Prof. Dr. S. Vikineswary Sabaratnam

Biography

Prof Dr Vikineswary started her academic career after completing her PhD in the Institute of Postgraduate Studies in 1989 as a lecturer. She ventured into search, discovery and utilisation of indigenous microorganisms including actinomycetes and phototrophic bacteria for feed, feed or fine chemicals. Her research activities diversified and while studying the potential of mushrooms and in particular the white - rot fungi in environmental biotechnology, she had the opportunity to work with mushroom farmers. Together with the growers, the Mushroom Research Association of Malaysia was founded in 2000 and as the current president she has highlighted the importance of mushrooms and the industry in Malaysia. She is well known for the research conducted which includes systematic and bioactivity of marine actinomycetes, mushroom biology and their bioactive metabolites, phototrophic bacteria for bioremediation and as a live feed enhancer. She has successfully trained 30 Masters and 7 PhD students and a number are currently pursuing their postgraduate studies under her supervision. Her research activities are sponsored by national and international grants including industrial funding. Prof. Vikineswary has won several awards for her research findings both in Malaysia and at International Exhibition. She has collaboration with overseas scientists through CICHE, JSPS and EU programmes. She has published 100 papers in peer reviewed journals, proceedings, bulletins, chapters in books and books. In recognition of her contribution in microbiology and active participation as member of the Malaysian Society for Microbiology she was elected as the first woman President of the Society in 2001.

Research Interest

Solid Substrate Fermentation, Nutraceuticals, Mycomedicinals (Industrial enzymes, novel food, functional food, nutriceticals, nutraceuticals) Mycology (Mushroom Biology and Biotechnology, Biodiversity, Mycoremediation,Mushroom cultivation, Myconutraceticals ) Mycoconversion, Biocontrol of Fungal Pathogens, Industrial Enzymes (mushroom biology, mushroom biotechnology, live feed for aquaculture, biocontrol agents)