In the prestigious 2024 Student Creativity Week (PKM) organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture Research and Technology, a team from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) achieved funding success. Led by Insyaf Abdi Agung Muhammad from the Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV), the team presented research titled “Innovative Modern Herbal Biomaterial Sprayable Hydrogel from the Combination of Tridax procumbens L. with Garcinia mangostana for Diabetes Wound Therapy.”
The team members included Filah Ma’mala , Bakhats Muhammad Fikri, and Muhammad Fahmi Ulummudin. “In essence, our innovation aims to combine the therapeutic properties of Tridax procumbens L. (coatbuttons) leaves and mangosteen peel into a medicinal liquid known as sprayable hydrogel,” explained Insyaf.
Product Description
Insyaf detailed that Tridax procumbens L. leaves contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which can aid in wound healing. Meanwhile, mangosteen peel is rich in alpha-mangostin, a derivative of xanthone, which has also been proven to accelerate wound healing.
“In developing this innovation, we tested the characteristics of the liquid. The results showed the stability and effectiveness of the sprayable hydrogel on diabetic wounds in vivo using Wistar strain rats,” he elaborated.
Challenges and Hopes
The team faced numerous challenges during the research process, particularly in creating the Wistar strain animal model. “The testing process using Streptozotocin-induced rats was time-consuming and required specialized skills. After induction, incisions were made on the rats’ backs, and the hydrogel was sprayed to observe the wound healing rate,” said Insyaf.
Despite these challenges, Insyaf and his team remained optimistic. “We spent four months preparing this creative idea. Our hope is to make a significant contribution to the medical field, particularly in diabetic wound therapy,” he added.
After passing a rigorous selection process, they were announced as grant recipients in mid-April. The research activities spanned from late April to mid-July. With high spirit and dedication, the Sprayable Hydrogel team aims to maximize their potential to achieve championship success.