ASSOC. PROF. ÖZLEM KAPLAN PARTICIPATES IN A TÜSEB A4 FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECT
The project in which our faculty member, Associate Professor Özlem Kaplan, takes part as a researcher has been awarded funding under the 2026-A4 Group A Research Support Program for Academicians by the TÜSEB (Turkish Health Institutes Presidency).
The project, entitled “Development of Redox-Responsive Poly(β-thioester) Nanoparticles: A Targeted Smart Anticancer Drug Delivery System via Fatty Acid Modification,” is coordinated by Associate Professor Nazan Gökşen Tosun. The research team includes Associate Professor Özlem Kaplan from the Department of Genetic and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, as well as Associate Professor Mehmet Koray Gök and Lecturer Dr. Kevser Bal from Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa.
Within the scope of the project, the main objective is to develop a redox-responsive poly(β-thioester)-based smart nanocarrier system capable of delivering anticancer drugs used in cancer therapy to tumor cells in a more selective and controlled manner. Through fatty acid modification, the targeting capacity of the system is expected to be enhanced, enabling controlled drug release in response to biochemical stimuli present in the tumor microenvironment.
In this respect, the project aims to provide an innovative solution to major challenges encountered in conventional chemotherapy approaches, including off-target effects and limited tumor selectivity. Furthermore, the nanocarrier platform to be developed is expected to contribute to the advancement of next-generation smart biomaterial systems adaptable for the delivery of various hydrophobic anticancer drugs.