IPB University Professor Reveals Potential of Glucose Oxidase Enzyme from Local Microorganisms for Health and Industry

IPB University Professor from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Prof Laksmi Ambarsari has successfully discovered the great potential of the glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme. The enzyme was isolated from the local microorganism ‘Aspergillus niger IPBCC.08.610’, which was found in Tarakan, North Kalimantan.

“This enzyme has many benefits, especially in the industrial and health sectors, and is expected to support innovation in these fields,” she said at the IPB University Professors’ Scientific Pre-Oration Conference via Zoom, recently.

Prof Laksmi explained that the GOx enzyme has important benefits in health. She explained that the enzyme can act as a glucose biosensor that can detect blood glucose levels accurately. Thus, the enzyme can be used for early prevention of diabetes.

“In addition, the reaction products such as gluconolactone and gluconic acid have the potential to be effective antibacterial agents against bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli. This enzyme is also useful in the industrial sector,” said Prof Laksmi.

Prof Laksmi said that its by-products, such as gluconic acid, can be used as a color stabilizer in the food industry, as well as an antioxidant and preservative.

“In the textile industry, hydrogen peroxide produced from the enzymatic reaction functions as an effective bleaching and antibacterial agent,” she said.

Prof Laksmi said that to increase the effectiveness of the GOx enzyme, a molecular biology and in silico approach are needed. According to her, one of the main achievements today is the development of extracellular production of enzymes through genetic engineering in Pichia pastoris. Prof Laksmi emphasized that this method is more efficient than intracellular production.

Prof Laksmi hopes that this technology can be applied widely soon and support is needed from various parties, including academics, industry, and government.

“Clear regulations and adequate funding are very important to ensure that this innovation can be optimally utilized in the industrial and health sectors. Policy support and cross-sector collaboration will be the key to its success,” she said. (dr/ra) (IAAS/ASD)