Our university continues to contribute to science with innovative projects in the field of health. A project led by our faculty member Dr. Burcu Demirbağ, aiming to offer a new approach in the treatment of chronic and diabetic wounds, has been awarded funding under the TÜBİTAK 1002 - Rapid Support Program.

The Nanocarrier Era in Chronic Wound Treatment

Dr. Burcu Demirbağ's project, titled "The Healing Effect of Novel Synthesized Coumarin Loaded onto Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in an In Vitro Wound Model," aims to provide solutions to the challenges encountered in the treatment of chronic wounds, particularly those that are difficult to heal, such as diabetic ulcers.

Within the scope of the project, "exosomes" obtained from umbilical cord stem cells, known for their regenerative properties, will be combined with novel synthesized "coumarin" derivatives with increased bioavailability. This innovative method aims to ensure that drug-loaded exosomes reach the target tissue in a controlled manner, suppress inflammation, and accelerate tissue repair.

Strong Collaboration from Different Universities

Prepared with a multidisciplinary approach and planned to last 12 months, the project brought together expert academics from different universities in Turkey. The project team, led by Dr. Burcu Demirbağ, includes Prof. Dr. Ülkü Çömelekoğlu from our University's Biophysics Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayça Kara from Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Prof. Dr. Hakan Ünver from Eskişehir Technical University's Chemistry Department, and Assoc. Dr. Metin Yıldırım from Harran University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Biochemistry Department.

The experimental phases of the project will be carried out using the infrastructure of Erciyes University Genome and Stem Cell Research Center.

"It Will Shed Light on Future Treatments"

Highlighting the importance of the project, Dr. Burcu Demirbağ stated that the study will provide a scientific basis for future research in the fields of regenerative medicine and nanocarrier systems. Dr. Demirbağ added; "Our goal is to develop a versatile and targeted treatment strategy for chronic wounds by combining the healing power of exosomes, which are natural nanocarriers, with the new compounds we have synthesized. This project will also highlight our university's expertise in the field of stem cells," he stated.