Nok Afifah, a doctoral student from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Universitas Indonesia (FTUI), has successfully developed a green extraction method for glucomannan from porang flour using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES)—eco-friendly natural solvents with the potential to replace conventional chemical solvents such as ethanol. The results of her research were presented at the open doctoral promotion defense held on Monday (October 13) in the Smart Meeting Room, FTUI Dean Building.
Nok Afifah’s dissertation, titled “Green Extraction of Glucomannan from Porang (Amorphophallus muelleri Blume) Flour Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADES): Solvent and Extract Characteristics, Kinetics, and Optimization”, aims to evaluate the effects of different types and hydration levels of NADES on the efficiency, kinetics, and optimization of glucomannan isolation from porang flour (NPF), as well as the recyclability of NADES.
“Among the various solvent combinations tested, betaine and 1,2-propanediol (BPG14) with a 30% hydration level proved to be the most optimal. This solvent produced glucomannan flour (PGF) with over 85% purity, ideal viscosity, excellent thermal stability, and superior rheological properties. The best isolation conditions were achieved at a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:10, particle size of 257 µm, temperature of 32°C, extraction time of 1 hour, and stirring speed of 800 rpm. In addition, BPG14 can be reused up to three times without compromising the quality of the product, demonstrating both the economic and sustainable potential of this method,” explained Nok Afifah during her presentation.
Her research also revealed the kinetic mechanism of glucomannan isolation. The swelling process of glucomannan in hydrated NADES is controlled by polymer chain relaxation and reaches equilibrium within approximately one hour. Solvent hydration accelerates the removal of impurities such as starch, ash, and sugars while preserving the molecular structure of glucomannan from degradation.
These findings provide a significant contribution to the advancement of green extraction technology in Indonesia, particularly in utilizing local natural resources such as porang. Through the use of NADES, the glucomannan production process becomes more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly—aligning with global green research trends.
According to Nok Afifah, this approach has potential applications not only in the food industry but also in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and natural materials development in the future.
Dean of FTUI, Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., expressed his appreciation for Nok Afifah’s dissertation, stating, “Dr. Nok Afifah’s research demonstrates that her work is not only focused on technological innovation but also on environmental sustainability. The use of natural NADES solvents for glucomannan extraction from porang is strong evidence that the principles of green chemistry can offer real solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industries.”
Thanks to her outstanding research, Nok Afifah earned her doctoral degree with a perfect GPA of 4.00 and summa cum laude distinction. She was recognized as the 80th Doctoral Graduate from the Department of Chemical Engineering and the 624th Doctoral Graduate of FTUI.
The Doctoral Promotion Committee was chaired by Prof. Kemas Ridwan Kurniawan, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., with Prof. Ir. Kamarza Mulia, M.Sc., Ph.D. serving as the Promoter, and Prof. Dr. Ir. Widodo Wahyu Purwanto, DEA., and Achmat Sarifudin, S.TP., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Co-Promoters. The internal examiners included Sandi Darniadi, S.P., M.T., Ph.D., Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Misri Gozan, M.Tech., Elsa Anisa Krisanti, Ph.D., and Apriliana Cahya Khayrani, S.T.P., M.Eng., Ph.D.
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