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Highlighting the Potential for Developing Eco-Friendly Sunscreen from Seaweed, UGM Biology Students Win Bronze Medal at International Essay Competition

AchivementsNews ReleaseStudent Activities Monday, 22 July 2024

The UGM Biology team, consisting of Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), Laila Nurul Ilma (Biology 2021), and Fika Zulfiani (Biology 2021), successfully earned a Bronze Medal Quartile nomination in the Scientific Paper competition at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024. The subtheme of their entry was “Environmental Sustainability Innovation.” AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya. This year’s theme was “Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.” Forty-two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.


The team presented an essay titled “Algae Screens: Eco-friendly Sunscreen Based on Red Algae (Palmaria palmata) as an Effort to Prevent Damaged Coral Reef Ecosystems.” The paper was inspired by Indonesia’s abundant coral reefs, which are threatened by degradation, partly due to sunscreen chemicals dissolving in the water. Chemicals in conventional sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate can lead to coral bleaching. As a result, research conducted to develop eco-friendly sunscreen from natural ingredients. The natural compounds focused in this research were Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs), abundant in red algae like Palmaria palmata. The research employed a literature study and molecular docking methods between MAA compounds (mycosporine glycine, porphyra-334, and shinorine) as ligands and the target protein Procollagen C-endopeptidase 1 (PCOLCE1). PCOLCE1 is a protein involved in regulating skin aging due to UV exposure, while the three MAA compounds used are known to possess the best antioxidant properties among MAA compounds. The research found that all three MAA compounds could bind to the target protein PCOLCE1, with porphyra-334 being the most effective. Therefore, the Algae-Screen product has the potential to be an effective natural sunscreen alternative to prevent photoaging while being safe for coral reef ecosystems. However, further research is needed to develop and refine the Algae-Screen formulation.



Author: Irfan Agus Nugroho

Highlighting on High Incidence of Stunting in Indonesia UGM Biology Students Win Silver Medals in International Essay Competition

AchivementsNews ReleaseStudent Activities Monday, 22 July 2024

The CEREALGAE team from The Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Hana Salwa (Biology 2022) along with Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), successfully won a Silver Medal Quartile at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024 competition. The AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, with the theme ‘’Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.’’ Forty two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.


The team presented an essay titled “CEREALGAE: Cereal Formulation Based on Brown Algae (Sargassum sp.) Fortified with Moringa Leaves as a Food Diversification Strategy to Prevent Stunting.” The essay was motivated by the high stunting incidence in Indonesia. Aligned with the government’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition, along with the “Gerakan Nasional (GerNas)” program, food diversification can be a preventive measure to ensure that toddlers receive proper nutrition. One approach to achieving this goal is to optimize the utilization of natural ingredients, such as Sargassum sp. and moringa leaves, as functional food ingredients.

Sargassum sp. is a type of brown algae with high abundance and contains macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and several micronutrients. The protein in Sargassum sp. can aid in cell regeneration during growth and repair, making it recommended for children’s growth phases. Fortifying food with moringa leaf powder can increase the protein, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium content. Moringa leaf powder contains about 27.1 g of protein, making it an excellent alternative to animal protein. A study indicates that moringa leaf fortification can significantly increase toddler weight and reduce acute nutrient deficiencies two months after consumption. The Indonesian society’s tendency to consume instant or fast food prompted the biology student team to create a functional food innovation in the form of cereal made from Sargassum sp. and moringa leaves. This innovation is expected to be one solution to reduce the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia through functional food diversification utilizing natural ingredients. Author: Kamilia Hana Salwa.

Highlighting on High Incidence of Stunting in Indonesia UGM Biology Students Win Silver Medals in International Essay Competition

AchivementsNews Release Saturday, 20 July 2024

The CEREALGAE team from The Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Hana Salwa (Biology 2022) along with Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), successfully won a Silver Medal Quartile at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024 competition. The AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, with the theme ‘’Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.’’ Forty two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.


The team presented an essay titled “CEREALGAE: Cereal Formulation Based on Brown Algae (Sargassum sp.) Fortified with Moringa Leaves as a Food Diversification Strategy to Prevent Stunting.” The essay was motivated by the high stunting incidence in Indonesia. Aligned with the government’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and improve nutrition, along with the “Gerakan Nasional (GerNas)” program, food diversification can be a preventive measure to ensure that toddlers receive proper nutrition. One approach to achieving this goal is to optimize the utilization of natural ingredients, such as Sargassum sp. and moringa leaves, as functional food ingredients.

