UNAIR NEWS – Four students from the Faculty of Pharmacy Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) recently participated in an eight-week student exchange and research program at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, from July 6 to August 24. The participating students were Dhea Anggraini and Cinta Muna Budiman, who carried out research in the Department of Pharmaceutics, while Marikke Nawang Pangestuti and Athallah Syauqi Zumarthana involved in research at the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology.
Those working in the Department of Pharmaceutics centered their research on developing innovative formulations and drug delivery systems for cancer therapies using liposomes combined with andrographolide. Their work commenced with computer simulations utilizing the GROMACS molecular simulation software to explore interactions and determine the optimal formulation before advancing to laboratory-scale production. This method aims to reduce both research time and costs.
Engaging in research
Concurrently, the students involved in the Department of Pharmacology and Physiology focused on understanding the mechanisms of action of compounds extracted from plants commonly used in traditional Thai medicine. Their research involved in vivo studies on animals and in vitro experiments on cells, comparing the pain-relieving effects of conventional medicines with two natural compounds: rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. The study’s findings could provide scientific support for the continued use of traditional Thai medicine.
Dhea Anggraini, Cinta Muna Budiman, Marikke Nawang Pangestuti, and Athallah Syauqi Zumarthana, recent graduates with bachelor’s degrees in Pharmacy, all agreed that the opportunity to participate in the program at Chulalongkorn University was extremely valuable. “Moreover, our mentors, who were also Indonesians, shared invaluable insights into pursuing master’s and doctoral studies abroad, further motivating us to continue our education at a higher level,” explained Zumarthana.
They believe the program offered access to quality education through international learning experiences that expanded both their academic and professional horizons. “Apart from lab work, we also attended various seminars and scientific discussions with senior researchers there,” added Budiman.
As a result of this experience, the four students returned to Indonesia with new knowledge and skills that they plan to apply locally. They are optimistic that their participation will foster productive academic collaboration between the both universities.
Author: UNAIR NEWS contributor
