L’Oreal-UNESCO for women in Science National Fellowship 2022

A Tunable Peptide Delivery Platform Based On Biosilica

Rindia Maharani Putri, Ph.D.

ITB scientist, Rindia Maharani Putri, Ph.D utilizes biosilica shells from microalgae of diatom type as delivery platform for peptide drugs, such as insulin. Insulin is one of the most prominent examples of peptide-based drugs, commonly used in a therapy for diabetic patients.

Oral delivery of insulin is hindered by a relatively low bioavailability due to enzymatic proteolysis and low permeability across intestinal mucus barrier. A protecting shell, like biosilica, would help maintain cargo stability against degradation.

Compared to carbon-based delivery platforms, diatom biosilica is superior in terms of mechanical stability, monodispersity, and ease of modification. Silica-based oral delivery platforms are also preferred because they do not cause any change in textures, flavors, and tastes as a food additive. Compared to synthetic silica, diatom biosilica offers an inherent nanoporous structure from a sustainable and inexpensive marine resource.

Despite the potential, there is no report on the exploration of diatom biosilica as a delivery system for peptide-based drugs. Hence, whether diatom biosilica could give a good performance as a biomaterial for peptide delivery system is currently unknown.

In light of this, Dr. Rindia’s research aim is to investigate the biosilica of C. striata diatom as a delivery platform for peptide drugs, using insulin as the model peptide. Experiments will be conducted in vitro and computationally or in silico to study the binding of insulin on the porous surface of biosilica and its subsequent release under physiological conditions. For this proposed research, Dr. Rindia has been awarded with L’Oreal-UNESCO for women in Science National Fellowship 2022.*

Prima 2022 Award

As a form of appreciation to the ITB academic community for their dedication to research, innovation, and community service, ITB Vice Rector for Research and Innovation awarded the PRIMA Award 2022. The following is a list of PRIMA Award 2022 recipients:

Dr. Eng. Anjar Dimara Sakti - Best Researcher

Dr. Eng. Anjar Dimara Sakti is ITB Young Lecturer with research activities entitled "Modeling of Southeast Asian Agricultural Irrigation Water Efficiency Based on Earth Observation Satellite and Climate Models". The result of this research have been published in 10 journal articles, including 5 article in reputable scientific Q1 journals and 1 article in Q2 journals.

Prof. Dr. Elfahmi - Best Innovator

Prof. Elfahmi has succeeded in producing MarkHerb standard compounds which are a group of natural phytochemical compounds isolated from Indonesian medicinal plants and have been successfully commercialized and used for industrial purposes.

Dr. Eng. Syafrizal - Best Community Service Practitioner

Dr. Syafrizal provided training on "Characterization of Quartz Sand Deposition in Bangka Belitung-Central Kalimantan and the Possibility of Its Utilization as Raw Material for Solar Panel Cells". This activity is a form of ITB collaboration with ESDM Bangka Belitung Province, Palangkaraya University, SMAN 1 Pangkalpinang, PT Sumber Energi Sukses Makmur, PT Mitra Persada Resources, and PT Timah Tbk.

Prof. Intan Ahmad M., Ph.D. - Best Industry Collaboration Practitioner

In 2022, Professor Intan Ahmad from SITH recorded 8 collaborations with private companies such as PT Tempo Natural Products, PT Bayer Indonesia, and PT Syngenta Indonesia. In accordance with his area of expertise, Prof. Intan Ahmad conducted studies and tested the efficacy of insecticides and pesticides against house flies.

Wildan Trusaji, M.T. - Best Young Innovator

Wildan Trusaji, M.T. is a young researcher from Manufacturing Systems Research Group FTI. He developed a prosthetic arm, which has received national and international recognition and has built the start-up Karla bionic for the commercialization of the product.

Center for Coastal and Marine Development Center with Best Leading Research Achievements

A Team lead by Dr. Ikha Magdalena conducted a research entitled “Study of Optimal Design of Hybrid Engineering Structures as Protectors of Mangrove Forests”. At the end of the first research year, the research team succeeded in producing extraordinary results. The research result is published in 2 articles of Q1 Journal and 1 article of Q2 Journal.