka Sanjeewa

Senior Lecturer Grade II
Focus Area: Industrial Biosystems Technology

Contact

Academic Building (B3)-Room 228
Department of Biosystems Technology
Faculty of Technology
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
Mahenwatte, Pitipana North
Homagama 10200
Sri Lanka

Email: asankasanjeewa@sjp.ac.lk

Education

2016-2019
Ph.D. in Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, South Korea

2014-2016
M.Sc. in Marine Life Sciences, Jeju National University, South Korea

2008-2013
B.Sc. in Agriculture, Rajarata University, Sri Lanka

Personal Profile

Dr. Asanka Sanjeewa is experienced Postdoctoral Researcher and lecturer with a demonstrated history of working in the marine bioresource technology. Skilled in human/animal cell culture, isolation and characterization techniques of secondary metabolites from marine organisms, molecular biological techniques, RT-qPCR analysis, SEM techniques, and data Analysis. Strong research professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in marine life sciences from Jeju National University, Republic of Korea.

Research Keywords: Seaweeds; Anti-inflammation; Antioxidant; Phlorotannins; TLR

 

Other Activities: 

Positions Held

Since 2021
Senior Lecturer Grade II, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

2020-2021
Guest editor, Marine drugs

2019-2020
Postdoc researcher and lecturer, Jeju National University, South Korea

2019
Reviewer bord member in marine drugs

2014-2019
Research assistant, Jeju National University, South Korea 2014 – 2019

Awards, Distinctions, and Memberships

Oct 2022
Top 2% highly cited researcher (recognized by Elsevier BV and Stanford University)

Oct 2019
Academic award of 2019 for the best researcher. The Korean Society of Phycology

Oct 2019
Young scientist participation award KFN 2019. 3-Hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-β-ionone isolated from Sargassum horneri protect MH-S mouse lung cells against fine dust-induced inflammation and oxidative stress

May 2019
Best poster presentation KOSFAS Annual meeting and symposium 2019, Ethanolic extract separated from Sargassum horneri inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages

Feb 2019
Award of excellence; Awarded for the outstanding achievements of doctoral research in the 2019 Jeju national university graduation ceremony

Nov 2017
Best oral presentation, KSBM 2017 annual symposium. Anti-inflammatory activities of high molecular weight fucose rich sulfated polysaccharide; separated from Sargassum horneri.

Nov 2017
Young scientist participation award ISNFF 2017, In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of fucose rich sulfated polysaccharide isolated from Sargassum honeri China strain collected along the shores of Jeju Island.

Nov 2016
Best poster presentation KSMB Annual meeting and symposium 2016, Anti-proliferative effect of eight ethanolic extracts from soft corals on human leukemia cell line HL-60

Nov 2015
Best poster presentation-ICoFF 2015, Apoptotic anticancer activity of a novel fatty alcohol ester isolated from cultured marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum

Research Interests

Seaweeds are one of the attractive organisms found in oceans with great ecological importance and contribution in increasing the biodiversity of ecosystems where they are originated and inhabited. Seaweeds have been used as human food since ancient times. The use of seaweeds as a food traced back to the 4th century in Japan and 6th century in China. Especially, those people who lived near to the coastal area preferred to consume seaweeds as a main or side dish, or either as a soup. In addition to the nutritious value, seaweeds are rich source of structurally diverse bioactive components such as phlorotannins, sulfated polysaccharides, and pigments. Moreover, some studies have reported that bioactive metabolites isolated from marine origins are safer than the land plants for drug discovery and apply for other potential industries such as cosmeceuticals and functional foods. Other than the safety, ability to mass produce with less cost of production is another advantage of seaweed origin bioactive compounds. Accordingly, bioactive metabolites isolated from seaweeds have potential to apply as an ingredient in the industries including functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and medicals.
However, Sri Lankans consume a neglectable amount of seaweeds compared to the other Asian countries due to their food habits. Besides that, industries in Sri Lanka also barely use seaweed metabolites as active ingredients in value-added products even though seaweed-based functional products owe huge demand in the international market. One reason for the less seaweed consumption and utilization in the functional industries is the lack of scientifically proven knowledge about health benefits associated with seaweeds. Therefore, my current and future research focuses on identifying and characterizing bioactive properties of seaweed species in Sri Lanka to utilize them in industries such as functional foods and cosmeceuticals.

