Specialization
tissue engineering, biomaterials, wound healing, in vitro, in vivo
Focus of research
My research focuses on functionalization of biocompatible polymeric materials and their biomedical applications; including gene/drug delivery, biosensors and most spesifically tissue engineering. I have broad experience on fabrication of nanofiber based scaffolds by electrospinning; their functionalization with biomolecules such as growth factors, adhesion peptides. The effects of scaffold properties (structural, textural, chemical, functionalization) and of external stimulations on cell behavior and differentiation are part of my reseacrh interest.
Currently, I use my experties on biomaterials for tissue engineering which will benefit patients by translation of fundamental research on innovative approaches for regenerative medicine and material science. My primary research interests are new generation implants and their interaction with cells and tissues; host and immune response to implants; delivery systems for wound healing and tissue regeneration.My current research involves
- New generation implant development for Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP)
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is multifactorial disease which affects one out of three women. POP occurs due to weakening of the normal support mechanisms of the pelvic floor. Many of the patients require surgical repair that necessitates reinforcement by natural or synthetic materials. Existing synthetic materials have significant complication rates, which results in restrictive use of these materials in daily clinical practice. Therefore, there is an unmet and urgent need for better synthetic implants to support the pelvic floor.
The success of new generation implants on POP treatment depends on foreign body response which is affected by several factors such as i. Textural properties of implant; ii. Mechanical support that implants provides to tissue; iii. inflammatory response and bacterial clearance capacity of the implants. In our group, we are designing and developing new generation implants such as knitted meshes, electrospun matrices and hydrogels in collaboration with industry and academia. Structural, chemical and mechanical characterization of implants as well as cell/tissue interaction, host and immune response to implants are my main research focuses. The goal is to design and tailor new implants to improve in vitro, in vivo and clinical outcomes.
- Bio-functionalized implants for improved wound healing and regenerative capacity
The efficacy of vaginal surgery depends on the regenerative capacity of the tissue. Women who went to vaginal native tissue repair has different healing and recovery stages. The regenerative capacity of the tissue and the wound healing process can be improved by the delivery of growth factors at the surgical side. We adopt tissue engineering approach in combination with cell based therapy to provide enhanced wound healing capacity.
Our goal is sustainable delivery of growth factors through surgical implants for improved wound healing. We modify and bio-functionalize surgical implants with growth factors which play an important role on critical factors on wound healing such as tissue regeneration, epidermal function, matrix deposition and inflammatory response. This study includes all steps throughout fundamental to preclinical research.