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  • Öğe
    Testing and optimizing methodologies for microplastic extraction from owl pellets
    (TUBITAK, 2025) Seyfe, Merve; Seyfe, Melike; Kankılıç, Tolga; Tavşanoğlu, Ülkü Nihan
    Microplastic pollution is a pressing global environmental concern, potentially threatening ecosystems and entering the food chain. Owls, as nocturnal carnivorous birds, are at significant risk of ingesting microplastics due to their diverse foraging habits. This study aimed to identify the most suitable procedure for extracting microplastics from owl pellets, focusing on efficiency, functionality, and cost and ensuring the extraction of both prey and microplastics without damage. Experiments were conducted on pellets from long-eared owl (Asio otus) collected from three different habitats in Ankara, Türkiye. The extraction of microplastics was then tested using various treatments (n = 25), involving different durations, temperatures, and chemicals. A total of 100 pellet samples were utilized with three replicates for each treatment. The study identified three different methods particularly effective for microplastic extraction: using 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at 55 °C for 75 min, using 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 55 °C for 75 min, or using Fenton reagent (30% H2 O2 + FeSO4) at 50 °C. Additionally, immersing the pellets in a 60 °C water bath for 10 min improved the sorting of prey items. Overall, the most effective approach for extracting microplastics considering the balance of time, cost, and effort was using 10% KOH solution at 55 °C for 75 min.
  • Öğe
    Dead Cell Discrimination with Red Emissive Carbon Quantum Dots from the Medicinal and Edible Herb Echinophora tenuifolia
    (Springer, 2025) Özdemir, Naciye; Tan, Gamze; Tevlek, Atakan; Arslan, Gülşin; Zengin, Gökhan; Sargın, Idris
    Accurately determining the viability of cells is crucial for in vitro cell research. Fluorescence-based live/dead cell staining is a highly desirable method to assess cell viability and survival in in vitro studies. We describe a green synthesis method to create red-emissive CQDs from the medicinal and edible herb Echinophora tenuifolia using microwave irradiation. We observed that the biocompatibility and photostability of the CQDs are superior. The antioxidant capacity of the CQDs and the plant extract were also investigated using different chemical methods (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, PBD, and MCA). The antioxidant capacity of the CQDs was similar to that of the extract of E. tenuifolia. Cytotoxicity studies indicate that while the CQDs are not toxic to L929, they exhibit significant toxicity towards HepG2 cells. The CQDs exhibited a strong negative zeta potential (-44.0 mV), which contributed to their selective interaction with dead cells while being repelled by viable cells with intact membrane potentials. The optimal concentration for effective, non-toxic imaging was determined to be 25 µg/mL, as lower concentrations did not produce detectable fluorescence. Differential staining experiments confirmed that CQDs selectively stained dead cells, with red fluorescence observed under the Texas Red filter. Moreover, CQDs exhibited favorable fluorescence intensity and stability, which may offer advantages for long-term and reliable bioimaging applications. In vitro studies on HepG2 and L929 cell lines revealed that the red-emissive CQDs from E. tenuifolia can be potentially used in bioimaging.
  • Öğe
    siRNA-guided dual-targeting nanocarrier for breast cancer treatment
    (Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep; Şahin, Betul; Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep; Çelik, Ekin; Hazer, Baki
    This study aimed to develop a thermoplastic polyurethane-oleic acid-based nanosystem (TPU-Ole NPs) incorporating siRNA and curcumin (CUR) to overcome multidrug resistance in breast cancer by silencing the c-myc gene. Methods: TPU-Ole and CUR-loaded NPs were prepared via solvent evaporation and coated with poly-L-lysine (PLL) for siRNA attachment. NPs were characterised by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for mean diameter, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ZP). Encapsulation (EE) and loading efficiencies (LE) were measured by NanoDrop. Release (pH 5.0; 7.4) and storage stability (pH 7.4) were evaluated using the eppendorf method. siRNA binding was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Gene silencing and apoptosis were assessed by RT-PCR and flow cytometry. Results: Mean diameter, PDI, and ZP of NPs were 170 ± 2 nm, 0.011 ± 0.080, and −27.5 ± 0.11 mV. EE and LE were 75 ± 0.12 and 14.2 ± 0.06%. Sustained release and good stability were observed. Conclusion: siRNA-CUR-NPs efficiently silenced c-myc and induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells.