Publications

Book Chapters

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim S.Y., and Jeon Y.J. (forthcoming). Bioactive phenolic compounds from seaweed: Phlorotannins: Seaweed Bioactives: Health Benefits and Potential Applications (Nutraceuticals), Jaiswal A.K., Editor. CRC press: Boca, Raton, Florida, USA.

Sanjeewa K.K.A. and Jeon Y.J. (forth coming). Roles of the ingredients contained in edible seaweeds on PM-induced skin damages: Algal Metabolites: Biotechnological Applications, Thangadurai D, Editor. Apple Academic Press Palm Bay, Florida 32905 USA. p. 289-310

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim H.S., and Jeon Y.J. (2018). Korean Edible Seaweeds; A Source of Functional Compounds, in Korean Functional Foods: Composition, Processing and Health Benefits, Kun-Young Park, et al., Editors. CRC press: Boca, Raton, Florida, USA. p. 359-384

Journal Publications

Jayawardhana HHACK, Oh JY, Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Liyanage NM, Nagahawatta DP, Hyun J, Son K-T, Jeon Y-J, Park J: Protective Effect of Fish Gut Hydrolysates from Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Surimi Byproducts Against AAPH-Induced Oxidative Stress in In Vitro and In Vivo Zebrafish Models. Journal of Aquatic Food Product Technology 2022:1-15.doi- 10.1080/10498850.2022.2119909.

Jayawardena TU, Fernando IPS, Nagahawatta DP, Wang L, Yang HW, Oh J-Y, Sanjeewa KKA, Jeon Y: Sonication-assisted water extract of Dendronephthya gigantea exhibits anti-fine dust effects; attenuation of MAPK phosphorylation in macrophages. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 2022, 50(1).doi- 10.4038/jnsfsr.v50i1.10279.

Nagahawatta DP, Kim H-S, Jee Y-H, Jayawardena TU, Ahn G, Namgung J, Yeo I-K, Sanjeewa KKA, Jeon Y-J: Sargachromenol Isolated from Sargassum horneri Inhibits Particulate Matter-Induced Inflammation in Macrophages through Toll-like Receptor-Mediated Cell Signaling Pathways. Marine Drugs 2021, 20(1):28.doi- 10.3390/md20010028.

Wang L, Kim HS, Je JG, Fu X, Huang C, Ahn G, Oh JY, Sanjeewa KKA, Xu J, Gao X et al: In Vitro and In Vivo Photoprotective Effects of (-)-Loliode Isolated from the Brown Seaweed, Sargassum horneri. Molecules 2021, 26(22):6898.doi- 10.3390/molecules26226898.

Sanjeewa KKA, Kim H-S, Lee H-G, Jayawardena TU, Nagahawatta DP, Yang H-W, Udayanga D, Kim J-I, Jeon Y-J: 3-Hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-β-ionone Isolated from Invasive Harmful Brown Seaweed Sargassum horneri Protects MH-S Mouse Lung Cells from Urban Particulate Matter-Induced Inflammation. Applied Sciences 2021, 11(22):10929.doi- 10.3390/app112210929.

6. Lee HG, Kim HS, Je JG, Hwang J, Sanjeewa KKA, Lee DS, Song KM, Choi YS, Kang MC, Jeon YJ: Lipid Inhibitory Effect of (-)-loliolide Isolated from Sargassum horneri in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes: Inhibitory Mechanism of Adipose-Specific Proteins. Mar Drugs 2021, 19(2):96.doi- 10.3390/md19020096.

Kim H-S, Fernando IPS, Lee S-H, Ko S-C, Kang MC, Ahn G, Je J-G, Sanjeewa KKA, Rho J-R, Shin HJ et al: Isolation and characterization of anti-inflammatory compounds from Sargassum horneri via high-performance centrifugal partition chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Algal Research 2021, 54:102209.doi- 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102209.

Sanjeewa KKA, Herath K, Yang HW, Choi CS, Jeon YJ: Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms of Fucoidans to Treat Inflammatory Diseases: A Review. Mar Drugs 2021, 19(12):678.doi- 10.3390/md19120678.

Fernando IPS, Heo SJ, Dias M, Madusanka DMD, Han EJ, Kim MJ, Sanjeewa KKA, Lee K, Ahn G: (-)-Loliolide Isolated from Sargassum horneri Abate UVB-Induced Oxidative Damage in Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Subside ECM Degradation. Mar Drugs 2021, 19(8):435.doi- 10.3390/md19080435.

