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    • Dr Binosha Fernando
      https://www.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0005/692393/binosha-fernando.jpg
    • Dr Binosha Fernando

      Dr Binosha Fernando

Dr Binosha Fernando

Lecturer

Staff Member Details
Email: w.fernando@ecu.edu.au
ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8364-7808

Binosha is a Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience within the School of Medical and Health Sciences.

Background

  • August 2009-December 2009: Research Assistant, Riddet Institute Massey University, New Zealand
  • 2001-2010: Lecturer and Researcher in Nutrition and Microbiology, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Colombo- Sri Lanka.

Professional Memberships

  • Hollywood Private Hospital, WA (Current)
  • Microbiology Society of New Zealand (2007-2011)
  • NZIFST(2007-2011)

Awards and Recognition

  • 2013- AAIC travel fellowship
  • 2007-2009-Nominated for presidential award for science in Sri Lanka
  • 2007-Presidential Scholarship for Postgraduate Study Sri Lanka
  • 2007-Asian Development Bank Scholarship for postgraduate study  
  • 1999/2000 - Batch top - University of Kelaniya – Sri Lanka
  • 1999-Gold Medalist - Best performance in microbiology in University of Kelaniya, SL

Research Areas and Interests

  • Neurology, Nutrition and Microbiology

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, New Zealand, 2011.

Research Outputs

2024

Journal Articles

  • Faraz, A., Williams, M., Fernando, B., Jayasena, V. (2024). Effect of High-Pressure Processing on the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties of Honey. Food Biophysics, 2024(Article in press), pp. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11483-024-09878-y.
  • Abdulraheem, R., Martins, R., Bharadwaj, P., Li, Z., Coorey, R., Johnson, S., Fernando, B. (2024). Nutrients and polyphenols-rich Sorghum bicolor genotypes as complementary therapy for Alzheimer’s disease. Phytochemistry Reviews, 2024(Article in press), TBD. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-024-09942-y.
  • Al Shamsi, H., Rainey-Smith, S., Gardener, S., Sohrabi, H., Canovas, R., Martins, R., Fernando, B. (2024). The Relationship between Diet, Depression, and Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2024(Article in press), pp. https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.202300419.
  • Senarath, U., Burton, M., Fernando, WM., Jayasena, V., Brennan, C., Fernando, B. (2024). Role of short chain fatty acids on astrocytes and microglia in Alzheimer's disease brain. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 59(9), 5902-5911. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.17380.
  • Dissanayaka, S., Jayasena, V., Rainey-Smith, S., Martins, R., Fernando, B. (2024). The Role of Diet and Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer’s Disease. Nutrients, 16(3), Article number 412. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16030412.

2023

Journal Articles

  • Faraz, A., Fernando, B., Williams, M., Jayasena, V. (2023). Effects Of Different Processing Methods On The Antioxidant And Antimicrobial Properties Of Honey: A Review. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 58(7), 3489-3501. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.16460.
  • Fernando, MG., Silva, R., Fernando, B., De Silva, HA., Wickremasinghe, AR., Dissanayake, AS., Sohrabi, H., Martins, R., Williams, SS. (2023). Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil Supplementation on Cognition of Individuals with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease in Sri Lanka (VCO-AD Study): A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 96(3), 1195-1206. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-230670.
  • Dong, K., Fernando, B., Durham, R., Stockmann, R., Jayasena, V. (2023). Nutritional Value, Health-promoting Benefits and Food Application of Sea Buckthorn. Food Reviews International, 39(4), 2122-2137. https://doi.org/10.1080/87559129.2021.1943429.

2022

Journal Articles

  • Pedrini, S., Chatterjee, P., Nakamura, A., Tegg, M., Hone, E., Rainey-Smith, S., Rowe, C., Dore, V., Villemagne, V., Ames, D., Kaneko, N., Kirby, S., Taddei, K., Fernando, B., Martins, I., Bharadwaj, P., Sohrabi, H., Masters, C., Brown, B., Martins, R. (2022). The Association Between Alzheimer's Disease-Related Markers and Physical Activity in Cognitively Normal Older Adults. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14(2022), article number 771214. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.771214.
  • Jayatunga, D., Hone, E., Fernando, B., Garg, , ML., Verdile, , G., Martins, R. (2022). Mitoprotective Effects of a Synergistic Nutraceutical Combination: Basis for a Prevention Strategy Against Alzheimer's Disease.. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13(21 February 2022), Article number 781468. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.781468.
  • Jayatunga, D., Hone, E., Fernando, B., Garg, , ML., Verdile, , G., Martins, R. (2022). A Synergistic Combination of DHA, Luteolin, and Urolithin A Against Alzheimer’s Disease.. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 14(16 February 2022), Article number 780602. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2022.780602.
  • Oluwole, O., Fernando, B., Lumanlan, J., Ademuyiwa, O., Jayasena, V. (2022). Role of phenolic acid, tannins, stilbenes, lignans and flavonoids in human health – a review. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57(10), 6326-6335. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.15936.

