Students of Yogyakarta State University (UNY) have once again demonstrated their innovative capacity through the Student Creativity Program in Exact Research (PKM-RE). A student research team successfully developed a topical powder formulation based on Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) containing asiaticoside derived from Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) as a potential treatment for diabetic ulcers (DU). Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes mellitus, often associated with a high risk of infection, amputation, and even mortality. This research was driven by increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics and the urgent need for topical therapies that are effective, stable, and capable of delivering active compounds efficiently.

The research was led by A. Bunga Calista, with team members Muthiah Atiqoh, Susanti Agustina, Afifah Jihan K., and Bayu Ramadan, under the supervision of Dr. Evy Yulianti, M.Sc., who played an important role in strengthening the research methodology and validating the findings. Conducted over four months, the study took place in laboratories at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Yogyakarta State University (YSU), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY). The research focused on evaluating the effect of different surfactant ratios on the physicochemical characteristics and biological activity of asiaticoside-loaded NLC (AS-NLC). Three surfactant ratios (Tween 80:Lecithin = 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) were tested through in vitro experiments to identify the optimal formulation.

The results showed that the 1:1 surfactant ratio produced the smallest particle size (264.8 nm), the highest adsorption efficiency (95.7%), and a skin-compatible pH (5.6) suitable for diabetic ulcer patients. This formulation also demonstrated superior biological performance, including anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and antibacterial activities, with 52.18% inhibition against MRSA bacteria—exceeding the effectiveness of ciprofloxacin.

The research generated several outputs, including progress reports, scientific manuscripts, and educational content disseminated through the team’s official Instagram account. These findings hold strong potential for further development into a national phytopharmaceutical product, supporting the down streaming of health innovations and contributing to efforts to reduce amputation rates caused by diabetic ulcers. This research aligns with the 2025 PKM Higher Education theme, “Public Health and Nutrition,” and supports the Asta Cita goal of strengthening national independence in the pharmaceutical and innovation industries.