MEDAN – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has once again demonstrated its research capabilities and global competitiveness through the achievement of multiple international patents across various fields. These accomplishments reflect the university's commitment to transforming academic research and development into innovations recognized at the international level.
According to information published by USU's Directorate of Scientific Writing, Publication, and Scientific Publishing (DITP3I), the university's achievements featured in the publication comprise seven international patent records, including four Malaysian patents and three patents related to methane fermentation technology recorded in international patent publications.
Four International Patents in Malaysia
The four Malaysian patents cover innovations in healthcare, cosmetics, and food technology:
- MY-209243-A: A cosmetic serum formulation combining mugwort leaf extract (Artemisia vulgaris L.) and moringa seed oil (Moringa oleifera Lam.) as an anti-acne product. Granted on 30 June 2025.
- MY-209619-A: A production method for sweet sauce made from palm kernel meal with the addition of andaliman extract. Granted on 25 July 2025.
- MY-210840-A: An anti-aging cream formulation based on the ethanol extract of acem-acem leaves (Oxalis dehradunensis R.). Granted on 23 October 2025.
- MY-210990-A: A portable bottle containing Lysol for the disinfection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the sputum of tuberculosis patients, together with its method of use. Granted on 1 November 2025.
These innovations demonstrate the potential of USU research to develop practical products and technologies that address healthcare needs while utilizing Indonesia's natural resources.
Three Patents Related to Methane Fermentation Technology
In addition to the Malaysian patents, the publication features three Japanese patent records related to methane fermentation technology, developed through collaboration between Universitas Sumatera Utara and Metawater Co., Ltd., Japan.
The three patent records are:
- JP 4991832: Methane Fermentation Method and Methane Fermentation Device.
- JP 5006424: Methane Fermentation Treatment Method.
- JP 5079834: Methane Fermentation Method.
These patents focus on the development of methane fermentation methods and equipment, with potential applications in waste treatment technology and alternative energy development. Their international publications are recorded through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
This collaboration also highlights the importance of partnerships between universities and international industry partners in producing applied research with broader potential benefits.
Strengthening the University's Research and Innovation Culture
International patent achievements represent an important indicator of research quality and innovation within higher education institutions. Beyond scientific publications, academic research is expected to generate products, methods, and technologies that receive intellectual property protection and deliver meaningful benefits to society.
These accomplishments are expected to inspire the academic community of Universitas Sumatera Utara, including the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB USU), to strengthen its innovation culture, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research development with added value and global competitiveness.
Universitas Sumatera Utara's international patent achievements are aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through healthcare-related innovations, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through research and technological development, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the development of processing technologies and resource utilization that support environmental sustainability.