Sandya Shiranthi At Athukoralalage

Dr Sandya Athukoralalage's research focuses on transforming renewable biomass into advanced materials for healthcare, packaging, and environmental applications. Her work combines materials engineering, nanotechnology, and microbiology to develop functional cellulose-based materials with antimicrobial and low-fouling properties.

A major focus of her research is the design of nanocellulose coatings that help prevent microbial contamination while offering sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. She is also interested in converting agricultural and marine biomass into high-value products, creating new opportunities for resource recovery and sustainable manufacturing.

Her research interests include:

• Materials-microbe interactions
• Antimicrobial and low-fouling coatings
• Nanocellulose production and surface engineering
• Biomass valorisation

During her PhD, Dr Athukoralalage developed dual-functional nanocellulose coatings that combined antimicrobial and antibiofouling performance within a single bio-based material platform. Her current projects include sustainable antimicrobial coatings for healthcare applications, bioactive packaging technologies, and the development of value-added materials from marine biomass.

Her contributions have been recognised through competitive research funding, the 2024 Women in STEM Award from Goethe-Institut Australien, and the 2026 Swiss-Army Scientist Award from the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis for outstanding cross-facility technical expertise.