Sofia Safitri Hessel

Name   : Sofia Safitri Hessel

Batch    : 2020

E-mail   : hesselsafitrisofia@gmail.com

Interest : Medical biotechnology, antiviral research, anticancer research, gene and protein modification, bioinformatics.

Research Experience

My master thesis research focused on the selection of the best suitable candidate for a plant protein based antiviral agent that works against the attachment of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein towards the human ACE2 receptor utilizing an in silico approach. I selected the two best candidates out of a number of wildtype and modified lectin proteins from two different species of banana, by firstly a selection of protein sequences with desired motifs, in silico protein mutagenesis, protein modelling. Those modelled proteins then went through necessary preparations before being docked to the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using protein-protein molecular docking, thereafter the best protein complexes from this step then went through a molecular dynamics simulation that showed the stability of the complexes, in order to select the best and most stable lectin protein to be utilized as the potential antiviral agent. This study aimed to provide a suitable and sustainable potential antiviral agent candidate to overcome the issues caused by the rapid modifications found in the ever-changing mutations of the SARS-CoV-2.

Skills

Basic biotechnology laboratory skills such as DNA Extraction, PCR, Pipetting, as well as Making Calculations and Solutions, and several basic and advanced bioinformatics skills such as Primer Design, Protein Structure Prediction, Protein Modelling, In silico Protein Modification, Protein and Ligand Preparation, Protein-protein Molecular Docking, Protein-ligand Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, Protein Complex Visualization, and Protein Interaction Analysis.

Testimonial

Obtaining a Master Degree in Biotechnology from SITH ITB has been a wonderful experience academically and non-academically for me. The programme offers a wide array of classes taught by the best in their fields, giving us the chance to really dive deep into the learning and giving us an opportunity to broaden our knowledge, as well as enhancing our hands on skills. The faculty also offers a very supportive and welcoming environment that has been such a helpful boost in my days of studying here. This experience has given me so much new knowledge, as well as many new connections and memories that will last a lifetime. My time here has been absolutely incredible and most definitely unforgettable.