Sargassum sp. is a type of brown algae with high abundance and contains macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and several micronutrients. The protein in Sargassum sp. can aid in cell regeneration during growth and repair, making it recommended for children’s growth phases. Fortifying food with moringa leaf powder can increase the protein, zinc, iron, calcium, and magnesium content. Moringa leaf powder contains about 27.1 g of protein, making it an excellent alternative to animal protein. A study indicates that moringa leaf fortification can significantly increase toddler weight and reduce acute nutrient deficiencies two months after consumption. The Indonesian society’s tendency to consume instant or fast food prompted the biology student team to create a functional food innovation in the form of cereal made from Sargassum sp. and moringa leaves. This innovation is expected to be one solution to reduce the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia through functional food diversification utilizing natural ingredients. Author: Kamilia Hana Salwa

UGM Students Offer Dayak Onion as an Effective Treatment for Tongue Cancer

AchivementsNews ReleaseStudent Activities Thursday, 18 July 2024

Universitas Gadjah Mada students Ribka Wijayanti and Dwina Aulia (Dentistry 2022), Anisah Qurrotu Aini (Biology 2022), and Naila Nurfadhilah (Pharmacy 2022) conducted research on the potential of Dayak onion as an antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing agent for human tongue cancer cells – under the guidance of Prof. drg. Supriatno, M.Kes., MD.Sc., Ph.D..


Dayak onion (Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb.) is a medicinal herb commonly used by the indigenous Dayak people and can be cultivated in various regions. Besides health benefits, this research also positively impacts the local economy. This research focuses on developing a natural therapy for tongue cancer by addressing the shortcomings of existing therapy. Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles, or PDENs, from Dayak onion, serve as a drug delivery method derived from Dayak onion exosomes.

“Cancer occurs due to the activity of proto-oncogenes, leading to excessive cell proliferation and the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes. We used PDENs because they have proven to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer. Based on this, we wanted to explore its potential for tongue cancer treatment, ‘’ explained Ribka.

Ribka noted that using PDENs from Dayak onion induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and reduced the number of proliferating cells.

“Dayak onions have a powerful IC50 equivalent to 38.97 ppm. This value is superior to other medicinal plants, such as soursop leaves and bajakah roots. The various therapeutic compounds in Dayak onion cannot be utilized as therapeutic agents using common extraction methods. However, with PDENs, all therapeutic compounds can be delivered to the target organ,” Anisah elaborated.

This research project was submitted as part of the Student Creativity Program in Exact Research (PKM-RE) with research funding support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to conduct in-depth research and analysis on the potential of PDENs extract from Dayak onion. It hoped that this interdisciplinary collaborative research can inspire further exploration of natural potentials to improve human quality of life. [Writer: AQA]

UGM Students Offer Dayak Onion as an Effective Treatment for Tongue Cancer

AchivementsNews ReleaseStudent Activities Thursday, 18 July 2024

Universitas Gadjah Mada students Ribka Wijayanti and Dwina Aulia (Dentistry 2022), Anisah Qurrotu Aini (Biology 2022), and Naila Nurfadhilah (Pharmacy 2022) conducted research on the potential of Dayak onion as an antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing agent for human tongue cancer cells – under the guidance of Prof. drg. Supriatno, M.Kes., MD.Sc., Ph.D..


Dayak onion (Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb.) is a medicinal herb commonly used by the indigenous Dayak people and can be cultivated in various regions. Besides health benefits, this research also positively impacts the local economy. This research focuses on developing a natural therapy for tongue cancer by addressing the shortcomings of existing therapy. Plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles, or PDENs, from Dayak onion, serve as a drug delivery method derived from Dayak onion exosomes.

“Cancer occurs due to the activity of proto-oncogenes, leading to excessive cell proliferation and the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes. We used PDENs because they have proven to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in various types of cancer. Based on this, we wanted to explore its potential for tongue cancer treatment, ‘’ explained Ribka.

Ribka noted that using PDENs from Dayak onion induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells and reduced the number of proliferating cells.

“Dayak onions have a powerful IC50 equivalent to 38.97 ppm. This value is superior to other medicinal plants, such as soursop leaves and bajakah roots. The various therapeutic compounds in Dayak onion cannot be utilized as therapeutic agents using common extraction methods. However, with PDENs, all therapeutic compounds can be delivered to the target organ,” Anisah elaborated.

