JAKARTA – In facing global challenges such as food crises, increasing various diseases, and the threat of environmental damage, continuous solutions through science are very important.
One of the areas that plays a central role in responding to these challenges is plant biotechnology, which is now growing rapidly in Indonesia through educational institutions and research.
According to Prof. Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar, Head of the Center for Food Biotechnology Research and lecturers at the BINUS University Department of Biotechnology, food and health security are two important pillars that are inseparable from the nation’s sustainability.
“The first food security, the second is regarding health, the third is environmental factors. So I want to convey, first of all, we really want to answer a national problem, which is basically the biggest disease or death caused by cancer,” explained Prof. Nesti, when met at BINUS Campus Anggrek, West Jakarta on Tuesday, July 1.
Based on this urgency, the research team from the Food Biotechnology Research Center (FBRC) BINUS University has developed a variety of innovations based on local Indonesian plants, which not only excel biotechnology but also have a direct impact on public health and the environment.
One of the results of leading research is the development of the rat taro (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.), an Indonesian medicinal plant known to have anticancer and antioxidants.
Since 2012, Prof. Nesti and his team conducted intensive research on rat taro using in vitro tissue culture techniques to increase the content of bioactive compounds. As a result, three superior varieties were successfully developed, namely tybobio, typonearaga, and binusantara 1.
These three varieties show a much higher potential than their original plants. In fact, two of them have obtained Plant Variety Protection Rights (PVT) from the Ministry of Agriculture.
“We are present at BINUS, researching rat taro plants as raw material for cancer prevention drugs. And we have produced three new qualities, which have a value ten times more effective as raw material for anti-cancer,” explained Prof. Nesti.
Extractions of these superior varieties have been tested in vitro against breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and show high cytoxymic capability, even capable of apoptosis-induced cancer cells within 24 hours.
Not only stopping at the laboratory, the results of this research are now formulated into functional products called Tyherbs, supplements from rat-carrying tubers that are designed to maintain health and help prevent breast cancer.
“So if the BPOM permit has been issued, it is hoped that we can immediately consume the part of the patient,” he added.
This product is currently in the stage of applying for a distribution permit to BPOM and will soon be available in the form of capsules. This step is a tangible form of community empowerment-based research and downstreaming of research results, in accordance with the Positive Empowering principle carried by BINUS.
Not only focusing on medicinal plants, but FBRC BINUS also contributes to local food development, one of which is through the innovation of superior banana horns called Pisang TORPEDO.
TORPEDO Pisang is the result of somaklonal variations through tissue culture, which was developed since 2013’2016. This variety shows high yield stability, with a larger per bunch weight than horn banana in general.
“One tree produces 17 kilograms. So this is one of the answers to the national food problem,” said Prof. Nesti.
This Pisang also has a low glycemic index value, so it is safe for diabetics to consume. TORPEDO seeds have also been registered to obtain plant varieties protection from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Complementing a holistic approach in the field of biotechnology, the BINUS University Biotechnology study program also produces various eco-enzyme products made from organic waste such as fruit, water, and sugar skin.
This product is then fermented to produce a high-antibacterial multipurpose liquid. This eco-enzyme derivative product includes natural hand washing soap, versatile antibacterial spray, and environmentally friendly liquid detergents.
Laboratory tests demonstrate its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. Not only that, this eco-enzyme concept is in line with the zero waste movement and the goals of SDGs 13 (Civil Action).
“We are developing innovation through eco-engineering that is environmentally friendly and has a function for waste. This is what we have worked on in Life Science,” explained Prof. Nesti.
It doesn’t stop there, the Life Science BINUS team is also exploring the potential for amethyst as a natural anti-inflammatory and a substitute for mild anesthetic in the medical world.
“This tube can be used later for inflammation or used for operational time ingredients as a substitute for drugs,” said Prof. Nesti.
At the momentum of the 44th Anniversary of BINUS University, biotechnology innovation led by Prof. Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar became an important milestone in academic contributions in responding to national and global issues. Starting from the taro of mice as an anticancer plant, TORPEDO banana as the food of the future, to eco-enzyme for environmental sustainability, everything became a tangible manifestation of BINUS’ vision in the ‘Empowering the Society’.
“We hope that the positive empowering results will support sustainable development goals. And the second is increasing food security. The third is reducing organic waste and providing benefits to the wider community through the products produced.” concluded Prof. Nesti.
The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language.
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