Balikpapan – Innovation can begin with materials left over from everyday activities. For Dr. Musyarofah, S.Pd., M.Si., a lecturer at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), eggshells and palm oil processing waste raise an intriguing question: how can these materials be transformed into something useful for daily needs?

That question led her to investigate materials for developing toothpaste using natural resources. Together with students and collaborators, Musyarofah is studying hydroxyapatite derived from eggshells and activated carbon produced from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB).

This research is among her areas of focus during 2025–2026. Drawing on physics and materials science, she seeks to connect local resource utilization with the development of oral care products.

“For me, waste is not only an environmental issue. It can also become a source of raw materials for innovation when processed and examined using an appropriate scientific approach,” she explained.

To understand this potential, the team needs to investigate the properties of the processed materials. Material characterization provides a basis for assessing their possible use in toothpaste formulations. Each stage requires testing to establish a sound scientific foundation for product development.

From a resource perspective, the research offers an opportunity to increase the value of eggshells and plantation waste. Materials previously regarded as leftovers are being examined for new uses. This approach aligns with circular economy principles through material processing and reuse.

From a product development perspective, the research explores alternative ingredients for oral care. Further work is needed to evaluate material characteristics, refine formulations, and assess safety and effectiveness.

Musyarofah emphasized that these tests are necessary before the research can move toward wider application. A material’s potential must be considered alongside its limitations so that its anticipated benefits can be supported by evidence.

“I hope this research can be a step toward developing innovations based on local resources that benefit communities while supporting environmental sustainability,” she said.

The research also creates learning opportunities for students. They participate according to their competencies and stage of study, from understanding the problem and learning research methods to conducting experiments, processing data, and preparing scientific reports.

Through this process, students follow the transformation of waste into functional materials. They practice interpreting test results, questioning findings, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

“I want students not only to carry out activities, but also to think critically, develop ideas, and contribute to scientific work,” she added.

Collaboration with fellow researchers strengthens the study by bringing together complementary expertise and perspectives. According to Musyarofah, high-quality research requires persistence throughout the process, from identifying problems to addressing reviews and revising publications.

Her consistency earned her third place for Outstanding Scientific Publication Achievement at ITK for the 2025–2026 period, recognized during the university’s 12th anniversary celebrations. She views the award as encouragement to improve research quality and expand collaboration.

For Musyarofah, community needs and regional resources offer valuable starting points for research. Through her work on eggshells and OPEFB, she and her team are exploring those possibilities—testing materials, understanding their properties, and building a scientific foundation for future product development.