Han EJ, Kim H-S, Jung K, Sanjeewa KKA, Iresha Nadeeka Madushani Herath KH, Lee W, Jee Y, Jeon Y-J, Lee J, Kim T et al: Sargassum horneri ethanol extract ameliorates TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced inflammation in human keratinocytes and TPA-induced ear edema in mice. Food Bioscience 2021, 39:100831.doi- 10.1016/j.fbio.2020.100831.

Nagahawatta DP, Sanjeewa KKA, Jayawardena TU, Kim H-S, Yang H-W, Jiang Y, Je J-G, Lee T-K, Jeon Y-J: Drying seaweeds using hybrid hot water Goodle dryer (HHGD): comparison with freeze-dryer in chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2021, 24(1):19-31.doi- 10.47853/FAS.2021.e3.

Jayawardena TU, Kim H-S, Sanjeewa KKA, Han EJ, Jee Y, Ahn G, Rho J-R, Jeon Y-J: Loliolide, isolated from Sargassum horneri; abate LPS-induced inflammation via TLR mediated NF-κB, MAPK pathways in macrophages. Algal Research 2021, 56:102297.doi- 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102297.

Sanjeewa KKA, Jeon YJ: Fucoidans as Scientifically and Commercially Important Algal Polysaccharides. Mar Drugs 2021, 19(6):284.doi- 10.3390/md19060284.

Sanjeewa KKA, Nagahawatta DP, Yang HW, Oh JY, Jayawardena TU, Jeon YJ, De Zoysa M, Whang I, Ryu B: Octominin Inhibits LPS-Induced Chemokine and Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Secretion from RAW 264.7 Macrophages via Blocking TLRs/NF-κB Signal Transduction. Biomolecules 2020, 10(4):511.doi- 10.3390/biom10040511.

Wang L, Jayawardena TU, Yang HW, Lee HG, Kang MC, Sanjeewa KKA, Oh JY, Jeon YJ: Isolation, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of a Fucoidan from an Enzymatic Digest of the Edible Seaweed, Hizikia fusiforme. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020, 9(5):363.doi- 10.3390/antiox9050363.

Jayawardena TU, Wang L, Sanjeewa KKA, Kang SI, Lee JS, Jeon YJ: Antioxidant Potential of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Padina boryana; Protective Effect against Oxidative Stress in In Vitro and In Vivo Zebrafish Model. Mar Drugs 2020, 18(4):1-9.doi- 10.3390/md18040212.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Lee HG, Kim HS, Vaas A, De Silva HIC, Nanayakkara CM, Abeytunga DTU, Lee DS, Lee JS et al: Fucoidan Purified from Sargassum polycystum Induces Apoptosis through Mitochondria-Mediated Pathway in HL-60 and MCF-7 Cells. Mar Drugs 2020, 18(4):196.doi- 10.3390/md18040196.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Lee HG, Kim HS, Vaas A, De Silva HIC, Nanayakkara CM, Abeytunga DTU, Lee WW, Lee DS et al: Characterization and cytoprotective properties of Sargassum natans fucoidan against urban aerosol-induced keratinocyte damage. Int J Biol Macromol 2020.doi- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.05.132.

Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Wang L, Kim WS, Lee TK, Kim YT, Jeon YJ: Alginic Acid from Padina boryana Abate Particulate Matter-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Keratinocytes and Dermal Fibroblasts. Molecules 2020, 25(23):5746.doi- 10.3390/molecules25235746.

Kim HS, Han EJ, Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Jayawardena TU, Kim HJ, Jee Y, Kang SH, Jang JH, Jang J-P et al: Anti-allergy effect of mojabanchromanol isolated from Sargassum horneri in bone marrow-derived cultured mast cells. Algal Research 2020, 48:101898.doi- 10.1016/j.algal.2020.101898.

Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Kim H-S, Lee HG, Wang L, Lee D-S, Jeon Y-J: Padina boryana, a brown alga from the Maldives: inhibition of α-MSH-stimulated melanogenesis via the activation of ERK in B16F10 cells. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2020, 23(1):8.doi- 10.1186/s41240-020-00154-x.

Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Lee HG, Nagahawatta DP, Yang HW, Kang MC, Jeon YJ: Particulate Matter-Induced Inflammation/Oxidative Stress in Macrophages: Fucosterol from Padina boryana as a Potent Protector, Activated via NF-kappaB/MAPK Pathways and Nrf2/HO-1 Involvement. Mar Drugs 2020, 18(12):628.doi- 10.3390/md18120628.

Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Nagahawatta DP, Lee HG, Lu YA, Vaas A, Abeytunga DTU, Nanayakkara CM, Lee DS, Jeon YJ: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharide from Sargassum Swartzii in Macrophages via Blocking TLR/NF-Kappab Signal Transduction. Mar Drugs 2020, 18(12):601.doi- 10.3390/md18120601.

Han EJ, Kim HS, Sanjeewa KKA, Herath K, Jeon YJ, Jee Y, Lee J, Kim T, Shim SY, Ahn G: Eckol from Ecklonia cava Suppresses Immunoglobulin E-mediated Mast Cell Activation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice (Running Title: Anti-Allergic Activity of Ecklonia cava). Nutrients 2020, 12(5):1361.doi- 10.3390/nu12051361.

Han EJ, Kim HS, Sanjeewa KKA, Jung K, Jee Y, Jeon YJ, Fernando IPS, Ahn G: Sargassum horneri as a Functional Food Ameliorated IgE/BSA-Induced Mast Cell Activation and Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis in Mice. Mar Drugs 2020, 18(12):594.doi- 10.3390/md18120594.

Sanjeewa KKA, Jayawardena TU, Kim SY, Lee HG, Je JG, Jee Y, Jeon YJ: Sargassum horneri (Turner) inhibit urban particulate matter-induced inflammation in MH-S lung macrophages via blocking TLRs mediated NF-kappaB and MAPK activation. J Ethnopharmacol 2020, 249:112363.doi- 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112363.

Jayawardena TU, Fernando IPS, Lee WW, Sanjeewa KKA, Kim HS, Lee DS, Jeon YJ: Isolation and purification of fucoidan fraction in Turbinaria ornata from the Maldives; Inflammation inhibitory potential under LPS stimulated conditions in in-vitro and in-vivo models. Int J Biol Macromol 2019, 131:614-623.doi- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.105.

Jayawardena TU, Kim HS, Sanjeewa KKA, Kim SY, Rho JR, Jee Y, Ahn G, Jeon YJ: Sargassum horneri and isolated 6-hydroxy-4,4,7a-trimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydrobenzofuran-2(4H)-one (HTT); LPS-induced inflammation attenuation via suppressing NF-kappa B, MAPK and oxidative stress through Nrf2/HO-1 pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Algal Res 2019, 40:101513.doi- 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101513.

Sanjeewa KKA, Jayawardena TU, Kim HS, Kim SY, Ahn G, Kim HJ, Fu X, Jee Y, Jeon YJ: Ethanol extract separated from Sargassum horneri (Turner) abate LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2019, 22(1):6.doi- 10.1186/s41240-019-0121-8.

Sanjeewa KKA, Jayawardena TU, Kim HS, Kim SY, Shanura Fernando IP, Wang L, Abetunga DTU, Kim WS, Lee DS, Jeon YJ: Fucoidan isolated from Padina commersonii inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages blocking TLR/NF-kappaB signal pathway. Carbohydr Polym 2019, 224:115195.doi- 10.1016/j.carbpol.2019.115195.

Kim HS, Je JG, Ryu B, Kang N, Fernando IPS, Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Oh JY, Lee TG, Jeon YJ: Antioxidant and angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from Hippocampus abdominalis. Eur Food Res Technol 2019, 245(2):479-487.doi- 10.1007/s00217-018-3179-0.

Sanjeewa KKA, Jayawardena TU, Kim S-Y, Kim H-S, Ahn G, Kim J, Jeon YJ: Fucoidan isolated from invasive Sargassum horneri inhibit LPS-induced inflammation via blocking NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Algal Research 2019, 41:101561.doi- 10.1016/j.algal.2019.101561.

Sanjeewa KKA, Jayawardena TU, Lee HG, Herath K, Jee Y, Jeon YJ: The protective effect of Sargassum horneri against particulate matter-induced inflammation in lung tissues of an in vivo mouse asthma model. Food Funct 2019, 10(12):7995-8004.doi- 10.1039/c9fo02068c.

