UNAIR NEWSÌý“ is intensifying its participation in various scientific forums.ÌýIt can be seen from academics™ involvement at conference activities at local and international level to improve their knowledge. The conferences can also be a forum for the academics to carry out research development.
This time Prof.ÌýDr.ÌýNyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si., a professor from Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) UNAIR had the opportunity to attend 4ÌýthÌýGreen & Sustainable Chemistry ConferenceÌýin Dresden, Germany, on 5-8 May.ÌýIn the conference, she presented her research on processing biomass from agricultural waste.
“My presentation was Research Based Learning on Biomass Acting Enzymes to Develop Human Resources for Green Technology Competency in ASEAN Countries,” explained Prof.ÌýNyoman in her e-mail on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.
According to Prof. Nyoman, processing biomass from agricultural waste can produce more useful natural ingredients, such as organic fertilizer, animal feed, and used paper processing.ÌýBefore becoming a natural ingredient, biomass processing will go through biodegradation process with an enzyme calledÌýexcelzyme.
Excelzyme is a consortium enzyme that maximizes the use of agricultural waste.ÌýIt is the result of Prof.ÌýNyoman™s research with the team of UNAIR Biological Molecular Engineering Research Center for nearly two decades.ÌýExcelzyme has also obtained patent rights and is recognized in theÌýGenBankÌýandÌýProtein Data BankÌý(PDB).
“Besides attendingÌýconferences, I also took partÌýin a workshopÌýon the first day, ‘Be an entrepreneur!Ìý– A Workshop for Curious Scientists’.ÌýWe discussed about the downstream process of research products into commercial products so that they benefit the community,” said the professor of biochemistry.
Prof.ÌýNyoman said that at the conference, she met many great people.ÌýThey had a great discussion and gave input to each other, such as on how to change the research results into a potential business.
“They gave me an advice not toÌýpublishÌýproducts before they were patented.ÌýFurthermore, we must also be able to convinceÌýstakeholdersÌýif our products are very good and have competitive prices.ÌýWe have to be sure it can be commercialized,” said Satyalancana winner.
ÌýPromoting UNAIR International Programs
As Executive Director ofÌýAirlangga Global EngagementÌý(AGE), the conference in Germany was used well by Prof.ÌýNyoman to promoteÌýAcademic Mobility Exchange for Undergraduate at AirlanggaÌý(AMERTA).ÌýIt is a program attended by local students, as well as international students, such as from Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Philippines, Malaysia and Cambodia.
“In AMERTA Program, there were also courses that IÌýtaught,ÌýEnzymology.ÌýBesides taking place in the classroom, there are field lectures and practices in proteomic laboratories at UNAIR Biological Molecular Engineering Research Center, ” she explained.
During the lecture process, they will learn about thermophilic microorganisms from hot springs, then select it to produce a potential biomass degrading enzyme.ÌýThrough theÌýEnzymologyÌýclass, students are expected to design their research related to isolation, selection, characterization, and production of biomass processing enzymes so that they will also preserve the nature.
“The team and I also took the time to hold an alumni gathering with AMERTA students from Germany.ÌýWe hope they can become ambassadors in promoting UNAIR’s international programs, ” she concluded.Ìý(*)
Author: Nabila Amelia
Editor: Feri Fenoria Rifa’i
