A delegation of students from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has once again brought honour to Indonesia by winning a gold medal at the international event, the World Young Inventors Exhibition (WYIE) 2024, held from May 16-18, 2024, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC), Malaysia. Organized by the Asian Caucus of Invention Associations (ACIA), WYIE 2024 attracted inventors from around the world, including universities, research institutions, individual inventors, and companies.

The UNDIP student delegation, consisting of Bryant Andhika Prayoga (Chemistry 2021), Alexander Juan Radhitya Rubikso Putra (Chemistry 2021), Rayyan Nanda Syalya Lagilote (Business Administration 2021), Hanif El-Rasyid (Business Administration 2021), Katarina Aletta Sahara (Nutrition 2021), and Sonia Dini Safitri (Nutrition 2021), brought home the gold medal with their innovative creation of a rinse-free emergency soap.

Their innovation, named BUNDARAN, is a sustainable, multifunctional personal care product designed especially for travellers. This spray soap offers several benefits, such as no need for rinsing, antibacterial properties, and contains sunscreen and skin-brightening functions. The primary ingredients used are extracts and fermentation of BR25 cocoa peel (Theobroma cacao L.) and lemon basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). BR25 cocoa peel and lemon basil possess natural antimicrobial properties and high antioxidant content.

The spray soap features sunscreen with SPF 53.4, capable of protecting against 97% UVB radiation for 8 hours, and a neutral pH of 7, which is safe for the skin. The spray soap is packaged and designed with biodegradable plastic made from seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) and dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), supporting the circular economy and reducing plastic pollution. The chemical formulation is optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).

This research combines natural ingredients, advanced optimization techniques, and eco-friendly packaging to create an ideal personal care solution for travellers. The outcome of this research is expected to encourage sustainable practices in the cosmetics industry and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products.

As part of the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX), WYIE 2024 provides students with the opportunity to channel their innovations in science and technology. The competition also offers a chance to participate in understanding global issues while building good relations with other countries.

The achievement of the UNDIP student delegation at WYIE 2024 enhances the visibility of Indonesian higher education on the international stage. Their innovation also makes a tangible contribution to the development of science and technology innovations that can benefit many people. Furthermore, this success demonstrates that UNDIP students can compete and excel internationally, bringing innovative solutions to global challenges. (Dhany/Sahila-Public Relations)

Source: undip.ac.id