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At UNAM we are conducting in-depth and all-round R&D programs in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology to help the world recover from COVID-19 and to create benefit for humanity. Please find the latest information on our work below and stay safe
Within the scope of the DIAGNOSIS of the factor of COVID-19, the design of two different RNA keys is being studied with the aim of developing new generation rapid tests that are fast, reliable and do not require complex systems.
For antibody test kits with COVID-19 DIAGNOSTIC and PREVENTION focus, designs for the production of antigens belonging to Sars-CoV2 virus have been completed and optimization studies for the production of kits are ongoing.
With the COVID-19 TREATMENT and PREVENTION focus, in this project, where we take place as TÜBİTAK COVID-19 Vaccine and Drug Development Platform Component, studies are carried out for the development of a lectin protein, named GRFT, as a drug candidate. The studies have been carrying out together with Prof. Aykut Özkul from Ankara University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Virology and are continuing rapidly. Devices such as SEM, AFM, Confocal microcopes, Fluorescence microscope, RT_PCR device, bioreactors, HPLC, mass spectrometry inUNAM are used in the imaging of the inactivated virus.
The new nanotechnology-based diagnostic system can detect the COVID-19 virus within 10 seconds with a swab taken from the mouth. It is an optically based diagnostic and identification system that changes the color of the glow in the presence of the virus, thus detecting viruses with high selectivity. In this system, pathogens are detected within 10 seconds by dynamically receiving a fluorescent signal via a pathogen detection chip developed specifically for a biosensor device. After the sample taken from the patient, it is mixed with a special solution, dropped on the pathogen detection chip, and if there is a pathogen in the environment by the biosensor device, the presence of pathogens with high accuracy is detected by taking the fluorescent signal. Taking saliva samples from the mouth instead of taking swab samples from deep areas such as the oropharynx and nasopharynx will also make the use of the system preferable. Unlike the commonly used PCR tests, the system is not based on sample replication, but on detecting the presence or absence of the virus with advanced optical methods. In the system, optical and electronic modules that provide both precise virus detection and high selectivity in detection, as well as high-level biotechnology and material science knowledge are used. The system has shown 99% success in virus detection in pre-clinical studies conducted so far. We believe that the system will be widely used in our country and in the world as a fast and reliable virus detection method. Therefore, the necessary infrastructure investments for mass production of this biosensor system have already started. The mass production phase is planned to start within an estimated 2 months, right after completing the necessary permissions from Ethics Committee Turkey Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK) within the shortest time. Accordingly, it will be possible to contribute to the control of the pandemic and to significantly relieve social life.
The treatment properties of the fiber and laser systems we developed in intravenous applications on 10000 patients have been documented. With the COVID-19 TREATMENT focus, using UV laser technology, beams are sent at certain doses and wavelengths to the regions where the disease has penetrated, while providing the patient a comfortable experience. The starting idea of the research is that cleaning process performed in the living spaces with UV rays can also be done inside the body.
This research work, led by Dr. Hilmi Volkan Demir, aims to develop highly efficient deep-UV light source based systems for the disinfection of indoor areas.
A study focusing on early DIAGNOSTIC for cancer and many diseases such as COVID-19.
This study is carried out focusing on COVID-19 TREATMENT.
This study is carried out focusing on COVID-19 PREVENTION.
This study is carried out focusing on COVID-19 TREATMENT.
This research, led by Dr. Fatih İnci, focusing on COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS, incorporates microfluidics and metamaterial-based plasmonic sensors that can be applied in hospitals at the patient-side and directly determining the amount of the viral load. With sensitive sensors placed in channels as thin as capillaries, the presence and number of viruses are determined both precisely and specifically by looking at the color change in the light wavelength. In addition, this study has the potential to be used in TREATMENT monitoring processes.
Dr. This research, led by Fatih İnci, with the focus of COVID-19 DIAGNOSIS, determines the presence of viral biomarkers via portable sensor chips, which can be applied when needed, and the data can be obtained with mobile devices such as mobile phones, and at the same time, these results can also be accessed by secure cloud platforms, Thus, the patient’s DIAGNOSIS and TREATMENT can be followed up.
This research program, aiming to develop a portable diagnostic platform working with microwave-microfluidic system, is being carried out with the focus on to develop a rapid, efficient and easy DIAGNOSIS and detection system for viruses or diseases, including the COVID-19 virus, under the leadership of Dr Gürkan Yeşilöz.
