Chemistry students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia (FMIPA UI) have successfully discovered a safe natural ingredient for making insecticide. They are Nadiatus Silmi, Shella Jeniferani Willyam, and Redita Andini Ayundrisa.

The research, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Ir. Antonius Herry Cahyana, a lecturer in the Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia, was motivated by the use of insecticides, which have historically been hazardous due to their potential threats to the environment and human health, such as causing cancer and brain damage.

However, it cannot be denied that insecticides are still frequently used by humans in their daily lives to kill insects.

The three students successfully utilized Styrofoam waste to aid in the synthesis of an insecticide from henna (Lawsonia inermis) leaves that is safe for living organisms and the environment.

The team leader, Nadiatus Silmi, explained that insecticides are products widely used in everyday life, but unfortunately, many insecticides still contain organophosphate and organochlorine compounds.

These compounds belong to the group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are difficult to degrade and toxic to both the environment and human health.

“Therefore, new, harmless insecticide active ingredients are urgently needed from natural sources,” he said.

The method used is much simpler because it doesn’t require high temperatures and pressure, and doesn’t use hazardous organic solvents, making it more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

“Our research shows that this natural insecticide can kill mosquitoes in approximately three minutes. The potential of our innovation can be developed into an active insecticide ingredient used in lotion, gel, or spray forms.”

He and his team hope that this research will reduce the use of hazardous insecticides and replace them with natural insecticides in everyday life, thereby improving health and the environment.

Furthermore, it is hoped that the direct utilization of waste will reduce Styrofoam waste in Indonesia.