2021

Journal Articles

  • Jayatunga, P., Hone, E., Khaira, H., Lunelli, T., Singh, H., Guillemin, G., Fernando, B., Garg, M., Verdile, G., Martins, R. (2021). Therapeutic Potential of Mitophagy-Inducing Microflora Metabolite, Urolithin A for Alzheimer’s Disease. Nutrients, 13(11), article number 3744. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13113744.
  • Fernando, B., Dong, K., Durham, R., Stockmann, R., Jayasena, , V. (2021). Effect of goji berry on the formation of extracellular senile plaques of Alzheimer's disease. Nutrition and Healthy Aging, 6(2), 105-116. https://doi.org/10.3233/NHA-200101.
  • Lumanlan, J., Fernando, B., Karnpanit, W., Jayasena, V. (2021). Effects of food gums and pre-drying on fat content of fabricated fried chips. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 56(4), 1544-1550. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.14763.
  • Rezaee, N., Fernando, B., Hone, E., Sohrabi, H., Johnson, S., Gunzburg, S., Martins, R. (2021). Potential of sorghum polyphenols to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 13(Oct 2021), Article number 729949. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2021.729949.

2020

Journal Articles

  • Samarasinghe, C., Jayasinghe, M., Senadheera, S., Wijesekara, I., Fernando, B., Don Somathilaka Ranaweera, K., Wilamune, N. (2020). Determination of glycaemic response of a novel cane sugar product incorporated with Phyllanthus emblica and Zingiber officinale extracts. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 26(1), 65-76. https://doi.org/10.31246/MJN-2019-0063.
  • Dong, K., Fernando, B., Durham, R., Stockmann, R., Jayatunga, P., Jayasena, V. (2020). A role of sea buckthorn on Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 55(9), 3073-3081. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.14571.
  • Fernando, B., Martins, I., Morici, M., Bharadwaj, P., Rainey-Smith, S., Lim, F., Martins, R. (2020). Sodium butyrate reduces brain amyloid-β levels and improves cognitive memory performance in an Alzheimer's disease transgenic mouse model at an early disease stage. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 74(1), 91-99. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-190120.
  • Jayasinghe, M., Fernando, B., Senadheera, S., Gunawardene, P., Ranaweera, S. (2020). Investigation of the association between dietary fibre, protein and fat with Manganese content in food. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, 8(1), 31-37. https://doi.org/10.35495/ajab.2019.05.214.
  • Lumanlan, J., Fernando, B., Jayasena, V. (2020). Mechanisms of oil uptake during deep frying and applications of predrying and hydrocolloids in reducing fat content of chips. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 55(4), 1661-1670. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.14435.
  • Dong, K., Fernando, B., Jayasena, , V. (2020). Dietary compounds and memory loss. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 5(2), 50-59. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/ecuworkspost2013/11437.
  • Chatterjee, P., Fernando, M., Fernando, B., Dias, C., Shah, T., Silva, R., Williams, S., Pedrini, S., Hillebrandt, H., Goozee, K., Barin, E., Sohrabi, H., Garg, M., Cunnane, S., Martins, R. (2020). Potential of coconut oil and medium chain triglycerides in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, 186(March 2020), Article number 111209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mad.2020.111209.

2019

Journal Articles

  • Oluwole, O., Fernando, B., Audain, K., Fasanmade, O., Ijabaadeniyi , O., Falade, K., Yaakawaah, A., Jayasena, V. (2019). The Effects of Germination and Roasting on Nutraceutical and Antioxidant Properties of Jirani Variety of Millet. American Journal of Food Science and Technology, 7(6), 234-241. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajfst-7-6-11.

