Pada hari Senin, 2 Oktober 2023 sampai dengan Sabtu, 7 Oktober 2023 Tim MBKM Penelitian mahasiswa Program Sarjana Fakultas Biologi UGM Angkatan 2020, yaitu: Nellis Nadinda, Syariva Habiba, dan Erna Indahwati, melakukan penelitian ke PT. Gizi Indonesia, yaitu salah satu mitra MBKM Fakultas Biologi UGM, yang terletak di Jl. Veteran II No.1, Tlk. Pinang, Kecamatan Ciawi, Kabupaten Bogor, Jawa Barat, 16720. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memproses ekstrak kering Gama Melon Parfum dalam pelaksanaan Program Penelitian Merdeka Belajar-Kampus Medreka (Lit-MBKM) Tahun 2023. Ketiga mahasiswa tersebut dibimbing oleh Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. dan Ayi Indah Utami sebagai pembimbing mitra MBKM selama di PT. Gizi Indonesia.
Gizi Indonesia is a pioneer in the production of cosmetics and natural traditional Indonesian products, established since 1972, and adheres to the Halal Assurance System and follows the CPKB (Good Cosmetic Manufacturing Practice) BPOM Certificate. PT. Gizi Indonesia envisions becoming a leading company that provides natural-based skin care and innovative products. They continue to develop facial care products such as skin brightening, anti-aging, and acne care products. PT. Gizi Indonesia promises to consistently deliver safe and free-from-harm products by implementing the Halal Assurance System (HAS) certified by the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI) and registered with BPOM.
During the MBKM activity at PT. Gizi Indonesia, the three students engaged in various activities, including learning about the basic ingredients used in formulating a cosmetic product and their respective functions. They also learned about the process flow and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for creating new products at PT. Gizi Indonesia. On the third day, they conducted a trial on Melon GMP powder extract using 96% alcohol and distilled water. In the 96% alcohol solution, the Melon GMP powder extract was poorly soluble and had a cloudy appearance, whereas in the distilled water mixture, it dissolved easily and had a clearer color. Finally, on the last day, they collaborated on researching and formulating a sheet mask using Melon GMP powder extract as the base material. After formulating, they immediately conducted a sheet mask production experiment in the laboratory.
According to Dr. Wiko, this activity marks the initial step towards further research on the utilization of Gamma Melon Parfum (Cucumis melo L. ‘GMP’), which is a result of research at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, but is not suitable for consumption. Therefore, the GMP melon is directed as a raw material in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or other health-related industries. “I hope this process can be a consistent initial stage in uncovering various other potentials of secondary metabolites in this GMP melon,” Dr. Wiko stated. With this research, it is hoped that it will lead to the creation of new products as an innovation in the field of beauty and skin care.