Background

Indonesia is a transcontinental country, which consists of about 18,000 islands scattered over both sides of equator with the total coastal length of about 81,000 km. Blessed with the tropical climate and wide range of the natural ecosystem, Indonesia is recognized as a nation wih the second largest of biodiversity in the world. Based on its geography, the flora of Indonesia reflects an intermingling of Asian, Australian and native species. The biodiversity of Indonesia includes more than 28,000 species of higher, photoautotrophic plants on the land and an abundance of lower, photoautotrophic organisms in the sea, which is enough to supply the food consumption for 6.6 million ton per annum of fish.

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are secondary metabolite, which are abundant in photoautotrophic organisms. In light-harvesting complexes the chlorophylls function primarily to absorb solar energy and to transfer this excitation energy on to the reaction centres. The reaction centres are the initial photosynthetic energy tranducers. During photosynthesis protons are pumped across the photosynthetic membrane. This proton gradient is then used to drive the synthesis of ATP. The electrons from the reaction centres are used to reduce NADP to NADPH. ATP and NADPH are used to allow carbon dioxide to be converted into carbohydrate. Ultimately this carbohydrate is the fuel for all life on earth. Carotenoid functions as antioxidants and protect against the harmful radical species that are generated during the light reactions of photosynthesis.

In addition to their primary function in photosynthesis, it has recently being shown that chlorophylls can be used for medical purposes. For example natural chlorophylls and their derivatives have been used as cleansing-agent, regulator and as sensitizers in the photodynamic therapy of cancer tumors. Carotenoids are now being used as antioxidant in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Moreover, carotenoids are important dietary supplements as provitamin A, helping children who suffer vitamin A deficiency (VAD). This is important in Indonesia. The structural organization and functions of the chlorophylls and carotenoids in light-harvesting antenna complexes have become important in the energy sector, providing a biological blueprint for the development of novel solar cell nanodevices.

Both basic and applied researchs is necessary in order to exploit the potential of natural pigments such as chlorophyll and carotenoid. Ma Chung University has a mission to conduct research on natural pigments as its main focus to develop science at the University. Supported by a modern and well-equiped laboratory and research collaborations, both domestic and internationals, Ma Chung has established a Research Center in this area of science and confident in contributing to science. The Ma Chung Research Center for the study of Photosynthetic Pigments (MRCCP) is dedicated to carry out research that is relevant to Indonesia’s needs. The centre is dedicated to teaching, research and the needs of the local community, according to the University’s three obligations. The MRCCP provides a unique facility that is not duplicated anywhere else in Indonesia.