In Webinar Series 1 organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UI, in collaboration with K-Vision on Thursday (May 14, 2020) via the Zoom video conference application, Prof. Usman Sumo Friend Tambunan, Professor of the Department of Chemistry, FMIPA UI, explained the role of biotechnology in combating the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the beginning of his presentation during the online event themed “The Value of Science and The Role of Experts in Crisis Situations,” he explained that Covid-19 is a type of SARS-CoV-2 virus and is divided into three types based on genetic mutations: type A, which is similar to the virus originating from Wuhan; type B; and type C, which have undergone mutations that change the virus’s phenotypic characteristics.

He then described the role of this branch of science that utilizes living organisms during the Covid-19 pandemic, one of which is its ability to analyze or detect specimens from individuals suspected of being exposed to Covid-19 through PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), a method used in Swab Tests to diagnose whether a person has been infected with the coronavirus.

Furthermore, he explained that besides detecting whether a specimen is infected with Covid-19 or not, biotechnology can also be used to discover drugs or vaccines suitable for preventing the transmission of Covid-19.

Prof. Usman, together with his team at the Department of Chemistry, FMIPA UI, is currently working on researching subunit or epitope-based vaccines.

He believes this type of vaccine can be used universally regardless of the Covid-19 virus type.

He hopes that various parties can collaborate further to develop the ongoing research so that drugs or vaccines to overcome Covid-19 can be found soon.

“From our discussion, we hope all of you can share knowledge for the further development of our research, because this research cannot be approved by one party alone. Collaboration is necessary,” said Prof. Usman, concluding his presentation.

Source : https://sci.ui.ac.id/