Students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Yogyakarta State University (YSU) conducted innovative research in the field of dental health by utilizing tiger snail shell waste as the base material for making nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) gel. The research team consisted of Eliana Diah Puspita Arum, Lutfi Puspita Meliasari, Ratri Yulina Setiati, Melisa Sekarlina Putri Dayani, and Rizky Amin Saputro under guidance of Dr. Mona Sari, M.Sc

The team leader, Eliana Diah Puspita Arum, explained that dental caries remains a serious health problem in Indonesia with a high prevalence. "Caries not only causes cavities but can also lead to complications such as gum infections, which can be fatal. Therefore, we are working to develop a gel based on local biomaterials that can simultaneously support tooth enamel remineralization and possess antibacterial properties," explained Eliana.

In this research, tiger snail shells were chosen because of their high calcium carbonate content, approximately 97%, making them a potential source of calcium for n-HAp synthesis. The innovation of this research lies in the combination of n-HAp with natural biopolymers such as ajwa dates, miswak, and propolis, which enhance antibacterial activity against the bacteria that cause dental caries.

According to Lutfi Puspita Meliasari, the synthesis was carried out using a sol-gel method, which produces high-purity n-HAp, which is then formulated into a gel using a base polymer of Na-CMC, guar gum, and glycerin. Various n-HAp concentrations (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt%) were tested to determine the best formulation.

Meanwhile, Ratri Yulina Setiati explained that the preparation process for calcium oxide (CaO) from tiger snail shells was a crucial step in this research. "We ensured the preparation stage was carried out correctly to produce high-quality raw materials. The n-HAp synthesis was then followed by strict temperature and time controls to maintain its purity," Ratri explained.

Rizky Amin Saputro added that characterizing the synthesis results was crucial to ensure the gel's quality. "We conducted XRD, FTIR, and SEM tests, and the results showed high crystallinity and a uniform morphological structure. This is a strong indicator that the n-HAp gel we developed is suitable for application in dental health," he explained.

Melisa Sekarlina Putri Dayani explained that antibacterial testing was conducted on Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria. "The gel we produced demonstrated antibacterial activity with a significant zone of inhibition, while also having the potential to strengthen tooth enamel," he said.

With this research, the team hopes to present a tooth remineralization gel product based on local biomaterials that is not only effective in preventing caries but also environmentally friendly and economically valuable, considering that tiger snails are abundant in eastern Indonesia.