Advancing Plant Biotechnology: RC-Food Biotech’s Innovations in Functional Foods and Medicines

The Research Center Food Biotechnology (RC-Food Biotech) is at the forefront of enhancing research in plant biotechnology, with a particular focus on developing healthy functional foods and medicines. This center, led by Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar, S.P., M.Si., has established strategic collaborations with the Food Technology Department of Binus University, the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Research and Development, and the Research Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. Through these partnerships, RC-Food Biotech aims to leverage combined expertise and resources to advance the field of food biotechnology, particularly in the context of Indonesian herbal and root vegetable plants.

A significant part of RC-Food Biotech’s work involves the collection and in vitro cultivation of various herbal plants, such as rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd.) from regions like Bogor, Pekalongan, and Medan, cat’s whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus), red betel (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav.), and banana plant (Musa sp.). These plants are being studied for their potential health benefits and applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. The research center is dedicated to exploring the potency of these plants, screening and enhancing their quality to ensure they can be effectively developed into products that support health and wellness.

One of the key research initiatives at RC-Food Biotech is the development of superior mutant clones of rodent tuber and other root vegetable plants through biotechnological methods. These efforts are focused on creating functional healthy drinks and medicines, particularly for cancer prevention and treatment. By applying advanced biotechnological techniques, the center aims to obtain plant variants with enhanced beneficial properties, thereby contributing to the production of innovative, health-promoting food products and medicinal solutions. This research not only holds promise for improving public health but also supports the sustainable use of Indonesia’s rich botanical resources.

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Haryo Sutanto