On Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center (TropBRC) LRI-PGKH IPB University hosted 12 Master’s students for a hands-on practicum in phytochemical analysis. The academic visit supported the Advanced Plant Metabolism course (AGH1626) for students from the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (AGH) Faculty of Agriculture IPB University. Consequently, the session connected theoretical classroom concepts with real-world applications in a professional research environment.
The learning session began with a comprehensive laboratory orientation led by Dr. Rudi Heryanto, S.Si., M.Si., Head of LabTropBRC. He presented a detailed overview of the facilities and specialized research equipment. Furthermore, he explained their vital role in advancing tropical biopharmaca and plant-based resource studies.
Phytochemical Analysis in the Laboratory
Following the orientation, students moved to the Sample Preparation Laboratory to conduct their phytochemical analysis work. Laboratory assistants Laela Wulansari, S.Si., M.Si., and Endi Suhendi guided the cohort. They introduced standard operating procedures and core scientific principles underlying metabolite extraction methods.
During the session, participants worked directly with five distinct plant simplicia samples. These included turmeric (Curcuma longa), cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), and celery (Apium graveolens). Students also analyzed green tea (Camellia sinensis) and sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan). Performing phytochemical analysis on these diverse materials enabled students to identify various secondary metabolites. In addition, they developed valuable technical laboratory skills.
Dr. Ir. Maya Melati, M.S., M.Sc., an AGH lecturer and dedicated TropBRC researcher, coordinated the academic visit. Her research focuses on crop ecophysiology and agricultural ecology. Specifically, she studies soybean and edamame cultivation in tidal and non-tidal lands. Her involvement helped bridge theoretical classroom concepts with applied laboratory techniques.
Through experiential learning, TropBRC actively helps graduate students master phytochemical analysis. The program builds essential technical competencies required for advanced scientific investigations. TropBRC continues to strengthen academic learning and research capacity across IPB University. Ultimately, these collaborative initiatives prepare future researchers to drive innovation in plant science, agriculture, and biopharmaca.
✍️ Author & Editor: Tiest
📸 Documentation: LabTropBRC Team