Kim HS, Kim SY, Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Wang L, Lee SH, Ko SC, Kang MC, Jayawardena TU, Jeon YJ: Free radical scavenging activity of the peptide from the Alcalase hydrolysate of the edible aquacultural seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis). J Food Biochem 2019, 43(7):e12833.doi- 10.1111/jfbc.12833.

Sanjeewa KKA, Fernando IPS, Kim HS, Jayawardena TU, Ryu B, Yang HW, Ahn G, Lee W, Jeon YJ: Dieckol: an algal polyphenol attenuates urban fine dust-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells via the activation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling pathways. J Appl Phycol 2019:1-10.doi- 10.1007/s10811-019-01964-w.

Sanjeewa KKA, Fernando IPS, Kim S-Y, Kim W-S, Ahn G, Jee Y, Jeon YJ: Ecklonia cava (Laminariales) and Sargassum horneri (Fucales) synergistically inhibit the lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation via blocking NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Algae 2019, 34(1):45-56.doi- 10.4490/algae.2019.34.2.10.

Kang MC, Ham YM, Heo SJ, Yoon SA, Cho SH, Kwon SH, Jeong MS, Jeon YJ, Sanjeewa KKA, Yoon WJ et al: Anti-inflammation effects of 8-oxo-9-octadecenoic acid isolated from Undaria peterseniana in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cells. EXCLI J 2018, 17:775-783.doi- 10.17179/excli2018-1422.

Kim HS, Lee W, Lee JH, Sanjeewa KKA, Fernando IPS, Ko SC, Lee SH, Kim YT, Jeon YJ: Purification and Identification of an Antioxidative Peptide from Digestive Enzyme Hydrolysis of Cutlassfish Muscle. J Aquat Food Prod T 2018, 27(8):934-944.doi- 10.1080/10498850.2018.1508532.

Kim HS, Sanjeewa KKA, Fernando IPS, Ryu B, Yang HW, Ahn G, Kang MC, Heo ST, Je JG, Jeon YJ: A comparative study of Sargassum horneri Korea and China strains collected along the coast of Jeju Island South Korea: its components and bioactive properties. Algae 2018, 33(4):341-349.doi- 10.4490/algae.2018.33.11.15.

Fernando IPS, Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Wang L, Jeon YJ, Lee WW: Anti-inflammatory potential of alginic acid from Sargassum horneri against urban aerosol-induced inflammatory responses in keratinocytes and macrophages. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2018, 160:24-31.doi- 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.05.024.

Sanjeewa KKA, Fernando IPS, Kim SY, Kim HS, Ahn G, Jee Y, Jeon YJ: In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of high molecular weight sulfated polysaccharide; containing fucose separated from Sargassum horneri: Short communication. Int J Biol Macromol 2018, 107(Pt A):803-807.doi- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.09.050.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Kim HS, Wang L, Lee WW, Jeon YJ: Apoptotic and antiproliferative properties of 3β-hydroxy-Delta5-steroidal congeners from a partially purified column fraction of Dendronephthya gigantea against HL-60 and MCF-7 cancer cells. J Appl Toxicol 2018, 38(4):527-536.doi- 10.1002/jat.3559.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Kim SY, Lee JS, Jeon YJ: Reduction of heavy metal (Pb2+) biosorption in zebrafish model using alginic acid purified from Ecklonia cava and two of its synthetic derivatives. Int J Biol Macromol 2018, 106:330-337.doi- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.08.027.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Samarakoon KW, Kim HS, Gunasekara UKDSS, Park YJ, Abeytunga DTU, Lee WW, Jeon YJ: The potential of fucoidans from Chnoospora minima and Sargassum polycystum in cosmetics: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, skin-whitening, and antiwrinkle activities. J Appl Phycol 2018, 30(6):3223-3232.doi- 10.1007/s10811-018-1415-4.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Samarakoon KW, Lee WW, Kim HS, Kim EA, Ranasinghe P, Gunasekara UKDSS, Premakumara GAS, Jeon YJ: Preliminary screening of two marine algae and sea grass harvested from Sri Lankan waters against the LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW 264.7 macrophages and in vivo zebrafish embryo model. Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 2018, 46(2):117-124.doi- 10.4038/jnsfsr.v46i2.8412.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Samarakoon KW, Lee WW, Kim HS, Ranasinghe P, Gunasekara UKDSS, Jeon YJ: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functionality of ten Sri Lankan seaweed extracts obtained by carbohydrase assisted extraction. Food Sci Biotechnol 2018, 27(6):1761-1769.doi- 10.1007/s10068-018-0406-1.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Samarakoon KW, Lee WW, Kim H-S, Jeon Y-J: Squalene isolated from marine macroalgae Caulerpa racemosa
and its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Journal of Food Biochemistry 2018, 42(5):e12628.doi- 10.1111/jfbc.12628.

