June 2023

Ethidium bromide (EtBr) is a chemical agent commonly used to identify and visualize DNA and RNA bonds in molecular biology research. However, ethidium bromide itself is mutagenic and toxic. Ethidium bromide is also carcinogenic to human cells, teratogenic and difficult to decompose, and has high toxicity with an LD50 of 0.075 mg/mL. Therefore, research for EtBr waste treatment is very important. There are several materials that can be used to reduce EtBr waste, but there are also materials that are cheap and widely available in the market. One way to treat ethidium bromide waste is with activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has a strong adsorption capacity due to its high surface area and porous structure. Another advantage of activated charcoal is that it is economical as an adsorbent, effective and environmentally friendly. In this study, EtBr waste was mixed with activated charcoal and then homogenized for one hour. The mixing of EtBr waste (0.5 mg/mL EtBr concentration) and activated charcoal was varied with a volume weight ratio of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1. The mixed solution was filtered using Whatmann No.1 filter paper to take the filtrate. The filtrate was further analyzed. The more activated charcoal added, the more EtBr molecules are absorbed. The pH of the filtration results for each variation is pH 7.0 – 8.0, dissolved oxygen is in the range of 5.0 – 9.0 mg/L, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) is in the range of 25.06 – 78.2 mg /L, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) in the range of 302.56 – 310.98 mg/L. The concentration range (LD50) was obtained as follows, for a 1:1 ratio it was 0.045 – 0.060 mg/mL, for a 1:2 ratio it was 0.028 – 0.032 mg/mL, while a 2:1 ratio was 0.081 – 0.090 mg/mL. In addition, the results showed that activated charcoal is able to bind EtBr due to the bonding interactions that occur between EtBr molecules and activated charcoal. Author: Teguh Hari Sucipto Article Title: Ethidium Bromide Waste Treatment with Activated Charcoal New’s Source: unair.ac.id

The Institute of Tropical Disease (ITD) Airlangga University received a visit from representatives from students from Mahidol University Thailand and the Faculty of Science & Technology, Airlangga University. This visit was welcomed by the leadership of ITD Prof. Maria Inge Lusida and staff such as Mr. Saadun as Head of the General Tasks Section, and Laura Navika as Head of Human Resources. This visit began with remarks from the ITD leadership which continued with a deeper introduction to the history of ITD itself and the development of the research being carried out. The flow of the discussion was interesting, even one of the Mahidol University students asked about the development of tuberculosis, especially with the pandemic. Meanwhile, the lecturers asked about tropical diseases which may still be rife and only exist in Indonesia. After having discussions, they visited several laboratories in ITD such as Hepatitis, Viral Diarrhea, Dengue, and Satreps. During this visit, they were accompanied by researchers from each laboratory for an in-depth explanation regarding the research and supporting knowledge that became the deepening in ITD.

The academic community conducts refreshments & debriefing after carrying out mental health coaching. This training was carried out directly by Prof. Maria Inge Lucida & Prof. Fedik Abdul Rantam the highest leader at the Institute of Tropical Disease (ITD) Universitas Airlangga. This activity also rewarded all ITD UNAIR academicians with attractive and useful prizes in the future. It is hoped that the refreshments and supplies that have been provided can improve performance and continue the relay to achieve the targets set at the beginning of the year.

{:en} The Institute of Tropical Diseases, Airlangga University held a Mental health development activity in Lombok on 9-11 June 2023. This activity was attended by almost all academics from secretariats to researchers. Mental Health Coaching is one way to increase performance by increasing cooperation such as mountain climbing activities, swimming in the sea, and others and the joy of gathering together in a different atmosphere and even understanding history and culture so that you can improve yourself from the cultural values that have been proclaimed by UNAIR. Prof. Maria Inge Lusida and Prof. Fedik Abdul Rantam welcomed this activity, because if this activity produces positive values then it can improve the performance of the entire academic community. ITD UNAIR Mental Health Development is supported by Airlangga Global Travel and Tour Guide from Lombok Pak Murad and the team. {:}

Thursday, June 8, 2023, the Institute of Tropical Disease, Airlangga University received a visit from representatives from the Satria Budi Dharma Foundation. This time the meeting was welcomed by Prof. Maria Inge Lusida, Prof. Muhammad Miftahussurur, dr., M.Kes., Sp.PD-KGEH, Ph.D, Prof.Dr. med. Soekr Erfan, Prof, Dr. Abdul Rantam, drh., Prof. Dr. Ahmad Yudianto dr.,Sp,F(K),SH.,M.Kes to representatives of the foundation, namely dr. Vincent. This meeting discussed a memorandum of understanding in collaboration which will be carried out together in the hope of producing the best research and bringing future benefits to the world of health. The first session was to discuss the initial steps of cooperation and the stages that would later be continued in conducting discussions on a memorandum of understanding that would be mutually agreed upon.