  • Öğe
    First report on phytochemical content and biological activities of seseli salsugineum A. Duran & lyskov: a new endemic species
    (Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Önder, Alev; Doğan Güner, Ebru; Sarıtaş, Mehmet; Trendafilova, Antoaneta; Tekşen, Mehtap; Zengin, Gökhan
    Five pyranocoumarins (1-5) together with a simple coumarin, umbelliferone (6), have been isolated from Seseli salsugineum A. Duran & Lyskov, a newly described endemic species for Türkiye, and their structural elucidation was performed by spectroscopic analysis and comparison with the literature data. In addition, hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol (MeOH) extracts were examined for their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potentials. The current study is the first report on an endemic S. salsugineum, regarding interesting bioactive coumarins (pyranocoumarins and a simple coumarin) and the extract’s biological properties. Further research is needed to isolate new compounds from this plant and uncover its potential uses as a health-promoting and healing agent.
  • Öğe
    The Catalytic Activity of Carob Extract-Capped Silver Nanoparticles in the Remediation of Recalcitrant Nitroaromatics
    (Springer, 2025) Tan, Gamze; Sargın, İdris
    Nitroaromatic compounds are highly stable pollutants in the aquatic environment, posing serious health risks due to their mutagenic, carcinogenic, and toxic nature. In this study, the catalytic reduction of four organic pollutants (o-aminonitrobenzene, p-nitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, and 1,2-diamino-4-nitrobenzene) to corresponding aminobenzenes was achieved using sodium borohydride (NaBH4, the reducing agent) and carob extract-capped silver nanoparticles (cc-AgNPs; the catalyst) under ambient conditions. The silver catalyst, cc-AgNPs, was biosynthesized, adopting an eco-friendly green synthesis approach in which carob (Ceratonia silique L.) pod water extract was used as a reducing and capping agent. The cc-AgNPs were characterized using various techniques, including Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), zeta size and potential measurements. The UV-vis spectra of cc-AgNPs showed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at 422–425 nm. Analysis of the FT-IR spectrum confirmed that the cc-AgNPs were coated with carob extract. Zeta potential measurement indicated that the surface charge of the catalyst was negative (-21.4 ± 0.7 mV). Based on TEM results, the average size of the cc-AgNPs was 33–43 nm. cc-AgNPs reduced the nitroaromatics to aminobenzene derivatives in < 1 min. in the presence of the reductant NaBH4. The study revealed that cc-AgNPs are effective in catalytic hydrogenation of nitroaromatics. The cc-AgNPs can be used in environmental remediation to eliminate persistent nitroaromatics and convert them into valuable amino benzene precursors. These precursors can then potentially be used to produce various organic compounds for applications in the pharmaceutical, organic synthesis, and dye production industries.
  • Öğe
    Two new moss records for Turkey and Southwest Asia
    (Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Ezer, Tülay; Aslan Ergenekon, Züleyha; Uygur, Ahmet; Keskin, Ali; Alataş, Mevlüt; Batan, Nevzat
    Hymenoloma mulahaceni and Mnium blyttii found as new to Turkey following a recent bryological excursion to the Bolkar Mountains (Taurus Mountain range) in Turkey. Also, this is the first record of the Mnium blyttii from Southwest Asia. Illustrations, geographic distributions, ecological characteristics, identification keys and comparisons with morphologically similar taxa are given.
