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Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) students develop natural ingredient-based medical solutions for the treatment of diabetic ulcers. The team, consisting of students of grade 12 collaborated with various academic and medical institutions to create transdermal patch containing liverwort extract and tilapia bone collagen. The solution could speed up the wound healing process in diabetes sufferers in a more effective, affordable and environmentally friendly method.

Diabetic ulcers are a complication of diabetes that often causes infection and even amputation. Therefore, effective therapy based on natural ingredients is required to speed up the healing process. Ustadzah Rafa, Head of Thursina IIBS Specialization Program, said, the team was inspired to develop the transdermal patch because of the need for a safe, natural and innovative treatment alternative.

"Liverwort extract contains bioactive compounds such as anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, advantageous for reducing inflammation in wounds. Meanwhile, collagen from tilapia bones supports skin tissue regeneration, improves elasticity, and helps the formation of new collagen and epithelial tissue," said she.

Besides its medical benefits, the use of natural materials such as fish bone waste is in line with sustainability principles. These materials are processed in an environmentally friendly manner and selected to provide maximum benefits without negative impact on nature. Ustadzah Rafa added, "Using fish bone waste as the main raw material is an innovation that supports a circular economy and minimizes waste."

The way transdermal patch works is by gradually releasing the active ingredients through the skin directly into the ulcer area. It helps speed up wound healing by reducing inflammation, increasing fibroblast proliferation, and accelerating the formation of new tissue. Compared to other diabetic ulcer treatments, it is easier to apply, non-invasive, and able to reduce systemic side effects due to the controlled and local release of the active ingredient.

"This is a considerable step in the world of treatment based on natural ingredients. We hope it changes significantly the treatment of diabetic ulcers, especially in areas that need more affordable and accessible therapeutic solutions," added Ustadzah Rafa with great hope.

In addition, treatment with transdermal patch has less cost compared to advanced therapy or more invasive medical procedures, such as surgery. Although the development of the product is still in the preclinical testing stage, the team is optimistic it is able to reduce the number of amputations due to diabetic ulcers and improve the quality of life for diabetes suvivors in the future.

"The team hopes it will not only be a more costly effective medical solution, but will also inspire the use of sustainable natural ingredients in the advancement of more environmentally friendly medical therapies," Ustadzah Rafa stated. By close collaboration with academic and medical institutions, the transdermal patch has the potential to be a breakthrough in the treatment of diabetic ulcers, as well as paving the way for further research and clinical trials in the course of time. (rnw/lil)