Sri’s lab discovered that plant-based ionisers, which electrically charge PM2.5 particles and efficiently remove them with negative air ions, can be generated at approximately 100 x 106 ions/ cm³ under pulsed electrical field treatment. This was found to reduce PM2.5 concentration from less than 500 µg/m³ to nearly 0 µg/m³ within five minutes in a closed chamber. Concurrently, plant-based ionisers have also shown potential application in removing aerosol particles, viruses, bacteria and fungi in air.

Sri’s lab developed polyploidy varieties of Choy Sum, Kai Lan and white Bok Choy with over 10% higher biomass and antioxidants. Similar varieties are being bred with EMS mutagenesis. A nutrient medium formulation was also identified to increase lettuce biomass in Kale, red Oak Leaf and Romaine lettuce by up to 30% higher. The medium is further tested on other leafy vegetable varieties and rice.

Through toxicological studies, Sri’s lab identified T3 fraction, a Jatropha seed inner skin based larvicide for safe mosquito control. He continues to propagate and supply critically endangered tree species of Singapore through research collaborations with the National Parks Board.

Simultaneously, Sri aims to develop strategies for carbon farming, using tree species to reduce footprint and explore carbon credit potential. The approach includes an integrated drip irrigation solution with bio-stimulant cocktail to mitigate methane missions in rice fields.

Sri’s lab is also developing a bio-glue to replace toxic Urea Formaldehyde based formulations in wood panel industries. It was found that cotton seed meal and Jatropha kernel meal-based bio-resin formulations worked well with plywood of single species veneers, specifically poplar, eucalyptus and rubberwood in lab and industrial trials.