In his essay, Angger proposed an innovative biodegradable urine test strip made from nanochitin derived from shrimp shell waste for the early detection of diabetes mellitus. This innovation offers a non-invasive, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional blood-sample-based diabetes detection methods.

“The idea came from the high prevalence of diabetes in Indonesia and the underutilized potential of shrimp shell waste. Nanochitin was chosen due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high surface area, making it ideal for biosensor development,” Angger explained to uns.ac.id on Thursday (21/11/2024).

Angger’s preparation for the competition was extensive and self-driven. He conducted comprehensive literature research, delving into the properties and potential of nanochitin, studying the epidemiology and pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, and analyzing existing early detection methods.

“I also thoroughly reviewed the IEC guidelines to ensure my essay met all requirements, including the evaluation criteria. Writing the essay required significant time and dedication, from drafting the outline, writing the initial draft, and revising multiple times, to final editing to ensure clarity, coherence, and accuracy of the information. One of the biggest challenges was presenting complex scientific concepts in clear and straightforward language understandable to a general audience,” Angger elaborated.

The IEC, an annual event hosted by FKG UI, serves as a competitive platform for active diploma and undergraduate students across health science disciplines in state and private universities. This year’s theme, “Interdisciplinary Approaches to Health Preservation,” encouraged participants to develop innovative and integrated solutions from various disciplines to enhance public health.

“My essay’s innovation aims to raise awareness and increase community participation in diabetes screening, especially for those with limited access to healthcare facilities,” Angger hoped.

After being declared the first-place winner, Angger emphasized that this achievement is not an endpoint but a starting point for further innovation and sustainable contributions. He believes perseverance, hard work, and an unwavering spirit are essential foundations for success.

“Winning this competition is truly an honor and a source of pride. I hope it inspires young people, especially fellow students, to explore their potential, sharpen their creativity, and transform brilliant ideas into tangible solutions. Belief in oneself and the courage to drive positive change are catalysts that will lead us to our aspirations,” Angger added.

Angger’s innovation promotes healthy lifestyles and well-being for all ages, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #3: Good Health and Well-Being.

HUMAS UNS

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