Seminar

Prof. Suryani presented material on Nanophotosensitizer (Photo: Febriska)

The Physics Department of FMIPA UGM held a seminar titled “Nanophotosensitizer with Natural Bioreductants to Increase the Efficacy of Antibacterial Effects” on Wednesday, Mar 27^th 2024, virtually. The speaker at this event was Prof. Dr. Suryani Dyah Astuti, M.Sc., a researcher and lecturer from Universitas Airlangga. This seminar was held with the hope of expanding knowledge increasing public interest in medical physics and providing information about downstream products beneficial for the community. Seminar participants came not only from lecturers, researchers, and students but also from the general public.

“One of the serious challenges in the field of health is the increasing antibiotic resistance by pathogenic microorganisms causing infections. Resistant organisms can withstand the effects of antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals, and others. As a result, the use of standard treatments becomes ineffective in combating infections. Photodynamic inactivation therapy (PDI) offers an alternative route utilizing silver nanoparticles synthesized from grape seeds as nano photosensitizers that enhance antibacterial efficacy. PDI method is a non-invasive, non-ionizing photon-based method that is safe and effective in killing infection-causing microbes,” said Prof. Suryani.

Prof. Suryani presented material on photophysics (Photo: Febriska)

The material presented was an introduction to research results beneficial to the community, such as in the medical sector. For example, the utilization of local raw materials from local plant extracts as reductants for green synthesis of nanoparticles that are safe and have antibacterial properties by the activities contained in plants.

“How do we commercialize research products and establish partnerships to support the commercialization process?” asked one of the participants. Then, Prof. Suryani explained the commercialization scheme with partners. “The way is to share with supportive partners. Research nowadays tends to be commercialized. So, we need to optimize production first so that the prototype is mature for large-scale production. Then, conduct test markets such as product introduction. It can be done by providing the product for trial. Next, inquire about the results and then contact the partner. So, start optimizing for industrial scale. It is essential for us to have a team in collaboration, for example, involving doctors or other professions,” said Prof. Suryani.

The presentation of research product results from medical physics reflects SDG number 3, Good Health and Well-being, to the community to be utilized in daily life, especially in the field of health such as affordable drugs and biomedical treatment. In addition, the presentation of the technical flow of research product commercialization encourages lecturers and researchers to collaborate with industries for the commercialization of research results, thus reflecting SDG number 9, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

Keywords: Nanophotosensitizer, biomedical, medical treatment, good health and well-being, industry

Author: Febriska Noor Fitriana

Photos: Febriska Noor Fitriana