Sanjeewa KKA, Jeon YJ: Edible brown seaweeds: a review. Journal of Food Bioactives 2018, 2:37–50-37–50.doi- 10.31665/jfb.2018.2139.

Jayawardena TU, Lee WW, Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Wang L, Lee TG, Park YJ, Ko C-I, Jeon Y-J: Antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing potential of 3β-hydroxy-Δ5-steroidal congeners purified from the soft coral Dendronephthya putteri. Journal of Oceanology and Limnology 2018, 37(4):1382-1392.doi- 10.1007/s00343-019-8193-y.

Sanjeewa KKA, Kang N, Ahn G, Jee Y, Kim YT, Jeon YJ: Bioactive potentials of sulfated polysaccharides isolated from brown seaweed Sargassum spp in related to human health applications: A review. Food Hydrocolloid 2018, 81:200-208.doi- 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.02.040.

Wang L, Park YJ, Oh JY, Fernando IS, Sanjeewa K, Kang MC, Cui YR, Lee HG, Ko JY, Lee W: Protective Effects of Enzyme-assistant Extracts of Sargassum fulvellum against AAPH-induced Oxidative Stress in vitro in Vero Cells. Journal of Chitin and Chitosan 2018, 23(2):113-119.doi- 10.17642/jcc.23.2.7.

Sanjeewa KKA, Lee W, Jeon YJ: Nutrients and bioactive potentials of edible green and red seaweed in Korea. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2018, 21(1):19.doi- 10.1186/s41240-018-0095-y.

Jayawardena TU, Sanjeewa KKA, Shanura Fernando IP, Ryu BM, Kang MC, Jee Y, Lee WW, Jeon YJ: Sargassum horneri (Turner) C. Agardh ethanol extract inhibits the fine dust inflammation response via activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in RAW 264.7 cells. BMC Complement Altern Med 2018, 18(1):249.doi- 10.1186/s12906-018-2314-6.

Sanjeewa KKA, Park YJ, Shanura Fernando IP, Ann YS, Ko CI, Wang L, Jeon YJ, Lee W: Soft corals collected from Jeju Island inhibits the α-MSH-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells through activation of ERK. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2018, 21(1):1-8.doi- 10.1186/s41240-018-0097-9.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Ann YS, Ko CI, Lee SH, Lee WW, Jeon YJ: Apoptotic and antiproliferative effects of Stigmast-5-en-3-ol from Dendronephthya gigantea on human leukemia HL-60 and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2018, 52:297-305.doi- 10.1016/j.tiv.2018.07.007.

Fernando IPS, Kim HS, Sanjeewa KKA, Oh JY, Jeon YJ, Lee WW: Inhibition of inflammatory responses elicited by urban fine dust particles in keratinocytes and macrophages by diphlorethohydroxycarmalol isolated from a brown alga Ishige okamurae. Algae 2017, 32(3):261-273.doi- 10.4490/algae.2017.32.8.14.

Sanjeewa KKA, Fernando IP, Kim EA, Ahn G, Jee Y, Jeon YJ: Anti-inflammatory activity of a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from an enzymatic digest of brown seaweed Sargassum horneri in RAW 264.7 cells. Nutr Res Pract 2017, 11(1):3-10.doi- 10.4162/nrp.2017.11.1.3.

Sanjeewa KKA, Lee WW, Kim JI, Jeon YJ: Exploiting biological activities of brown seaweed Ishige okamurae Yendo for potential industrial applications: a review. J Appl Phycol 2017, 29(6):3109-3119.doi- 10.1007/s10811-017-1213-4.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Kim HS, Kim SY, Lee SH, Lee WW, Jeon YJ: Identification of sterols from the soft coral Dendronephthya gigantea and their anti-inflammatory potential. Environ Toxicol Phar 2017, 55:37-43.doi- 10.1016/j.etap.2017.08.003.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Samarakoon KW, Lee WW, Kim HS, Kim EA, Gunasekara UKDSS, Abeytunga DTU, Nanayakkara C, de Silva ED et al: FTIR characterization and antioxidant activity of water soluble crude polysaccharides of Sri Lankan marine algae. Algae 2017, 32(1):75-86.doi- 10.4490/algae.2017.32.12.1.

Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Samarakoon KW, Lee WW, Kim HS, Kang N, Ranasinghe P, Lee HS, Jeon YJ: A fucoidan fraction purified from Chnoospora minima; a potential inhibitor of LPS-induced inflammatory responses. Int J Biol Macromol 2017, 104(Pt A):1185-1193.doi- 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.07.031.

Sanjeewa KKA, Lee JS, Kim WS, Jeon YJ: The potential of brown-algae polysaccharides for the development of anticancer agents: An update on anticancer effects reported for fucoidan and laminaran. Carbohydr Polym 2017, 177:451-459.doi- 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.09.005.

Sanjeewa KKA, Fernando IPS, Samarakoon KW, Lakmal HHC, Kim EA, Kwon ON, Dilshara MG, Lee JB, Jeon YJ: Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities of sterol rich fraction of cultured marine microalga Nannochloropsis oculata. Algae 2016, 31(3):277-287.doi- 10.4490/algae.2016.31.6.29.

Sanjeewa KKA, Kim EA, Son KT, Jeon YJ: Bioactive properties and potentials cosmeceutical applications of phlorotannins isolated from brown seaweeds: A review. J Photochem Photobiol B 2016, 162:100-105.doi- 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2016.06.027.

Sanjeewa KKA, Oh JY, Fernando IPS, Lee W, Kim S-Y, Wang L, Jeon YJ: Anti-proliferative effect of eight ethanolic extracts from soft corals on human leukemia cell line HL-60. Journal of Chitin and Chitosan 2016, 21(4):261-266.doi- 10.17642/jcc.21.4.6.

Wang L, Oh JY, Fernando IPS, Sanjeewa KKA, Kim E-A, Lee W, Jeon Y-J: Soft corals collected from Jeju Island; a potential source of anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. Journal of Chitin and Chitosan 2016, 21(4):247-254.doi- 10.17642/jcc.21.4.4.

Sanjeewa KKA, Edirimanna ERSP, Egodawatta WCP: Vegetative Propagation of Artocarpus heterophyllus Using Naturarl Polymers. Rajarata University of Srilanka 2013.doi-

Conference Proceedings

Sanjeewa K.K.A., and Jeon Y.J. Fucoidan isolated from Sargassum honeri down-regulate LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and Zebrafish model. 2019 October 23-25. The 4th industrial revolution: The role of food and nutritional sciences conference, Jeju

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Fernando I.P.S., Bomi R., and Jeon Y.J. Diphlorethohydroxy¬carmalol isolated from a brown seaweed Ishige okamurae attenuate fine dust induced inflammation in keratinocytes and macrophages. 2019 June 24-28, South china sea conference 2019 (scs2019)

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Jayawardena T.U., Kim.S. Y., and Jeon Y.J. Dieckol; an algal polyphenol attenuates urban fine dust-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells via the activation of Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling pathways. 2019, 23rd International Seaweed Symposium. p. 227-227

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim H.S., Jayawardena T.U., and Jeon Y.J. 3-Hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-β-ionone isolated from Sargassum horneri protect MH-S mouse lung cells against fine dust induced inflammation and oxidative stress. 2019, 23rd International Seaweed Symposium. p. 157-157

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kang M.C., and Jeon Y.J. Indole derivatives isolated from brown alga Sargassum thunbergii Inhibit Adipogenesis through AMPK activation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. 2019, 23rd International Seaweed Symposium. p. 229-229

Jayawardena T.U., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim S.Y., and Jeon Y.J. Sargassum horneri ethanol extract inhibits fine dust induced inflammation via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophages. 2019, 23rd International Seaweed Symposium. p. 228-228

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Fernando I.P.S., and Jeon Y.J. Sargassum horneri polysaccharides inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells via NF-kB pathway. 2018, The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. p. 100-100.

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Fernando I.P.S., and Jeon Y.J. High molecular weight polysaccharides separated from Sargassum horneri inhibit LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells via NF-kB signal mechanisms. 2018, The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. p. 179-179.

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Fernando I.P.S., Kim E.A., Kim S.Y., and Jeon Y.J. Anti-inflammatory activity of a fucose rich sulfated polysaccharide isolated from an enzymatic digest of brown seaweed Sargassum horneri. 2016, The korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. p. 476-476.

