Depok, December 14, 2022. Indonesia has the largest fish species wealth in the world. Based on records from the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), Indonesia has at least 4,720 types of freshwater and saltwater fish, or around 25% of the world's fish population. Of that number, there are 650 species of ornamental fish, including the botia fish (Botia macracanthus). This potential can be a strategic value for Indonesia to increase state revenues from foreign exchange sources through ornamental fish exports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Currently, the development of ornamental fish exports is hampered because the population of fish in nature tends to decline. This decline occurs due to overfishing, juvenile exports, and habitat destruction due to illegal logging. To continue to meet market demand, fisheries production does not rely solely on natural populations, but also on aquaculture production by utilizing breeding technology applications. However, the provision of seeds in this way is constrained by the asynchronous maturation of gonads between male and female parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a lecturer and researcher from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of the University of Indonesia (UI), Prof. Dr. Drs. Abinawanto, M.Sc., spermatozoa cryopreservation can be a solution to solving this problem. Cryopreservation is a technique for storing genetic material (including spermatozoa) at cold temperatures for a certain period of time. Through the cryopreservation method, cells can be stored for hours to years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his scientific oration entitled \u201cUtilization of Natural Cryoprotectants for Cryopreservation of Fish Sperm in Ex-Situ Conservation Efforts\u201d, Prof. Abinawanto mentioned several factors that determine the success of cryopreservation. These factors include the sampling method (how to collect sperm); packaging (the place used to store sperm); diluent solution (cryoprotectant and extender); and storage temperature to keep sperm cells alive and able to fertilize eggs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The method of taking sperm samples in fish can be done by stripping (massaging) the abdomen (stomach) or dissecting. With the stripping method, more live spermatozoa can be obtained than the surgical method. The stripping method is usually used to take sperm from goldfish, tawes fish, and dewa fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to the method of collection, the packaging for storing sperm also determines the success of cryopreservation. Cryogenic tubes (2 mL) and straws (0.2 mL) are used to store cells at cold temperatures. Cryogenic tubes are used to store sperm, while straws are used to store embryos (mammalian).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another factor in the success of cryopreservation is the use of diluent solutions to reduce the viscosity of sperm fluid during storage and prevent clotting. Diluent solutions consist of cryoprotectants and extenders. Cryoprotectants are cell protective solutions, both from the outside (extracellular) and from the inside (intracellular). Methanol, Glycerol, and Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are intracellular cryoprotectants, while Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) are non-natural extracellular cryoprotectants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prof. Abinawanto emphasized the importance of utilizing natural extracellular cryoprotectants. In addition to being cheap, natural extracellular cryoprotectants are easily obtained and utilized by the public. Examples of natural extracellular cryoprotectants are honey, skim milk, egg yolk, soy extract, date extract, and brown sugar. Natural cryoprotectants have varying effects on spermatozoa based on the type of cryoprotectant used and the species used. Natural cryoprotectants are able to maintain motility, viability, and fertility up to above 80% and reduce abnormalities by 10\u201325%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to cryoprotectants, extender solutions are also used as diluents in cryopreservation. Coconut water is a natural extender solution with a motility rate of 80.36% for gourami sperm cells. The extender solution contains mineral salts and sugars that function to maintain the physiological condition of cells during storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\"My hope for the future is to be able to develop a cryopreservation method with natural materials that are easy and cheap so that it can be utilized by farmers or fish farmers. This is done so that people can continue fish farming practically without the need for expensive equipment,\" said Prof. Abinawanto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thanks to his scientific studies, Prof. Dr. Drs. Abinawanto, M.Sc., was successfully inaugurated as a Permanent Professor in the Field of Biology, Department of Biology, FMIPA UI, on Wednesday (14\/12). The inauguration procession of this professor was led by the Chancellor of UI, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., at the UI Convention Hall, Depok Campus, and broadcast virtually via the UI Youtube channel. Also attending the inauguration ceremony were: President Director of PT Indotech Scientific, Asep Sofyan; CEO of Pandu Holding Company, Fajar R. Budiman; National Innovation Research Agency, Prof. (Research) Heny Suseno; and Dean of FMIPA UI for the 1994\u20131998 Period, Dr. Endang Asijati, M.Sc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prof. Abinawanto completed his undergraduate studies in Biology at the University of Indonesia (1986); Masters in Biology at the Bandung Institute of Technology (1993); and Doctoral degree in the Department of Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Japan (1997). Since 1987, he has been listed as a lecturer and researcher at FMIPA UI. Various researches have been conducted and published in national journals, reputable international journals, and indexed international proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several scientific works published by Prof. Abinawanto, including The Effects of Brown Sugar as a Natural Cryoprotectant on Tor Soro (Valenciennes 1842) Spermatozoa Quality (2022); Effect of Egg Yolk of Free-Range Chicken and Methanol as a Cryoprotective Agent for the Sperm Preservation of Cyprinid Fish, Neolissochilus Soroides (Valenciennes, 1842) (2021); The Potential of Honey Supplementation in Extender for Preservation of Break Fish (Systomus Orphoides) Spermatozoa (2021); Effect of Cryopreservation on Ultrastructure and Mitochondrial Function of Albino Pangasius Catfish Spermatozoa (2020); and Effect of Honey Solution as a Natural Cryoprotectant on the Sperm Quality of Botia Fish (Chromobotia Macracanthus Bleeker 1852) (2020).<\/p>\n\n\n\n