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July 29, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
Prof. E. Damla Arısan and Assoc. Prof. Z. Banu Bahşi from the Institute of Biotechnology at Gebze Technical University (GTU) participate as researchers in a project led by Kütahya Health Sciences University, which aims to develop a wound dressing composed of bioactive PLA/Mg-ZnO nanofiber composites for the treatment of chronic wounds.
Supported by TÜSEB (Health Institutes of Türkiye), the project titled “Development of Bioactive PLA/Mg-ZnO Nanofiber Composites as an Effective Wound Dressing for Chronic Wounds” seeks to offer an innovative solution to the challenge of chronic wounds, which are slow to heal and place a significant burden on the healthcare system.
The project focuses on utilizing nanoparticles and nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties, particularly for chronic wounds where bacterial biofilm formation resistant to antibiotics and chronic inflammation are common. The wound dressing to be developed will consist of a bioactive, biocompatible PLA nanofiber composite enhanced with magnesium-doped ZnO, offering high antimicrobial efficacy. In this context, PLA/Mg-ZnO nanofiber composites reinforced with Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles will be produced and characterized, followed by antimicrobial and antibiofilm tests, in-vitro biocompatibility studies, and in-vivo biocompatibility testing using animal models.
The resulting wound dressing is expected to exhibit strong antimicrobial properties against biofilm formation in chronic wounds while accelerating tissue healing. The addition of magnesium is anticipated to improve the mechanical properties of the wound dressings and enhance the antimicrobial effect of ZnO, thereby reducing infection risk, promoting tissue regeneration, and supporting epidermal cell formation.
Thanks to the biosynthesis and electrospinning methods to be used in biomaterial production, the project also aims to offer a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative through an advanced, bioactive wound dressing with a low-cost production process. The outcomes of this project are expected to contribute to the national economy by offering a domestic and innovative solution for chronic wound treatment and improving patients' quality of life. |
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