This research project was submitted as part of the Student Creativity Program in Exact Research (PKM-RE) with research funding support from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to conduct in-depth research and analysis on the potential of PDENs extract from Dayak onion. It hoped that this interdisciplinary collaborative research can inspire further exploration of natural potentials to improve human quality of life. [Writer: AQA]

UGM Biology and Pharmacy Students Create Topical Patch Combining Fish Oil and Sugarcane Bagasse Biosilica for Diabetic Wound Healing

AchivementsNews Release Thursday, 18 July 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global public health issue that can lead to macrovascular and microvascular complications. In Indonesia, the prevalence of DM among adults reaches 10.6%. Ineffective DM management can result in long-term metabolic, neurological, or vascular complications, making DM patients more susceptible to foot infections, which can increase the incidence of amputations. According to data from the Ministry of Health 2023, over one million DM patients in Indonesia have undergone foot amputations, with approximately 80% of these amputations beginning with foot ulcers. The prolonged infection of diabetic wounds is caused by high blood glucose levels, which increase bacterial proliferation. This issue exacerbated by immune system deficiencies, leading to restricted mobility and decreased daily productivity.


Based on this issue, Biology and Pharmacy UGM students Zahwa Khoirun Nisa (Biology 2022), Zatun Nithoghani Hafni (Biology 2021), Muhammad Nur Ikhsan (Biology 2021), Sekar Ayu Kusumawardani (Pharmacy 2022) and Alvian Chesyar Burhanudin (Pharmacy 2022) was developed a topical patch using two local Indonesian natural products: catfish oil and sugarcane bagasse biosilica, as an alternative treatment for diabetic wounds under guidance Dr. Adhyatmika, M.Biotech. This research, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, is part of the Student Creativity Program in Exact Research (PKM-RE).

The regular treatment for diabetic wounds is antibiotic therapy. However, excessive use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making treatment less effective. “We chose the patch formulation in this study to prevent excessive use of antibiotics while ensuring drug delivery to the wound with a more measured and controlled dosage,” said Zahwa. Hafni added that the patch formulation is also suitable for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications and avoids the first-pass effect, maintaining the bioavailability of the drug.

Catfish oil contains essential omega-3 fatty acids known to aid in wound healing. An innovation in this study involves adding sugarcane bagasse biosilica to the patch formulation. This biosilica has shown to possess antibacterial activity that supports wound healing.

The bagasse used obtained from the sugarcane milling residues at PT. Madubaru. “We collected the accumulated sugarcane bagasse, then subjected it to furnace treatment at 600°C for 1 hour. The resulting bagasse ash was then dissolved in NaOH and acidified with HCl to form a gel. This gel was then oven-dried to produce silica powder,” explained Ikhsan. The resulting biosilica was combined with catfish oil to create three formulations with different active ingredient concentrations (catfish oil: biosilica), namely F1 = 25:75, F2 = 50:50 and F3 = 75:25. “We made nanoemulsions with these three formulations, measured their particle sizes, then added gel bases to form nanoemulgel, which processed into patch preparations,” Alvian elaborated.

The patches were then tested on diabetic mellitus model rats. “We inflicted wounds on diabetic model rats and applied different treatments, including the three patch formulations. Wound diameter observed from day 1 to day 7,” Sekar said. The data showed the significant effects of the patch treatments on diabetic wound healing. Based on these conclusions, further analysis identified Formulation 1 (25:75) as the best for aiding diabetic wound healing. This research is expected to provide a theoretical foundation for developing comprehensive therapies to accelerate diabetic wound healing. With this advancement, we hope to contribute to improving the quality of life for diabetes patients and help them achieve better health and well-being. [Author: Zahwa Khoirun Nisa]

UGM Biology and Pharmacy Students Create Topical Patch Combining Fish Oil and Sugarcane Bagasse Biosilica for Diabetic Wound Healing

AchivementsNews ReleaseStudent Activities Thursday, 18 July 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global public health issue that can lead to macrovascular and microvascular complications. In Indonesia, the prevalence of DM among adults reaches 10.6%. Ineffective DM management can result in long-term metabolic, neurological, or vascular complications, making DM patients more susceptible to foot infections, which can increase the incidence of amputations. According to data from the Ministry of Health 2023, over one million DM patients in Indonesia have undergone foot amputations, with approximately 80% of these amputations beginning with foot ulcers. The prolonged infection of diabetic wounds is caused by high blood glucose levels, which increase bacterial proliferation. This issue exacerbated by immune system deficiencies, leading to restricted mobility and decreased daily productivity.


