A color-change sensor innovation based on silver nanoparticles has been successfully developed by Dr. Indah Nursyamsi as a solution for detecting vitamin C levels that is fast, inexpensive, and easy to use directly in the field without requiring additional laboratory equipment. This sensor visually changes color according to the vitamin C content in the sample, making it a highly potential tool for various fields such as healthcare, the food industry, and education.
The developed sensor comes in two forms: spherical and triangular, each with unique characteristics. The spherical sensor has high sensitivity and can detect very small amounts of vitamin C. Meanwhile, the triangular sensor shows more distinct color changes and has a wider detection range. The resulting colors vary from yellow to dark purple, depending on the vitamin C levels.
Not only relying on visual observation, Dr. Indah also incorporated a computer-based color analysis method to ensure the accuracy of color interpretation, providing scientific validation for this sensor.
“We designed this sensor to be used directly in the field, especially in locations that do not have fully equipped laboratories,” explained Dr. Indah in her scientific presentation.
This technology addresses the need for vitamin C detection tools, which have so far been dominated by expensive, complex devices that rely on laboratory facilities. Referring to WHO recommendations, this innovation is expected to serve as a simple and affordable testing tool that can be used in various conditions.
With this innovation, Dr. Indah Nursyamsi successfully earned her Doctorate in Materials Science from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Indonesia (UI). She defended her dissertation titled “Modification of the Optical Properties of Silver Nanoparticles to Enhance the Performance of Multi-Colorimetric Sensors for Detecting Vitamin C in Solution” during her doctoral promotion defense on Monday (August 11, 2025) at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Auditorium, UI Depok Campus.
The open defense was chaired by the Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., and supervised by Prof. Dr. Vivi Fauzia as the promoter, along with co-promoters Adhi Harmoko Saputro, Ph.D., and Dr. Nursama Heru A., S.Si., M.Si.
In her remarks, Prof. Vivi expressed her appreciation for Dr. Indah’s achievement and dedication. “This research is an excellent example of how science can be directly applied for the benefit of society. Dr. Indah’s findings have great potential to be utilized in healthcare, the food industry, and even education,” she said.
In addition to her contributions in applied science, Dr. Indah also achieved a GPA of 3.96 with the distinction of Highly Satisfactory, demonstrating outstanding academic quality throughout her doctoral studies at FMIPA UI.
This achievement further strengthens FMIPA UI’s position as a center of education and research oriented toward developing real solutions for society.
