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News Release
Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a general lecture delivered by Dr. Kengo Suzuki, Co-Founder and Head of Research at Euglena Co. Ltd., Japan. The lecture, titled “Research and Development on the Functional Components Derived from Microalgae,” was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., with Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc. as the moderator. It was attended by lecturers and students from UGM, Sanata Dharma University, Atmajaya University, and Ahmad Dahlan University.
The lecture provided in-depth insights into Euglena sp. research, covering strain isolation, purification, mass cultivation, and harvesting processes. Known for its resilience in low pH conditions, Euglena sp. holds significant potential for large-scale applications such as CO2 capture, phytoremediation, food supplements, animal feed, fuel, and fertilizers. Since 2018, Euglena Co. Ltd. has collaborated with the Faculty of Biology UGM to advance research on Euglena sp. isolation and cultivation in Indonesia, including genetic modification through polyploidization by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., and his team. The Faculty, along with researchers from the PUI-PT Mikroalga UGM led by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., has also discovered a local Euglena sp. strain ready for mass cultivation.
During their visit, the Euglena Co. Ltd delegation visited UGM’s microalgae cultivation facilities in Nogotirto and Minggir. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, emphasized the importance of strengthening research partnerships. The visit also included researchers from PT Jawa Power, who are interested in collaborating on microalgae research for fuel and CO2 capture with Euglena Co. Ltd and the Faculty of Biology UGM.
This collaboration aligns with the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to sustainable development goals. The Faculty is dedicated not only to advancing science and technology but also to applying sustainability principles in all aspects of research and education. This partnership aims to produce innovations with positive impacts on the environment and society. The Faculty of Biology UGM strives to become a leading center in microalgae research, integrating scientific knowledge with sustainable practices for a better future. This initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), reflecting the Faculty’s dedication to health, quality education, and access to clean energy.
The rapid advancement of technology has caused significant concern among the residents of Kampung Terban, particularly in RW 5, due to the rise in juvenile delinquency. Addressing technological advancement requires anticipation and preparation to mitigate its negative impacts. One such negative impact is sexual violence, proven by easy access to pornography on the internet, cases of cybersex, and promiscuity among children and teenagers. Even though Kampung Terban RW 5 is close to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), sexual education has not yet reached the residents of Kampung Terban RW 5. The societal taboo on sex education is a reason sexual education is rarely taught by parents or teachers in schools. However, sexual education is a crucial foundation for reducing cases of sexual violence.
Based on the issue the team from UGM consists of Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Biology 2022), Aulia Robiatul Adawiyah (Biology 2022), Diyan Ulsa (Psychology 2022), Danila Nur Rahmawati (Environmental Geography 2022), and Alma Puska Falasyifa (Biology 2022), under the guidance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si conducted community service program titled “SCASE: School of Sexuality Education through Smart Snakes and Ladders Game as a Character-Building Medium for Kampung Terban Residents,” focuses on delivering age-appropriate sexual education, as recommended by WHO, through an interactive Snakes and Ladders game. This method ensures that the material is both well-understood and engaging.
Through the SCASE program, Hafifah and her team aim to enhance the welfare of the local community by empowering Desa Mitra. They use socialization, education, and training with the youth organization Karang Taruna Kampung Terban RW 5 (R05TER). Adina, a member of R05TER, stated, “There is a desire among the community to learn about sexual education, but they are still confused about where to start because it is considered a taboo topic, and there has never been a sexual education outreach program in this village.”
Supriyanto, the head of RW 5 Kampung Terban, said, “This program greatly assists the community, especially parents, who are unsure how to start discussions on sexual education with their children. It has had a very positive impact, particularly on children, who now understand which parts of their bodies should not be touched by others and know how to protect themselves to prevent sexual violence.”
The program expected to provide proper sexual education for residents Kampung Terban RW 5, and the community will be better prepared to face potential cases of sexual violence. It also hoped that the program would inspire other initiatives focused on sexual education, whether by the government or other community empowerment organizations. Author: Hafifah Nur Ainiyah.
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
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
The Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), in collaboration with the Department of Biology at Andalas University, the Department of Biology at Padang State University, and the Biology Education Study Program at PGRI University of West Sumatra, successfully organized the National Working Meeting (Rakernas). The Rakernas, also attended by a delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM, was held at the Convention Hall of Andalas University, Padang, West Sumatra, and lasted for three days, from July 16-18, 2024.
The Rakernas was attended by 55 participants who were representatives of biology-related study programs throughout Indonesia. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and also the Chairman of KOBI. Additionally, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as well as several senior lecturers and researchers were present at the event.
The Rakernas was officially opened by the Governor of West Sumatra, represented by the Provincial Secretary of West Sumatra, Drs. Hansastri, Ak., M.M., CFrA. In his speech, he mentioned that the West Sumatra Provincial Government has collaborated in research with Andalas University, one of which includes the development of essential oils and human resource development. The event was then officially opened by the Chairman of KOBI, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who emphasized the importance of Indonesia as the number one megabiodiversity country in the world and encouraged biologists to complete marine biodiversity data, especially for the deep sea. “We hope that KOBI meetings become a platform for networking in every national working meeting and congress,” he said. The Rector of Andalas University, Dr. Efa Yonnedi, stressed the importance of meetings and networking in promoting collaboration and synergy between universities.