Based on this issue, Biology and Pharmacy UGM students Zahwa Khoirun Nisa (Biology 2022), Zatun Nithoghani Hafni (Biology 2021), Muhammad Nur Ikhsan (Biology 2021), Sekar Ayu Kusumawardani (Pharmacy 2022) and Alvian Chesyar Burhanudin (Pharmacy 2022) was developed a topical patch using two local Indonesian natural products: catfish oil and sugarcane bagasse biosilica, as an alternative treatment for diabetic wounds under guidance Dr. Adhyatmika, M.Biotech. This research, funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture, is part of the Student Creativity Program in Exact Research (PKM-RE).

The regular treatment for diabetic wounds is antibiotic therapy. However, excessive use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, making treatment less effective. “We chose the patch formulation in this study to prevent excessive use of antibiotics while ensuring drug delivery to the wound with a more measured and controlled dosage,” said Zahwa. Hafni added that the patch formulation is also suitable for patients who cannot tolerate oral medications and avoids the first-pass effect, maintaining the bioavailability of the drug.

Catfish oil contains essential omega-3 fatty acids known to aid in wound healing. An innovation in this study involves adding sugarcane bagasse biosilica to the patch formulation. This biosilica has shown to possess antibacterial activity that supports wound healing.

The bagasse used obtained from the sugarcane milling residues at PT. Madubaru. “We collected the accumulated sugarcane bagasse, then subjected it to furnace treatment at 600°C for 1 hour. The resulting bagasse ash was then dissolved in NaOH and acidified with HCl to form a gel. This gel was then oven-dried to produce silica powder,” explained Ikhsan. The resulting biosilica was combined with catfish oil to create three formulations with different active ingredient concentrations (catfish oil: biosilica), namely F1 = 25:75, F2 = 50:50 and F3 = 75:25. “We made nanoemulsions with these three formulations, measured their particle sizes, then added gel bases to form nanoemulgel, which processed into patch preparations,” Alvian elaborated.

The patches were then tested on diabetic mellitus model rats. “We inflicted wounds on diabetic model rats and applied different treatments, including the three patch formulations. Wound diameter observed from day 1 to day 7,” Sekar said. The data showed the significant effects of the patch treatments on diabetic wound healing. Based on these conclusions, further analysis identified Formulation 1 (25:75) as the best for aiding diabetic wound healing. This research is expected to provide a theoretical foundation for developing comprehensive therapies to accelerate diabetic wound healing. With this advancement, we hope to contribute to improving the quality of life for diabetes patients and help them achieve better health and well-being. [Author: Zahwa Khoirun Nisa]

Yellow Onion Peel: A Promising Ingredient for Burn Treatment

AchivementsNews Release Monday, 15 July 2024

Burns are injuries involving tissue damage due to contact with heat, radiation, chemicals, or electricity. Burns are challenging to heal and require patient stabilization, infection prevention, and optimal functional recovery. Burn victims are at risk of infection and systemic complications, depending on the burn’s extent and depth, the patient’s age and overall condition, and any pre-existing conditions. In Indonesia, burns have a relatively high prevalence, affecting 1.3% of the entire population.


Recognizing the significance of developing burn treatments, UGM students have developed a new approach to address this issue. They utilized yellow onion skin waste in the form of bilayer nanofiber. This research was conducted by Acenofer team consisting of Naufal Ahmad Fauzy (Pharmacy 2021) as the leader, along with four colleagues: Zulfa Nailil Muna (Physics 2022), Puspita Nur Rahmawati (Biology 2022), Tika Nur Amini (Biology 2022), and Erwinda Dwi Chofifah (Biology 2022), under the guidance of Dr. Retno Murwanti, MP, Ph.D.

“In this research, we used yellow onion skins due to their high levels of quercetin and to preserve the environment. We modified the preparation into bilayer nanofibers to enhance extract penetration into the wound and prevent infection,” Naufal explained.

The research process involved various stages, including extraction, preparation, characterization, in vivo testing, and data analysis. Characterization performed using multiple parameters, including SEM analysis, FTIR, tensile strength test, and contact angle tests. In vivo testing followed by histopathological analysis to observe the healing process within the skin layers.

“Our research showed promising results. The nanofibers were successfully produced with good quality, were not easily damaged, had appropriately sized structures, and in vivo testing showed wound closure by the preparation,” Zulfa said.

