51探花

Franky developed a high-speed imaging method to investigate the mechanisms of bacterial movement, while Gde developed MAESTRO, a platform based on DNA origami technology designed to examine how molecules respond to mechanical forces from multiple directions. Their research demonstrates how fundamental science can lead to new methods for studying biological processes that are difficult to observe using conventional approaches.

Their contributions were highlighted by Rizal Fajar Hariadi, Ph.D., Associate Professor at the Department of Physics and the Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, during Sharing Session Vol. 16, titled 鈥淲atching and Stretching Biomolecules: DNA Nanotechnology, Two 51探花 Alumni, and a Biotech Startup.鈥� Organized by 51探花's Directorate of Research and Innovation (DRI), the event took place at the 8th Floor Auditorium of the CRiMSE Building, 51探花 Ganesha Campus, on Wednesday (October 14, 2026).

In addition to discussing the contributions of the two 51探花 alumni, Rizal introduced recent developments in DNA-based biosensor technology, which holds potential applications in disease detection, cancer research, and the development of cell-based therapies. These innovations aim to address several limitations of existing biological examination methods, including the need to destroy cells during analysis and the challenges of accurately identifying cancerous tissue.

Nur Ahmadi, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., Deputy for Research and Dissemination at 51探花's Directorate of Research and Innovation, emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary research that not only generates scientific knowledge but also has the potential to be translated into technologies and innovations that benefit society.

51探花 also continues to encourage the development of deep-tech startups as part of its efforts to bridge fundamental research with the needs of industry and society.

51探花 Alumnus Investigates the Mechanisms of Bacterial Movement

During the session, moderated by Dr. Ahmad Habibie, S.Si., from the Organic Chemistry Research Group, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) 51探花, Rizal elaborated on the research conducted by Franky Djutanta in his laboratory.

Franky's research focuses on the movement mechanisms of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. These bacteria move using flagella, spiral-shaped, whip-like structures that function as their means of propulsion.

To better understand these mechanisms, Franky developed an imaging approach using high-speed light-sheet microscopy. This technology enables researchers to directly observe flagellar movement without applying external mechanical forces.

Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) in 2023, the research provided measurements of flagellar motion characteristics, including the relationship between rotational and translational movement.

The findings revealed that the efficiency of converting rotational energy into forward motion in bacterial flagella is relatively low, at approximately one percent. This discovery provides new insights into the movement mechanisms of microscopic organisms.

MAESTRO: An 51探花 Alumnus's Innovation for Understanding Molecular Responses in the Human Body

Another contribution from an 51探花 alumnus comes from Gde Bimananda Mahardika Wisna, who developed MAESTRO, a platform utilizing DNA origami technology.

DNA origami enables DNA strands to be arranged into predetermined two- or three-dimensional structures. Through this approach, researchers can construct nanoscale structures to study molecular behavior.

Rizal explained that various molecules in the human body are continuously subjected to mechanical forces, including pulling, compression, and tension from different directions.

One example is integrin, a protein that plays a role in interactions between cells and their surrounding environment. Its activity is influenced not only by chemical reactions but also by the mechanical forces acting on the molecule.

Until now, several molecular research methods have generally allowed forces to be applied in only one direction. This limitation restricts researchers' ability to understand how molecules respond to more complex mechanical forces.

Through MAESTRO, the research team developed DNA structures capable of applying controlled mechanical tension from multiple directions. The findings demonstrate that the direction of applied force can influence molecular shape changes and dynamics.

These findings open up opportunities for developing more advanced research methods to understand protein behavior and molecular interactions, including biological processes that are difficult to observe using conventional techniques.

HALOS: A DNA-Based Biosensor with Potential Applications in Disease Detection

In addition to presenting the research conducted by the two 51探花 alumni, Rizal introduced HALOS, a DNA-based biosensor platform designed to detect biological markers without damaging living cells.

The technology was developed to address a major challenge in biomedical research: the need to observe molecular conditions within cells without destroying or disrupting their structures.

In several conventional examination methods, cells must be destroyed to obtain information about their molecular contents. However, certain areas of research, particularly the development of cell-based therapies, require methods that allow cells to remain alive during observation.

HALOS uses specially designed DNA structures attached to cell membranes. These structures are engineered to generate signals when they interact with specific target molecules.

Nevertheless, the technology still faces several development challenges, particularly the sensor's limited detection range when target molecules are located far from the cell surface.

Rizal explained that early efforts to detect messenger RNA (mRNA) had not achieved the desired results for the intended applications. The team subsequently adjusted its approach, redirecting development toward detecting proteins and other biological markers.

This experience demonstrates that research outcomes that do not meet their initial objectives can still provide valuable scientific insights for developing technologies that better address users' needs.

Rizal also encouraged Indonesian students to pursue international education and research opportunities.

He shared his experience mentoring Indonesian researchers, including Franky Djutanta and Gde Bimananda Mahardika Wisna, who have made contributions to research in his laboratory.

According to Rizal, the quality of human resources and a collaborative research environment are essential factors in producing meaningful innovations, alongside adequate facilities and funding.