The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), held an open doctoral promotion examination for the Biology Study Program on Wednesday (May 14), at the Prof. Dr. G.A. Siwabessy Hall, Depok. In the examination, the doctoral candidate Dr. Yati Maryati, a researcher from the Chemistry Research Center, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), successfully defended her dissertation entitled “Development of Lozenges Using SCOBY Microcrystalline Cellulose Excipients Containing Bioactive Compounds from Kombucha”. She was declared to have passed with the distinction of cumlaude and achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3,88.
This research focuses on the development of lozenges based on natural and environmentally friendly materials, specifically microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) derived from SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) the gel layer produced from the fermentation of kombucha using various fruit and vegetable substrates.
“This research was born out of concern over the national pharmaceutical industry’s dependence on imported raw materials, particularly plant-based cellulose excipients. We strive to offer a more sustainable solution based on local biomass by utilizing kombucha fermentation waste,” explained Dr. Yati in her presentation.
According to Dr. Yati, bacterial cellulose produced by SCOBY has several significant advantages compared to conventional plant-based cellulose. One of the main advantages is the absence of lignin and hemicellulose, two components typically found in plant cell walls that must be removed through complex chemical processes.
Additionally, bacterial cellulose has higher purity and superior physical properties, such as cohesiveness (strong inter-particle adhesion) and porosity (pore structure), making it highly suitable for pharmaceutical solid dosage applications like tablets or capsules.
“Scientifically, bacterial cellulose from SCOBY has several advantages over conventional microcrystalline cellulose, such as being free of lignin and hemicellulose, having high purity, and possessing superior physical properties like ideal cohesiveness and porosity for solid pharmaceutical applications,” she said.
In her research, SCOBY was processed into bacterial cellulose (BC), then modified into microcrystalline cellulose (MCC-BC) through acid hydrolysis. This material was then formulated into nutraceutical lozenges enriched with bioactive compounds from kombucha extracts fermented using local substrates such as katuk leaves, kale, red guava, banana, and dragon fruit. This combination resulted in tablets with high antioxidant content and potential as functional nutritional supplements.
This research also addresses the environmental challenges posed by the kombucha industry, which produces large amounts of SCOBY waste. With the global kombucha market projected to reach USD 7.46 billion by 2027 (The Business Research Company, 2023), this innovation, according to Dr. Yati, presents an opportunity to transform waste into high-value-added products.
Furthermore, this research supports national policies aimed at increasing pharmaceutical raw material independence, as outlined in the Minister of Health Decrees HK.01.07/MENKES/1333/2023 and HK.01.07/MENKES/163/2024, which encourage the utilization of Domestic Products (PDN) and import substitution.
As the promotor, Dr. Yasman expressed his appreciation for the achievements of this dissertation. He emphasized that the research conducted by Dr. Yati Maryati not only originated from the laboratory but also addresses real-world needs in the field.
“I believe Dr. Yati’s research is not only an innovation born in the laboratory but also demonstrates that fermentation waste like kombucha can be transformed into high-value, environmentally friendly pharmaceutical preparations,” he said.
Furthermore, Dr. Yasman stated that Dr. Yati’s approach, based on local biological resources, aligns with national policies aimed at pharmaceutical independence and reducing reliance on imported materials. He also sees great potential for this research to be further developed on an industrial scale, particularly in utilizing agro-industrial biomass that has so far been largely untapped by the pharmaceutical sector.
“Certainly, this can become a tangible contribution to the development of green pharmaceutical technology, supporting environmental sustainability and the national industry,” he added.
Dr. Yati Maryati expressed her gratitude to all parties who have supported her research, including the Nanotechnology and Materials Program House (ORNM), BRIN Talent Management through the Degree by Research scheme, as well as research facilities at the Advanced Chemical Characterization Laboratory, Physics Laboratory, and the Good Traditional Medicine Manufacturing Practice (CPOTB) Laboratory – BRIN, and the FIKES Laboratory at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta. Special thanks were also extended to the Organic Chemistry and Nutraceutical Research Group at the Chemistry Research Center – BRIN, the Biology Department – FMIPA UI, as well as the students and research assistants involved.
The open examination was chaired by the Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., who served as the Chair of the Session. The dissertation promoter team consisted of Dr. rer. nat. Yasman, M.Sc. (Promoter), Hakiki Melanie, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Co-Promoter from the Chemistry Research Center at BRIN), and Dr. Windri Handayani, M.Si. (Co-Promoter from the Biology Department, FMIPA UI).
Also present on the occasion were the Head of the Chemistry Research Center at BRIN, Prof. Dr. Yenny Meliana, M.Sc., along with the Head of the Research Center for Drug Raw Materials and Traditional Medicines at BRIN, Dr. Sofa Fajriah, M.Si.