Sanjeewa K.K.A., Samarakoon K.W., Nam K.O., Ko J.Y., Ji-Hyeok L., Kang M.C., Kim D., J.B.Lee, Lee J.S., and Jeon Y.J. Purification and identification of novel angiotensin-i converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from marine microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata protein hydrolysate. 2015, The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. p. 607-607.

Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Thilina U.J., Won Woo L., and Jeon Y.J. Investigating 3β-hydroxy-△5-steroidal congeners from a soft coral Dendronephthya gigantea for their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. 2018, The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. p. 103-103.

Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim Y.T., Ko J.Y., H.H.K., and Jeon Y.J. Anti-wrinkling activity of a fucoidan isolated from Undaria pinnatifida. 2016, The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition. p. 467-467.

Thilina U.J., Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Lee W., and Jeon Y.J. A sterol rich fraction purified from the soft coral Dendronephthya gigantea; a potential inhibitor of LPS – induced inflammatory responses. 2018, The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. p. 174-174.

Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Lee W.W., and Jeon Y.J. A fucoidan from Chnoospora minima; a potential inhibitor of LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW macrophages and zebrafish embryos. 2018, The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. p. 180-180.

Thilina U.J., Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Lee W., and Jeon Y.J. Identification of 3β-hydroxy-△5-steroidal congeners of soft coral Dendronephthya putteri; Potential antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing agents. 2018, The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science. p. 93-93.

Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim Y.T., Ko J.Y., Kim H.H., Jeon Y.J. Anti-wrinkling activity of a fucoidan isolated from Undaria pinnatifida. KFN 2016: The 67th Annual Meeting of Korean Society of Food (Food Nutrition for Future), Jeju, South Korea; 10/2016

Sanjeewa K.K.A., I.P.S. Fernando, Kim E.A., Kim S.Y., Ahn G., Jeon Y.J. In vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of fucose rich sulfated polysaccharide isolated from Sargassum honeri China. Anual Meeting of the Korean Society of Phycology 2016, At Jeju, South Korea; 09/2016

Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim E.A., Kim H.H., Jeon Y.J. Heavy Metal Sorption Abilities of Alginic Acid Purified from Ecklonia cava and its Derivatives. Annual Meeting of the Korean Society of Phycology 2016, Jeju, South Korea; 09/2016

Kalpa W. Samarakoon, Sanjeewa K.K.A. Samarakoon KW, Ko JY, Le, JH, Nam OK, Jeon Y.J. Apoptotic anticancer activity of a novel fatty alcohol ester isolated from cultured marine diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum. The 6th International Conference on Food Factors (ICOFF- 2015) 25th November 2015, Seoul, South Korea.; 11/2015

Sanjeewa K.K.A, Kalpa W. Samarakoon, Jeon Y.J. Purification and Identification of Novel Angiotensin-I Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides from Marine Microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata Protein Hydrolysate. WORLD AQUACULTURE 2015, Jeju Island, Korea; 05/2015

Fernando I.P.S., Sanjeewa K.K.A., Kim S.Y., Kim E.A., Ahn G., Jee Y., Jeon Y.J. A sulfated polysaccharide from the edible algae Sargassum horneri and its potential anti-inflammatory activity. Asia-Pacific Nutrigenomics & Nutrigenetics Organisation (APNNO 2016 biennial conference), Gyeongju, South Korea; 12/2016

Invited Talks

Bioactive properties of fucoidans and its potential industrial applications; 2022- Wando International Seaweed Symposium, South Korea: 2022-05-06

3-hydroxy-5,6-epoxy-β-ionone Isolated from Brown Seaweed Sargassum horneri Protects Mh-s Mouse Lung Cells from Urban Particulate Matter-induced Inflammation; International Conference on Innovation and Emerging Technologies, Sri Lanka: 2021-11-26

Seaweeds as a Functional Ingredient for a Healthy life; 5th KDU-CARE Research seminar 2021, Sri Lanka: 2021-10-28

Teaching

Dr. Dr K.K. Asanka Sanjeewa teaches the following course modules:

BTI 2022
Bioresources and Bioeconomy

BTI 2132
Marine Bioresources and Applications

BTI 3202
Aquaculture Technology

BTI 4356
Industrial Training/ Internship

BTI 4996
Research and Design Project

BTI 2082
Technology Workshops I