Promoting industrial self-reliance, BRIN develops essential oil technology

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) is developing essential oil purification technology to produce high-quality raw materials for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. In a statement in Jakarta on Thursday, researcher from the BRIN Centre for Molecular Chemistry Research, Egi Agustian, explained that they are utilising several cutting-edge technologies, such as vacuum fractional distillation, supercritical CO₂ extraction, molecular distillation, and ultrasonic-based technology. “This approach allows for more specific separation of active compounds, resulting in products with high purity, stability, and suitability for industrial needs,” he said. Egi outlined one of the research achievements as the purification of citronella oil into the compound citronellal with a purity level above 90 percent. This compound can then be further processed into isopulegol, which has higher added value and a more refined aroma profile. “In addition to producing pure compounds, the BRIN research team has also developed various formulation products based on essential oil derivatives, such as solid perfume, masks, lotions, and hand sanitiser,” he stated. According to Egi, research on essential oil processing is crucial because Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of essential oils, with around 40 types of products penetrating the global market. However, most of these commodities are still exported in crude form. Meanwhile, their derivatives are imported back as raw materials for the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries with higher economic value. “The value of essential oils can increase up to tenfold if processed from crude form into high-purity cosmetic raw materials,” he said. Egi gave the example of patchouli oil from Sumatra, which has the potential for higher selling value if the patchouli alcohol content is increased and metal content is minimised. Similar potential exists in citronella oil from Java and nutmeg oil from Ambon, which can be processed into high-value derivative compounds. Therefore, he hopes that essential oil purification technology can soon be adopted on an industrial scale. “The application of this technology not only enhances the competitiveness of national products in the global market but also creates greater economic added value for Indonesia,” he said.