Semarang – At the International Conference on Chemical Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICChEAS) 2024, Rofik Wahyu Hidayat, a student from the Chemical Engineering and Industrial Technology (TRKI) Program at the Vocational School of Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), won the Best Presentation award in the online presentation category. Rofik, together with his research team, presented their study titled “Utilization of Bitter Melon Leaf Extract as a Natural Saponin Source in Dishwashing Liquid Soap Formulation”, which successfully captured the attention of both the judges and participants at this international conference. The research team involved in this study included Dr. Ir. Fahmi Arifan, S.T., M.Eng., IPM., ASEAN Eng., Rofik Wahyu Hidayat, Deanira Arya Syifa, Enrico Fendy Sapatra, and Callysta Najmi Raissa. The focus of this research was to explore the use of bitter melon leaf extract (Momordica charantia) as a natural source of saponins in formulating environmentally-friendly dishwashing soap. The active compounds found in bitter melon leaves, such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, have shown potential as natural cleaning agents that can reduce the reliance on synthetic chemicals.
During his presentation, Rofik explained in detail the process of extracting bitter melon leaves using the Reflux method with 96% ethanol as the solvent, followed by soap formulation with additional ingredients such as Texapon and Tergitol. The research team also tested the quality of the resulting soap by evaluating its foam stability and cleaning effectiveness. The results showed that the dishwashing soap made from bitter melon leaf extract met Indonesian National Standards (SNI) and performed comparably to commercial products available in the market.
One innovative aspect of this research was the use of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to evaluate the effects of variables such as the amount of bitter melon leaf extract and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) on the soap’s characteristics. By applying RSM, the research team was able to optimize the soap formulation to improve viscosity and foam stability, two critical factors in determining the quality of dishwashing soap.
The ICChEAS 2024 conference was attended by numerous researchers from various countries, all focused on innovations in chemical engineering and environmental applications. The success of Rofik Wahyu Hidayat and his team in winning the Best Presentation award further highlights their academic excellence and demonstrates that Indonesian students can compete internationally with innovations that address industry needs and global environmental sustainability.
Strengthening the Position of UNDIP Vocational School in Innovative Research
This achievement further solidifies the reputation of Universitas Diponegoro’s Vocational School as an institution that supports sustainable research and fosters innovation relevant to industry needs. This research also opens up opportunities for the further development of natural cleaning products in Indonesia, while inspiring young generations to continue innovating for a greener, more environmentally-friendly future.
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