������Ƶ

In his presentation, Prof. Henry emphasized the increasing complexity of global challenges related to environmental quality, food safety, and human health. Contamination of consumable products—both food and cosmetics—along with the need for continuous monitoring of essential clinical biomarkers, underscores the urgency for analytical tools that are rapid, accurate, economical, and environmentally responsible.

“To safeguard public health and ensure product safety, we require monitoring systems capable of detecting heavy metals, toxic compounds, health biomarkers, and active components in consumer products with speed, precision, and sustainability,” Prof. Henry stated. This need drives the development of electrochemical sensors, a class of analytical devices capable of producing real-time measurements with minimal sample preparation.

Electrochemical Sensors as Modern Analytical Solutions

Electrochemical sensors operate through electrometric techniques, including voltammetry, conductometry, potentiometry, amperometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Compared to conventional methods like chromatography, which require complex sample preparation and trained personnel, electrochemical sensors offer several advantages: high portability, rapid analysis, minimal preparation, strong sensitivity and selectivity, and the ability for in situ field measurements.

However, current electrochemical sensor technology still faces several challenges, including the need for multi-analyte detection in a single electrode, real-time in situ analysis, low sensitivity and selectivity for specific analytes, handling of diverse sample phases (solid, liquid, gas), hazardous waste, and complex preparation steps. To overcome these limitations, Prof. Henry and his team developed engineered electrodes using composite materials, including nanoparticles, graphene, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and sustainable green materials.

Nanoparticles offer a high surface area and superior catalytic performance, graphene provides excellent electrical conductivity and adsorption capacity, MIP ensures high molecular selectivity via lock-and-key mechanisms, and green materials support the principles of sustainable chemistry

Research Findings: Enhanced Sensitivity and Analytical Performance

Prof. Henry modified carbon electrodes using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), graphene, and a combination of both. The results showed that the AgNP–graphene combination produced a synergistic catalytic effect, lowering the detection limit to 1.94 µM with a linear range of 2–100 µM. Another study focused on developing a sensor for detecting Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) using zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and a glutamic acid–based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). This combination enhanced the analytical signal by nearly fourfold, achieving a detection limit of 0.652 µM. Prof. Henry also developed a uric acid sensor based on hydroxyapatite derived from eggshell waste, combined with ZnO, aligning with the principles of green chemistry. This modification increased the current response by five to six times and provided a broader linear range for analyte concentrations.

Prof. Henry concluded that electrometric techniques using nanocomposite-modified carbon electrodes are proven to be efficient, accurate, and environmentally sustainable electroanalytical methods. He emphasized that future research directions include the standardization and commercialization of electrochemical sensors, the development of multi-analyte electrodes capable of detecting multiple components in a single chip, and further exploration of renewable, green materials.

Profile of Prof. Dr. Henry Setiyanto, S.Si., M.T.

Prof. Dr. Henry Setiyanto, S.Si., M.T., was born in Bogor on January 24, 1973. He serves as a faculty member in the Analytical Chemistry Research Group, FMIPA ITB. Since he was appointed a civil servant on December 1, 2008, he has consistently pursued research in electrometric techniques, culminating in his promotion to Full Professor on December 1, 2024.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from ITB (1997), Master’s degree in Engineering Physics through the ITB–Osaka University sandwich program (2005), and Doctorate in Chemistry from ITB (2012). He has held several key leadership positions, including Head of the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (2012–2020), Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Chemistry ITB (2020–2025), and Head of the Master’s Program in Chemical Engineering Education ITB (2020–2025). Under his leadership, the Chemistry graduate programs achieved “Unggul” accreditation.

Prof. Henry actively engages in community service programs (PKM) in Garut, Pangandaran, Tasikmalaya, and Sumedang to strengthen local potential and improve chemistry education in partner schools.

To date, he has supervised and graduated 20 undergraduate students, 40 master’s students, and 4 doctoral candidates. His academic contributions include 78 international publications, 5 national publications, 3 patents, and 70 research grants.

Prof. Henry also serves as an assessor for LAMSAMA, BKD, and Lecturer Certification, and supports the establishment of new academic programs at universities across Indonesia. He has been invited as a resource person by institutions such as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), Air Force Staff School (SeskoAu), Directorate General of Higher Education (DIKTI), and the Ministry of Defense.

In recognition of his dedication, he received the Satyalancana Karya Satya 10-Year Award and was named Best Research Lecturer in the Analytical Chemistry Research Group, FMIPA ITB (2023).

Outside academia, he enjoys cross-country activities, collecting traditional weaponry, traveling, and participating in Menwa activities—reflecting a balance of exploration, discipline, aesthetics, and civic spirit.