Rebon Seminar is one of the routine activities of the Physics Department, as a place to discuss and exchange ideas about research, studies and phenomena according to the Group of Expertise in Physics UGM. On March 27, 2024, the Rebon Seminar carried a theme around medical physics with the topic “Nanophotosensitizer with Natural Bioreductants to Increase the Efficacy of Antibacterial Effects” presented by Prof. Dr. Suryani Dyah Astuti, M.Si. from Airlangga University as a guest speaker. She is a recipient of government assistance in the First Wave Matching Fund Program in 2021 with the program title “Acceleration of Production and Teaching of Dentolaser Industry as Efforts to Improve the Domestic Medical Equipment Industry in the Field of Dentistry”. This seminar was conducted online via Zoom Meeting and moderated directly by the Coordinator of the Applied Physics Study Group, Prof. Dr. Mitrayana, S.Si., M.Si.
The seminar began with a sharing session about ongoing research activities at Airlangga University, namely Nanophotosensitizer, which is a substance used to absorb light energy that will subsequently be used to enhance efficacy, especially against pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. The presence of antibiotic resistance in infected wounds caused by bacteria highlights the urgency of research development in the form of Photodynamic Inactivation. Photodynamic Inactivation is a non-invasive photon-based therapy that includes several functions, such as killing bacteria or infection-causing biofilms, as well as regenerating cells and accelerating wound healing processes.
Photodynamic Inactivation is a therapy method that utilizes light and a photosensitizer (non-toxic molecule). Photodynamic Inactivation is not only used to kill microbes such as bacteria but can also be employed in cases like tumors or cancer. The light energy utilized is non-ionizing and safe for healthy tissues. The light used is part of Low-Level Laser Therapy (visible light and infrared), where the wavelength has been adjusted to match the depth of wound penetration in the skin.
The speaker’s presentation regarding the characteristics of laser light, which are unidirectional, monochromatic, and coherent.
Presentation of speakers related to the mechanism of photodynamic inactivation which consists of photophysics, photochemistry, and photobiology processes.
“For now, research on the development of photosensitizers is already in the downstream product process stage but still in the photodynamic therapy corridor,” said Prof. Dr. Suryani Dyah Astuti, M.Si. There are four stages of product downstreaming, including making prototypes, followed by lab scale tests, clinical trials, finalized by the standardization process, certification, and market tests.
The sharing about photosensitizer innovation in the field of medical physics through this Rebon Seminar is an effort that supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals number 3, 4, and 17 related to good health, quality education, and partnerships to achieve these goals. Participants are invited to collectively recognize the applied physics knowledge that supports research and development in the medical field to achieve universal health coverage. Indirectly, through this seminar, relationships among researchers, both students and faculty, can also be built to continue innovating, which is beneficial for sustainable development, citizenship, and global partnerships.
Author: Rafida Salma Rahmawati
Photos: Rafida Salma Rahmawati