Channa.id – The inaugural Seaweed Fest 2021 showcased various innovative and creative products developed from seaweed-based raw materials. The event was organized by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) of the Republic of Indonesia.
At this official event, many unique products from selected local producers were presented, one of which was developed by PT Mega Medica Pharmaceuticals (MPP) — introducing a natural wound dressing made from seaweed.
This wound dressing represents a new innovation that combines natural raw materials from seaweed and snakehead fish (Channa striata) extract, forming a wound care product known as Channa Film.
The exhibition was initiated by the Directorate General of Marine and Fisheries Resource Surveillance (PSDKP) in collaboration with the Tropical Seaweed Innovation Network (TSIN), and held at the Ballroom of Mina Bahari III Building, the main office of the Ministry in Jakarta.
Read More: The Signing of Research Collaboration Agreement between PT MMP and FK USU
Channa Film Gains Special Attention from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries
Unexpectedly, Channa Film drew special attention from the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who also served as the keynote speaker at the event.
According to Minister Sakti, technological advancement and innovation in seaweed processing must be encouraged so that the results can be utilized as industrial supporting materials as well as innovative product applications — one of which is represented by Channa Film.
“This is one of the steps to address the challenges in seaweed downstream development. There is a link and match between seaweed research and development with the seaweed industry players, which will advance Indonesia’s national seaweed industry,” said Minister Sakti during his visit to the Channa Film booth.
The Advantages and Composition of Channa Film as a Natural Wound Dressing Innovation for General and Diabetic Wounds
Guntur Berlian, M.Sc, Scientific Affairs Manager of PT MMP, accompanied by researcher M. Ichwan from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sumatera Utara (USU), and Sutristo, Director of PT MMP, provided an explanation to Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and the Director General of PSDKP.
They explained that besides containing alginate and albumin, which are widely reported to play an important role in wound healing, Channa Film also contains kappa-carrageenan, a compound that provides superior adhesive potential and flexibility — helping reduce mechanical disruption on the wound area.
Guntur further elaborated that animal testing on Channa Film was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, USU. The study proved that applying Channa Film significantly accelerated wound healing in diabetic-induced test animals.
This indicates that the activity of Channa Film is not only potentially effective for treating common wounds, but also applicable for diabetic wounds.
“Currently, the clinical research phase for Channa Film is already underway,” Guntur added.