The Rakernas was officially opened by the Governor of West Sumatra, represented by the Provincial Secretary of West Sumatra, Drs. Hansastri, Ak., M.M., CFrA. In his speech, he mentioned that the West Sumatra Provincial Government has collaborated in research with Andalas University, one of which includes the development of essential oils and human resource development. The event was then officially opened by the Chairman of KOBI, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who emphasized the importance of Indonesia as the number one megabiodiversity country in the world and encouraged biologists to complete marine biodiversity data, especially for the deep sea. “We hope that KOBI meetings become a platform for networking in every national working meeting and congress,” he said. The Rector of Andalas University, Dr. Efa Yonnedi, stressed the importance of meetings and networking in promoting collaboration and synergy between universities.
This Rakernas discussed various important topics, including the progress and results of research on the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI); updates on the IBI and MKDH databases; Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG); and sharing achievements from Kedaireka/Matching Fund/Program Dana Padanan grants. Additionally, presentations on the Biodiversity Curator Profession program and a workshop on evaluating postgraduate curricula were also main agenda items. The event, which was filled with various discussion sessions and workshops, aimed to enhance the capacity and competence of biology researchers. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM also actively participated in these sessions, sharing their experiences and knowledge in various fields. The Rakernas continued with the International Conference on Fundamental and Applied Biology (ICOFAB) which was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and concluded with community service activities and a field trip as the closing of the Rakernas series.
The KOBI Rakernas not only served as a forum for the exchange of scientific knowledge but also reinforced KOBI’s commitment to supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly enhancing inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration (SDG 17). Additionally, this event promoted the advancement of biological sciences in Indonesia, especially in biodiversity conservation, including the preservation of marine (SDG 14) and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15), and the application of biological sciences for environmental sustainability.
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]
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]
Yogyakarta, 17 July 2024 – The second lecture session in the series of the 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development, Faculty of Biology Universitas, Gadjah Mada was held after the opening and first online lecture session, last Monday (15/7). Dr. Nick Girkin from the School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom was present as a resource person at the second session of the lecture with the title “Sustainable Tropical Agriculture” as part of the main theme of this year’s summer course, Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity.
Faculty of Biology UGM lecturer as well as Chief Executive of this year’s summer course, Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, M.Env.Sc., D.Phil., acted as moderator for the second lecture session. He introduced Dr. Nick as a speaker from the University of Nottingham with his presentation which raised the issue of sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Nick started the lecture by asking the participants a question: what are the sustainability challenges in tropical agriculture? Dr. Nick mentioned several serious challenges to agriculture today: climate impact, soil erosion, water pollution, land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and high production costs. The urgency of this challenge leads to several main problems including climate change, food security, and carbon emission reduction targets.
Climate change, land degradation, and pests and diseases are at least a concern for the agricultural corps, including tea, coffee and cocoa plantations. This condition has impacts on reducing the quality of production, water resources, outbreaks and decreasing the population and diversity of pollinators. Dr. Nick mentioned the use of alternative fertilizers, agroforestry, ecological management and minimizing the use of pesticides as mitigation efforts. This is different with non-perennial plants such as rice, Dr. Nick said the DNDC system or DeNitrification-DeComposition) is a rice farming model that can simulate the greenhouse gases produced.
The summer course participants were enthusiastic in attending all the lectures, it is hoped that through these activities students can contribute to innovation in the development of sustainable agricultural systems while maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and biodiversity within it.
Yogyakarta, 15 July 2024 – The 7th International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development continues to provide inspiration and education by raising the topic “Sustainable Bioprospecting on Tropical Biodiversity.” The series of activities began with the opening which took place on Monday (15/7) afternoon which was followed by online lectures.
The International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development (ISC) is an annual activity regularly held by the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. In its seventh year, 37 students from 6 countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Japan, Pakistan and Thailand) and 12 universities will participate in all activities and 18 participants from 5 other countries (Myanmar, Netherlands, Algeria, India, and Egypt) participated in the online lecture series. ISC also involves experts from various countries to participate as speakers including from Malaysia, Great Britain, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Egypt and Indonesia.
The ISC’s chief executive, Mukhlis Jamal Musa Hole M.Env.Sc., D.Phil., gave a speech at the online opening on Wednesday (15/7). He also explained series of online and offline activities that would be carried out until early August. Activities will focus on education on sustainable bioprospecting and tropical biodiversity in Indonesia.
The agenda continued with an online lecture moderated by Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. and speaker Ts. Dr. Noor Jannatun Naim Binti Jemali from the University of Malaysia Kelantan. Dr. Jan gave a lecture focusing on the prospects for forest resources. In her lecture, Dr. Jan highlighted the various functions of forests that produce wood and non-wood products. She emphasized the critical challenge of tropical forest degradation and deforestation, and noted forest loss of 90% in the last six decades. This alarming rate of deforestation underscores the importance of continued bioprospecting and conservation efforts.
This first lecture is expected to provide knowledge about the urgency of conservation and preservation of forests and ecosystems in supporting sustainable development. Efforts to support the issue of forest conservation and climate change are also being promoted through ongoing collaborative discourse between the state and universities.
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]