SLIIT Secures Historic First U.S. Patent for Breakthrough Nanoparticle Innovation
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The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) has reached a historic milestone in its research and innovation journey with the publication of its first-ever United States patent, marking a significant achievement for the institution and Sri Lanka’s higher education sector.
The patent, titled “Method of Making Silver Iron Titanate Nanoparticles and Uses Thereof” (U.S. Patent No. 12,509,360 B2), was officially published by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on 30 December 2025. This landmark accomplishment is a major outcome of the AHEAD World Bank grant, awarded to support research innovation and commercialization (RIC) in
Sri Lanka.
The research was conducted by two leading scientists of SLIIT, Prof. Sriyani E. Peiris and Prof. Colin N. Peiris, in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team comprising Mr. Kasun Seneviratne, Prof. Nilwala Kottegoda, and Prof. Imalka Manuweera. The team developed a novel, simple, and cost-effective method for synthesising high-quality silver iron titanate nanoparticles using an ilmenite source, representing a significant advancement over existing synthesis methods.
The synthesised nanoparticles were characterised using a range of advanced analytical techniques and demonstrated superior quality and versatility. Compared to prior art, the disclosed method enables efficient production of high-quality nanoparticles with broad applications across multiple sectors. These include plant tissue culture sterilisation, environmental remediation, antimicrobial technologies, energy conversion, and advanced materials engineering. Notably, the innovation offers an effective solution for preventing contamination during plant tissue culture, a critical challenge in agricultural and industrial biotechnology. With this achievement, SLIIT joins an elite group of Sri Lankan institutions that have successfully secured U.S. patents, alongside the University of Colombo, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and the University of Moratuwa.
Commenting on the achievement, Prof. Sriyani E. Peiris stated, “This patent reflects the dedication, creativity, and hard work of our research team. We are proud that our work has received international recognition and will contribute to innovative solutions in science and technology.”
The research underpinning this patent was funded by the AHEAD World Bank grant awarded to SLIIT, titled “Commercialisation of Low-Cost (CSUP) Micropropagation for Export and Production of Improved Ornamental Plants through Genetic Modifications,” under the Research Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) category. In addition, SLIIT provided institutional funding to continue the research and to support the patent application process.
This U.S. patent highlights the growing strength of Sri Lanka’s research and innovation ecosystem and demonstrates the tangible impact of national and international funding initiatives such as the AHEAD World Bank grant, particularly in empowering non-state higher education institutions to deliver world-class scientific and technological innovations.
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