A Cross-Faculty Collaboration Between Unair Students Creates Silver Nanoparticle Mouthwash from Mangosteen Peel, Combating Oral Fungal Infections
Amidst the boom in natural product research, a group of Airlangga University students has successfully combined Indonesia's natural wealth with modern technology. They are developing a nanotechnology-based mouthwash using mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) peel extract formulated into silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to treat oral fungal infections (denture stomatitis) that frequently affect denture users.
This innovation is part of the Student Creativity Program for Exact Research (PKM-RE), funded by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology's Student Creativity Program (Belmawa). This interdisciplinary research team consists of Anggi, Risma, Rifdah, Yusma, and Zakiah, from the Faculties of Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing, and Nanotechnology Engineering, respectively, under the guidance of Faculty of Pharmacy lecturer Prof. apt. Rr. Retno Widyowati, S.Si., MPharm., Ph.D.
A Problem That Inspires
Most patients with tooth loss use dentures to aid chewing and aesthetics. However, behind these benefits comes an often-overlooked oral health issue: denture stomatitis. This disease occurs when the fungus Candida albicans transforms from normal flora into a pathogen in the oral cavity, especially in denture wearers with poor hygiene. As a result, the oral mucosa experiences redness, pain, and inflammation, disrupting patient comfort. This condition is increasingly concerning because conventional antifungal drugs such as nystatin and fluconazole are losing their effectiveness due to fungal resistance, necessitating a new, more natural, safe, and sustainable approach. Recognizing this issue, a team of students from Airlangga University was motivated to find an innovative alternative solution to the increasing number of denture stomatitis cases among denture wearers.
Nanotechnology for Natural Ingredients
The key to this innovation lies in the application of nanotechnology. Mangosteen rind extract, known to be rich in polyphenolic compounds with antifungal activity, is formulated into silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Through a green synthesis process, the silver particles are reduced using mangosteen rind extract without harmful chemicals. The resulting nano-sized particles are capable of increasing the stability, absorption, and effectiveness of active ingredients when fighting fungi in the oral cavity.
"Nanotechnology allows active compounds to penetrate fungal biofilms, which are usually difficult for conventional drugs to reach. Therefore, the therapeutic effect can be stronger and faster," explained Anggi Ratu Felisya, team leader from the Pharmacy study program.
Laboratory Testing and Future Expectations
This research was conducted in the Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, for four months. The mouthwash preparation will be tested in vitro to determine its ability to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, and in vivo using animal models to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
The team hopes that the results of this research will result in a nanotechnology-based herbal mouthwash product ready for clinical development. Using local natural ingredients and a modern scientific approach, this innovation is expected to become an alternative therapy for oral fungal infections, especially for elderly denture users.
Beyond its scientific value, this research also contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) point 3, which aims to ensure a healthy life and well-being for all. By combining natural ingredients and nanotechnology, Airlangga University students demonstrate that health innovations don't have to be expensive or dependent on imported materials—they simply require research, collaboration, and creativity.
