UNAIR NEWS – The term of Natural Product Chemistry is familiar to people who are involved in Chemistry. Researches on the chemistry of natural substances are identical to the various techniques used. In this modern era, research is increasingly being developed with more variations than before.
In this regard, the Chemistry Department of Universitas Airlangga held an International Class that discussed modern technical information of Natural Product Chemistry on Saturday, November 7th 2020. The conference, which was held virtually through Zoom, was attended by around 500 participants from 73 institutions in several countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and Bangladesh.
“The activity will provide international experience to the chemistry students and strengthen collaboration between Indonesian Natural product Chemistry and some partner universities abroad,” said Dr. Nanik Siti Aminah, M.Si. as the head of the executive committee.
All of the activities were designed, prepared, and implemented by undergraduate students of Chemistry taking Natural Product Chemistry course.
The speaker of this International Class is Prof. M. Iqbal Choudhary, the director of International Center for Chemical & Biological Science (HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry & Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine & Drug Research), Karachi, Pakistan. On the other hand, Prof. Choudhary is an Adjunct Professor in Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga.
many challenges in Natural Products Chemistry such as, de-replication, Hyphenated techniques, Insufficient quantities from natural sources Metabolic and biosynthetic engineering, intellectual property issues, and other challenges. Prof. Choudhary also explained about technical keys used in Natural Products Chemistry.
” The technical keys used in Natural Products Chemistry, from the collection and authentication of plant materials to biological activities evaluation. This is very important for people who are involved in Organic Chemistry,” he said.
At the end of this event, the moderator drew a conclusion from the International Class. “With the technology advancement, natural products have an important role in the development of research evidence by getting Nobel prizes. In natural products through published discoveries”, said the moderator.
Author: Irmayanti Tri Kurnia
Editor: Andi Pramono
