Dayak Onion Nanoparticle Hydrogel Innovation Leads NOVADAYA Team to Gold Medal and Best Paper at PIMNAS 5
Banjarmasin — The NOVADAYA Team from Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) has once again achieved a proud achievement. They won the Gold Medal in the Health category, Best Paper, and 1st Runner-Up at the National Young Scientists Week (PIMNAS) 5, organized by Capai Cita from September 3–November 15, 2025. This achievement is clear evidence that innovation based on local potential in Kalimantan can speak at the national level and provide scientific solutions for the world of health.
The NOVADAYA team consists of Muyassarah Salsabila, Ni Luh Bintang Muktamirah, Siti Aisyah Nurbaiti, and Adhinda Amalia from the ULM Pharmacy Study Program. They developed an innovation titled “NOVADAYA: Hydrogel Nanoparticles from Dayak Onion Extract (Eleutherine palmifolia Merr.) from Kalimantan as a Smart Wound Dressing for Stage 1-2 Pressure Ulcers.”
This innovation arose from concern over the high incidence of pressure ulcers in Indonesia, at 8.2 per 1,000 people, with a prevalence of stages 1-2 reaching 17-28%. If not treated properly, this condition can develop into serious complications such as osteomyelitis and potentially increase mortality.
Dayak Onion, a plant native to Kalimantan rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, and naphthoquinone compounds such as eleutherin and isoleutherin, has long been known to possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The NOVADAYA team saw a significant opportunity to utilize it as an active ingredient in modern wound dressings.
Through an extraction process—starting with cutting, drying, grinding, and maceration for 3 days—the Dayak Onion extract was then formulated into a nanoparticle hydrogel. This hydrogel functions as a physical barrier and creates an optimally moist environment, while intelligently responding to changes in wound pH to release active compounds in a controlled manner.
This innovation is considered to have great potential as a local therapy based on natural ingredients that are antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, and support a more effective and modern wound healing system. However, the team emphasized the need for further clinical trials and standardization to develop this technology to the next stage.
In an interview, Muyassarah Salsabila revealed that the journey to the awards stage was not easy. The lack of references related to nanoparticle hydrogel formulations, the tight four-minute presentation time limit, and the busy schedule of lectures presented challenges.
Furthermore, the competition, which brought together young innovators from across Indonesia, initially made them pessimistic. However, team cohesion, intensive training, and support from those closest to them revitalized their enthusiasm and confidence.
“Our good fortune was further enhanced by the mentorship of two ULM Pharmacy lecturers: apt. Ikhwan Rizki, S.Farm., M.Farm., who guided us in refining our scientific manuscript, resulting in a Best Paper award, and apt. Nabila Hadiah Akbar, S.Farm., M.Pharm.Sc., who trained us in presentation and communication techniques, leading to our Gold Medal and First Place,” said Muyassarah. Beyond the academic experience, this event also left a lasting impression. Meeting students from various regions and witnessing the sunrise from Mount Bromo were unforgettable moments for them.
The NOVADAYA Team’s achievements not only strengthen ULM’s track record in research and innovation but also demonstrate how Kalimantan’s local potential can be developed into relevant and impactful health solutions.
As a university that continuously encourages scientific activity, ULM is committed to expanding student opportunities. Support through intensive coaching, research collaborations, and facilitation of national and international competitions are part of the university’s efforts to build a productive and innovative academic ecosystem.
This achievement is expected to inspire other students to boldly explore ideas, utilize regional resources, and produce work that benefits the wider community. ULM will continue to support every step of the academic community so they can achieve success, bring honor to the region, and make a real contribution to the nation’s progress.
