Natural resource-based technology is a long-term technology that is desperately needed in a variety of areas, including health, energy, food, natural chemistry, agriculture, the environment, advanced materials, and so on. Biological technology, as well as the decreasing usage of non-biological fossil-based materials, will become the primary priority for many countries, including Indonesia, in the future. The development of biological technology requires qualified research facilities to provide a wider space for scientific development and to support a research climate based on biological engineering. In order to achieve this goal, Biofuels Advanced Laboratory and Biological System Engineering Laboratories have a variety of research equipment equipped with cutting-edge technology. Through these facilities, FTUI is projected to make a significant contribution to the advancement of biological technology in order to improve the quality and level of human existence.
The Advanced Bioindustrial Engineering Laboratory (ABEL), integrated with the Pertamina-Biofuel Laboratory, is a dynamic research hub committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions through the conversion of biomass into clean fuels and valuable biochemicals.
Designed as a center for innovation in biorefinery, ABEL explores a wide range of renewable feedstocks—such as agricultural residues, lignocellulosic biomass, and microalgae—to produce next-generation biofuels like bioethanol, biodiesel, biobutanol, and biojet fuel. Beyond fuels, the lab focuses on extracting high-value products including organic acids, furan derivatives, bioplastics, and specialty chemicals, supporting a zero-waste, circular bioeconomy.
By combining cutting-edge research in biotechnology, catalysis, and process engineering with real-world industrial collaboration, ABEL serves as a vital link between academic discovery and commercial application, helping to drive Indonesia’s transition toward a greener, more resilient energy future.
The Biomass Pretreatment Sublab focuses on the development and optimization of lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment technologies to enhance the accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose for subsequent conversion processes. This sublab examines various physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological pretreatment methods to improve the efficiency of renewable biomass utilization as a raw material for bioprocesses and biorefineries.
The Hydrolysis and Detoxification Sublab focuses on converting pretreated biomass into fermentable sugars through enzymatic or chemical hydrolysis processes, as well as removing inhibitory compounds formed during pretreatment. Research activities include optimizing hydrolysis conditions, developing detoxification methods, and evaluating hydrolysate quality to support the sustainable production of biofuels, biochemicals, and biomaterials.
The Biomass Pretreatment Sublab focuses on the development and optimization of lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment technologies to enhance the accessibility of cellulose and hemicellulose for subsequent conversion processes. This sublab examines various physical, chemical, physicochemical, and biological pretreatment methods to improve utilization efficiency.
The Molecular Genomics Sublab focuses on utilizing molecular biology and genomics approaches to understand, characterize, and engineer biological systems involved in bioconversion processes. Research activities include genome analysis, gene expression, microbial community identification, metagenomics, as well as the development of microorganism engineering strategies to enhance the performance of fermentation, biodegradation, and high-value compound production processes.
The Biological Systems Engineering Lab (BSEL) is a research laboratory dedicated to the modeling of biological system interactions. It is equipped with advanced hardware, including servers, workstations, and state-of-the-art biomedical equipment, as well as continuously updated software. This facility supports research in biological system modeling, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering. Researchers at BSEL are engaged in efforts to discover treatments for various emerging diseases and to enhance the efficiency of biocatalysts for green synthesis applications.
