Wasir Ibrahim, a lecturer at the Animal Science Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Musi Rawas, has successfully earned his doctorate from the Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Animal Science UGM).
Ibrahim was awarded the doctoral degree after defending his dissertation on Friday (Sep. 19), titled Biosynthesis Study of Zinc Nanoparticles (ZnNPs-Phytobiotic) Using Neem Leaf Extract (Azadirachta indica) as a Feed Additive in Broiler Drinking Water.
In his defense, Ibrahim, also known as Baim, explained that zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), particularly those synthesized through a biosynthetic method using phytobiotics such as neem leaves, have shown positive impacts on broiler chicken production.
He emphasized that ZnNPs possess strong antibacterial activity against pathogens such as Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli through a bactericidal mechanism that damages bacterial surface proteins and increases membrane permeability.
“With their large surface area, nanoparticles can interact more intensively with microorganisms, making them an effective alternative to antibiotics in modern livestock production,” he explained before the examining committee.
Qualitative analysis conducted by Ibrahim showed that neem leaf extract contains flavonoids at 2.86 mg QE/g and total phenols at 9.19 mg GAE/g, along with other compounds such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids.
Further FTIR analysis revealed high-intensity functional groups in the spectra, confirming the presence of these active compounds.
The examination board consisted of Professor Zuprizal, Dr. Muhlisin, Dr. Ronny Martien, Professor Budi Guntoro, Dr. Rusman, and Professor Nurhayati, Dean of the Faculty of Animal Science at Universitas Jambi.
Professor Nurhayati, who served as one of the examiners, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to strengthen collaboration between Universitas Jambi and Animal Science UGM.
As the external examiner, she also took the opportunity to sign a memorandum of understanding with Professor Budi Guntoro, Dean of Animal Science UGM, covering cooperation in the tri-dharma of higher education.
Reporter: Animal Science UGM/Satria
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: Margiyono