Asha Peketi

Title: Asha Peketi: Innovator in Fungal Research

Introduction

Asha Peketi is a notable inventor based in Goa, India. She has made significant contributions to the field of fungal research, particularly in the extraction of mannitol from mangrove-associated fungi. Her innovative methods have the potential to impact various industries, including pharmaceuticals and food production.

Latest Patents

Asha Peketi holds a patent related to a plant mangrove-associated fungus. The patent describes a simple and efficient method for obtaining a high yield of pure mannitol. The process involves cutting leaves into small pieces and placing them on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates for 48 hours. The culture is maintained at a temperature ranging between 26-47°C and salinity between 4-32 ppt, with occasional stress conditions for about 17-19 days to obtain a mycelial mat. The mat is then sonicated to lyse the cells, and crude is extracted using methanol repeatedly. The concentrated crude is treated with solvents of increasing polarity, resulting in an aqueous fraction that contains crude mannitol. The final step involves purifying the crude mannitol by chromatography to obtain pure mannitol, achieving about 75% of the total crude extract.

Career Highlights

Asha Peketi is affiliated with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, where she continues her research and development efforts. Her work has garnered attention for its innovative approach to utilizing natural resources for beneficial applications.

Collaborations

Asha collaborates with esteemed colleagues, including Lisette D'Souza and Chandrakant Govind Naik. These partnerships enhance her research capabilities and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in her field.

Conclusion

Asha Peketi is a pioneering inventor whose work in fungal research and mannitol extraction showcases her commitment to innovation. Her contributions have the potential to lead to significant advancements in various industries.