This research is expected to become an alternative treatment by leveraging Indonesia’s natural resources, with further research advancing to clinical trials and commercialization for public use. [Writer: Erwinda Dwi Chofifah]

Innovative Solution for Environmental Impact Post-Tin Mining in Bangka Belitung, Biology Students Win 1st Runner-Up at AGRIXPLOSION UNS 2024 Essay Competition

AchivementsNews Release Tuesday, 9 July 2024

A team of undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, class of 2022, led by Azra Belva Naprilian, along with Kotimah and Ridho Nur Alam, won 1st Runner-Up in the essay competition AGRIXPLOSION organized by the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta (UNS). The competition, sponsored by Pertamina, revolved around the theme “Implementing Innovation to Reach Net Zero Emission for a Sustainable Future” featured participants from various universities across Indonesia. The competition included several stages: administration and essay submission, followed by an online presentation on Sunday, June 30, 2024.


In this competition, the biology team presented an essay titled “Utilization of Biofertilizer and Spirulina sp. as Micro-remediators in the Conservation Efforts of Acacia mangium Forests in Post-Tin Mining Ecosystems in Bangka Belitung,” under the guidance of Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D. This innovation addresses the environmental damage caused in Bangka Belitung, the largest tin-producing region, where natural resource exploitation without maintenance efforts has led to ecosystem pollution. The essay proposed a biofertilizer formula combining various microbes capable of micro-remediation of post-mining land. Additionally, the innovation included using a combination of biofertilizer and Spirulina sp. to enhance biofertilizer as a supplementary nutrient provider for microorganisms within it.

Reclamation of post-tin mining land in Bangka Belitung is a crucial step in addressing ecosystem damage caused by mining activities. The combination of micro-remediators and the utilization of microalgae Spirulina sp. can effectively remediate heavy metals. Moreover, biofertilizers can restore essential nutrients and improve soil structure. The planting of Acacia mangium as a phytoremediator has also proven effective in restoring the balance of ecosystems in former mining lands, given its adaptability to heavy metal-contaminated soils. This innovation is expected to minimize the negative impacts of mining and support forest conservation and environmental sustainability in the region. This strategy aligns with The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 15, related to sustainable management of post-mining land, ensuring ecological recovery, and soil productivity for the future.

[Authors: Azra Belva Naprilian and Kotimah]

Student Team From Gadjah Mada University Faculty of Biology Wins 3rd Place in CEWAMA Research Competition

Achivements Wednesday, 3 July 2024

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2024 – A team of students from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University has achieved remarkable success by winning 3rd place in the CEWAMA Research Competition organized by the Indonesian Aviation Polytechnic Curug. This national competition ran from May 29 to June 25, 2024, for the scientific writing phase and concluded with final presentations on July 1, 2024.

The team, named “ALNOCO” (Algae Non Carbon), consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (class of 2021), K.H. Mahadhevy Ryrathna Vidhantyka (class of 2022), and Aqil Muhammad Hafiz (class of 2021). Under the guidance of Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc., and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., they presented a paper titled “INNOVATION OF POME AS A MICROALGAE (Neochloris oleoabundans) SUBSTRATE FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF RENEWABLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY AIRCRAFT FUEL DERIVATIVES.”

In their work, the ALNOCO team addressed the issue of alternative bioavtur from microalgae biomass by utilizing waste POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) as a growth substrate. The biomass of N. oleoabundans, which is rich in lipid content, can be used as an environmentally friendly and renewable alternative for aircraft fuel. The growth and lipid content of N. oleoabundans are influenced by various factors, including optimal nutritional content (N:P:C). POME waste provides the necessary N:P:C levels for N. oleoabundans to grow and accumulate lipids in its cells.

This innovation has significant potential to support environmentally friendly bioavtur production before 2030, with the support of all parties involved in the next stages of testing, including preparing a roadmap for commercialization, However, further discussion is needed to optimize the growth of microalgae in POME waste and extract lipids for making aircraft fuel that minimally pollutes the air. Additionally, the use of microalgae and POME as alternative options has been proven to be safe to process, fulfilling the need for a clean energy transportation system, which will positively impact the environment.

The competition was attended by 56 teams from various universities across Indonesia. The achievements of the ALNOCO team demonstrate their commitment to developing innovative and applicable research. This success also showcases the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University’s ongoing efforts to contribute to the development of sustainable science and technology, aligning with UGM’s SDGs goals in the renewable energy field.