2018

Journal Articles

  • Somarathna, T., Fernando, B., Ranaweera, K., Premakumara, G., Abeysinghe, T., Weerakkody, N. (2018). Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical screening of Alpinia malaccensis (Ran-kiriya) against food-borne bacteria. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 125(5), 1276-1285. https://doi.org/10.1111/jam.14039.
  • Fernando, B., Rainey-Smith, S., Kirby, S., Villemagne, V., Burnham, S., Macaulay, SL., Brown, B., Gupta, V., Sohrabi, H., Weinborn, M., Taddei, K., Laws, S., Goozee, K., Ames, D., Fowler, C., Maruff, P., Masters, C., Salvado, O., Rowe, C., Martins, R. (2018). Associations of dietary protein and fiber intake with brain and blood amyloid-β. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 61(4), 1589-1598. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-170742.
  • Fernando, B., Flint, S., Ranaweera, K., Bamunuarachchi, A., Johnson, S., Brennan, C. (2018). The potential synergistic behaviour of inter- and intra-genus probiotic combinations in the pattern and rate of short chain fatty acids formation during fibre fermentation. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, 69(2), 144-154. https://doi.org/10.1080/09637486.2017.1340932.
  • Martins, R., Villemagne, V., Sohrabi, H., Chatterjee, P., Shah, T., Verdile, G., Fraser, P., Taddei, K., Gupta, V., Rainey-Smith, S., Hone, E., Pedrini, S., Lim, F., Martins, I., Frost, S., Gupta, S., O'Bryant, S., Rembach, A., Ames, D., Ellis, K., Fuller, S., Brown, B., Kirby, S., Fernando, B., Bharadwaj, P., Burnham, S., Laws, S., Barron, A., Goozee, K., Wahjoepramono, EJ., Asih, P., Doecke, J., Salvado, O., Bush, A., Rowe, C., Gandy, S., Masters, C. (2018). Alzheimer’s Disease: A Journey from Amyloid Peptides and Oxidative Stress, to Biomarker Technologies and Disease Prevention Strategies—Gains from AIBL and DIAN Cohort Studies. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 62(3), 965-992. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-171145.

2017

Journal Articles

  • Kirby, S., Rainey-Smith, S., Sohrabi, H., Weinborn, M., Verdile, G., Fernando, B., Lim, YY., Harrington, K., Burnham, S., Taddei, K., Masters, C., Macaulay, S., Rowe, C., Ames, D., Maruff, P., Martins, R. (2017). Increased carbohydrate intake is associated with poorer performance in verbal memory and attention in an APOE genotype-dependent manner. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 58(1), 193-201. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-161158.
  • Fernando, B., Somaratne, G., Goozee, K., Williams, S., Singh, H., Martins, R. (2017). Diabetes and Alzheimer's disease: Can tea phytochemicals play a role in prevention?. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, 59(2), 481-501. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-161200.
  • Yap, M., Fernando, B., Brennan, C., Jayasena, V., Coorey, R. (2017). The effects of banana ripeness on quality indices for puree production. LWT: Food Science and Technology, 80(1 July 2017), 10-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2017.01.073.

2016

Journal Articles

  • Yan, L., Fernando, B., Brennan, M., Brennan, C., Jayasena, V., Coorey, R. (2016). Effect of extraction method and ripening stage on banana peel pigments. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 51(6), 1449-1456. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.13115.

2015

Journal Articles

  • Fernando, B., Martins, I., Goozee, K., Brennan, C., Jayasena, V., Martins, R. (2015). The role of dietary coconut for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease: potential mechanisms of action. The British Journal of Nutrition, 114(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114515001452.

2012

Journal Articles

  • Fernando, B., Flint, S., Brennan, CS., Ranaweera, K., Bamunuarachchi, A. (2012). The influence of environmental factors on the adhesion of combinations of probiotics to rice fibre fractions. World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 28(6), 2293-2302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-012-1035-0.

2011

Journal Articles

  • Fernando, B., Flint, S., Zou, M., Brennan, CS., Ranaweera, K., Bamunuarachchi, A. (2011). The effect of rice fibre fractions on growth of co-cultures of probiotics. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 48(1), 14-25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-010-0147-5.
  • Fernando, B., Flint, S., Brennan, CS., Ranaweera, K., Bamunuarachchi, A. (2011). Environmental factors affecting the adhesion of probiotics to rice fiber fractions. Food Digestion, 2(1-3), 26-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13228-011-0012-7.

