On Thursday (13/10/2022), the National Metabolomics Collaborative Research Center (PKR) Team, a collaboration between the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Indonesia (FFUI), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and the Martha Tilaar Innovation Center, held a Webinar Series entitled "Green Pharmacy: Prospects and Challenges in Drug Discovery ." This activity was a dissemination of the National Metabolomics Collaborative Research Center , which received funding from the BRIN Wave 1 facilitation grant in 2022.
This collaboration focuses on multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary metabolomics, with very high standards of results relevant to the needs of science and technology users. The series of webinars aims to update public knowledge about the concept of Green Pharmacy, its prospects and challenges for new drug discovery, and to strengthen collaboration between universities, government institutions, and industry.
Dr. apt. Sutriyo, M.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration of FFUI in his remarks revealed that collaboration is one of the keys in accelerating the development of science and technology that is beneficial for the Indonesian Nation and State. "The theme raised regarding green pharmacy is in line with the SDGs which is closely related to the theme of sustainable development," said Dr. Sutriyo. Furthermore, Dr. Sutriyo hopes that this collaboration can produce knowledge and products that increase value in drug development.
This webinar also featured three speakers who are competent in their respective fields. The first speaker, Prof. Dr. apt. Arry Yanuar, M.Si., raised the topic " Computational Approach on Green Chemistry ." Starting his presentation, the Dean of FFUI reviewed the 12 principles of green chemistry . Prof. Arry then concluded his review with a statement, "computational chemistry as a rapidly developing branch of science has an important role in saving the environment through green chemistry in various fields."
The second speaker, A'liyatur Rosyidah, M.Sc., Ph.D., discussed the topic of " Green Synthesis in Nanomedicine ." The Head of the BRIN Nanomedicine Research Center Group concluded that nanotechnology is a promising solution. Not only can it fight bacteria itself, nanotechnology is also capable of acting as a carrier for antibiotics and natural antimicrobial compounds. Green synthesis from silver nanoparticles is cost-effective , environmentally friendly, and easily scaled up for large-scale synthesis without the use of energy, high pressure, temperature, and toxic chemicals.
At the end of the webinar, the third speaker, Prof. Dr. apt. Abdul Mun'im, M.Si, discussed the theme of "Application of NaDES in Traditional Medicine Development." This FFUI professor, who also serves as the Chair of the National Metabolomics PKR, has an interest in phytomedicine and green extraction research using ionic liquid and NaDES. He also revealed completed and ongoing research with students, from undergraduate to doctoral levels. NaDES can be used as an extraction solvent, while increasing the bioactivity of the extract. "Not only for traditional medicine products, cosmetic products have also used NaDES as a solvent and excipient formula," explained Prof. Mun'im further.
The enthusiasm of participants for this webinar was quite high. This was evident in the hundreds of registered participants from various regions across Indonesia. Participants included students, lecturers, researchers, and industry practitioners.