Semarang – At the International Conference on Chemical Engineering and Applied Sciences (ICChEAS) 2024, Rofik Wahyu Hidayat, a student from the Industrial Chemical Engineering Technology (TRKI) Study Program at the Vocational School of Diponegoro University (UNDIP), successfully won the Best Presentation award in the online presentation category. Rofik, along with other research team members, presented the research results titled “Utilization of Bitter Melon Leaf Extract as a Natural Saponin Source in Dishwashing Liquid Soap Formulation,” which successfully captured the attention of the judges and participants at this international conference. The research team involved in this study consists of Dr. Ir. Fahmi Arifan, S.T., M.Eng., IPM., ASEAN Eng., Rofik Wahyu Hidayat, Deanira Arya Syifa, Enrico Fendy Sapatra, and Callysta Najmi Raissa. This research aims to utilize bitter gourd leaf extract (Momordica charantia) as a natural source of saponins in the production of more environmentally friendly dish soap. Active compounds in bitter melon leaves, such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, are known to have potential as natural cleaning agents that can reduce the use of synthetic chemicals.
In his presentation, Rofik detailed the process of extracting bitter melon leaves using the reflux method with 96% ethanol as a solvent, followed by soap formulation with additives such as Texapon and Tergitol. The research team also tested the quality of the soap produced by measuring foam stability and its effectiveness in removing dirt. The research results show that dish soap made from bitter melon leaf extract meets Indonesian National Standards (SNI) and has a quality comparable to commercial products on the market.
One innovative approach in this study is the use of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to evaluate the influence of variables such as the amount of bitter gourd leaf extract and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) on soap characteristics. By using RSM, the research team can optimize the soap formulation to improve viscosity and foam stability, two factors that are crucial for the quality of dish soap.
This ICChEAS 2024 conference is attended by many researchers from various countries who share a focus on innovation in the field of chemical engineering and environmental applications. The success of Rofik Wahyu Hidayat and his team in winning the Best Presentation award further demonstrates their academic quality and the ability of Indonesian students to compete internationally by presenting innovations related to industry needs and environmental sustainability.
Strengthening the Position of UNDIP Vocational School in Innovative Research
This achievement further strengthens the reputation of the Diponegoro University Vocational School as an educational institution that supports sustainable research and the relevance between innovation and industry needs. This research also opens up opportunities for further development of natural cleaning products in Indonesia, while also inspiring the younger generation to continue innovating toward a more environmentally friendly future.