2010

Journal Articles

  • Fernando, B., Brennan, C., Flint, S., Ranaweera, K., Bamunuarachchi, A., Morton, H. (2010). Enhancement of short chain fatty acid formation by pure cultures of probiotics on rice fibre. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 45(4), 690-696. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2010.02182.x.

2008

Journal Articles

  • Fernando, B., Ranaweera, K., Bamunuarachchi, A., Brennan, C. (2008). The influence of rice fibre fractions on the in vitro fermentation production of short chain fatty acids using human faecal micro flora. International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 43(12), 2237-2244. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2621.2008.01861.x.

Research Projects

  • Determination of the link between anti inflammatory properties, biomarkers, cognitive decline and life style factors (Diet) of older adults who are at a risk of getting Alzheimer’s, Sarathchandra Group of Companies, Industry Engagement PhD Scholarship Scheme, 2022 ‑ 2027, $176,000.
  • Investigating the anti-inflammatory properties of gut microorganisms in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) , Delite Agro Polymers (pvt) Ltd, Scholarships to support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2021 ‑ 2026, $140,000.
  • Cross talk between Microbial Dysbiosis and Alzheimer's Disease , Prabhodha Hospital Pvt Ltd, Grant, 2023 ‑ 2026, $50,588.
  • Assessing the anti-inflammatory properties of short chain fatty acids in Alzheimer's disease (AD) , Premium International (Pvt) Ltd, Scholarships to support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2021 ‑ 2026, $80,500.
  • In vivo analysis of Sorghum polyphenols in Alzheimer’s disease Worm models, Ingredients by Design Pty Ltd, Grant, 2023 ‑ 2024, $13,025.
  • Sponsorship of Research Fellow (multiple roles), Lions Alzheimer's Foundation, Sponsorship, 2022 ‑ 2024, $953,000.
  • Sponsorship of Research Fellows (multiple roles), Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation, Australian Alzheimer's Research Foundation - Sponsorship, 2022 ‑ 2024, $1,480,000.
  • In vitro assessment to evaluate the potential effects of polyphenol extracts from sorghum on Alzheimer's disease (AD), CWEK Pty Ltd, Scholarships to Support Industry Engagement PhD Projects, 2018 ‑ 2023, $32,500.
  • In vitro assessment to evaluate the potential effect of Gallic acid on Alzheimer’s disease, Al Faris Food Industries Pvt. Ltd., Scholarships to Support Industry Engagement MBR Projects, 2018 ‑ 2023, $39,000.
  • Short chain fatty acids are a useful therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. , Hollywood Private Hospital Research Foundation, Grant, 2013 ‑ 2016, $20,000.
  • Use of coconut oil as a novel neuro protective agent for Alzheimer’s disease, Edith Cowan University, School of Medical and Health Sciences Research Grant Scheme 2016, 2016, $9,203.

Research Student Supervision

Current Supervisions

Principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Development and Validation of an Ultrasensitive Single Molecule Array Digital Assay for Human Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Role of Microbial Dysbiosis in Alzheimer's Disease
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Crosstalk between Microbiota Gut-Brain Axis and Alzheimer's Disease; Role of gut dysbiosis in cognitive impairment
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The Contribute of Diet on the Relationship Between Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety, and Alzheimer's Disease
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Assessing neuroprotective effects of short chain fatty acids and medium chain fatty acids in Alzheimer's disease
  • Doctor of Philosophy, In vivo Analysis of Sorghum Polyphenols in Alzheimer's Disease Worm Models

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, Small molecule proteostasis enhancers for Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Investigation of neurofilament light protein as a diagnostic blood biomarker for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Mulitple sclerosis, and childhood dementia

Completed Supervisions

Co-principal Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy, In vitro assessment to evaluate the potential effects of polyphenol extracts from sorghum on Alzheimer's disease
  • Master of Medical and Health Science by Research, Developing and optimizing methods for grape seed polyphenol extraction

Associate Supervisor

  • Doctor of Philosophy: Development and quality evaluation of bioactive rich drink powder based on sea buckthorn
  • Doctor of Philosophy; The role of virgin coconut oil in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease
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