  • Öğe
    Characterizing the Helminth Community of the Mountain Gazelle (Gazella gazella Pallas, 1766) Through DNA Metabarcoding
    (Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025) Karaer, Mina Cansu; Karataş, Büşra; Madak, Elif; Sönmez, Hande İrem; Keskin, Emre; Sarımehmetoğlu, Hıfsı Oğuz; Kankılıç, Tolga; Tavşanoğlu, Çağatay
    Understanding parasite diversity in wild and captive animal populations is vital for their individual health and ecosystem dynamics. The helminth community in mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella Pallas, 1766), particularly in the isolated northernmost population in Türkiye, remains poorly understood, posing challenges for conservation. This study aimed to identify and compare the diversity of helminths in captive and free-ranging mountain gazelles in Hatay, Türkiye, while assessing potential zoonotic risks. Methods: We collected a total of 188 fresh fecal samples from both captive and free-ranging populations. The samples were analyzed using DNA metabarcoding to assess helminth species and their species diversity across seasons. Results: Our findings revealed eight helminth taxa in Gazella gazella, including six intestinal and two lung nematodes, with four of these species previously unreported in Türkiye. We also found seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance. Conclusions: The identification of these helminth taxa highlights the value of advanced molecular techniques in uncovering parasite diversity in ungulates. Seasonal differences in helminth composition and abundance, and the biological characteristics of the detected helminth species align with the climatic parameters of the seasons in which they were identified.
  • Öğe
    Active surface modification of thermoplastic polyurethane-oleic acid nanocomposite fibers through alkali hydrolysis
    (John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep; Hazer, Baki
    Alkali hydrolysis is a simple, low-cost, and prominent surface modification method for developing more desirable scaffolds. In the presented study, two distinct concentrations (1 and 3 M) were predetermined for the hydrolysis treatments, and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanocomposite fibers with varying concentrations of oleic acid (OLE) were exposed. According to the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, when naked TPU or nanocomposite fibers showed any morphological changes, the interfacial bonding points of TPU-OLE nanocomposite fibers enhanced in the higher concentrations of hydrolysis solution (1 and 3 M). The average fiber diameter in pure TPU is 0.59 ± 0.04 μm, while after doping with the highest concentration of OLE, the fiber diameter decreased to 0.48 ± 0.03 μm. Additionally, at the highest NaOH and OLE concentrations, the diameter decreased from 0.85 ± 0.02 μm in 3 M/TPU to 0.61 ± 0.04 μm in 3 M/TPU-OLE3. Additionally, the surface hydrophilicity of TPU-OLE fibers was noticeably improved through alkali hydrolysis, compared to the naked TPU approximately by 70%. Furthermore, the surface characterization of fibers revealed that the surface roughness values showed a significant change with increasing alkali concentration, but were not affected by the OLE concentration. All these findings indicate that TPU, whose surface wettability, roughness, and antibacterial response are modified by mercerization and OLE addition, can be safely and successfully used in tissue engineering applications. Highlights: Polyurethane, oleic acid, and NaOH treatment were combined for tissue engineering applications. TPU/OLE nanofiber membranes were prepared by electrospinning. The surface of composite fibrillar membranes was modified alkali hydrolysis. The fiber diameter decreased after NaOH hydrolysis. Alkali hydrolysis improved the surface wettability and antibacterial response.
  • Öğe
    Fritillaria behcetiana (Liliaceae), a new species from eastern Anatolia (Türkiye)
    (Magnolia Press, 2025) Yapar, Yakup; Tekşen, Mehtap
    Fritillaria behcetiana sp. nov. is described as a new species from Bingöl Province in eastern Anatolia, Türkiye. It is closely related to F. shehbazii, F. chlororhabdota and F. pinardii, but differs from them in several morphological features, including leaf lenght and colour, perianth segment size and colour, anther colour and length, filament length, style lenght and branching. The new species is described in detail, including distribution, ecology, conservation status and photographs with comparisons to F. shehbazii, F. chlororhabdota and F. pinardii.
  • Öğe
    Exploring the anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects of Valeriana tuberosa L. constituents: Integrating in vitro and in silico studies
    (Elsevier B.V., 2025) Çelik, Cansel; Özhan, Yağmur; Öztürk, Ceren; Dede, Zülal Sevgi; Çitoğlu, Tuğçe; Tekşen, Mehtap
    Valeriana tuberosa L. yielded four new iridoids, valtuberoside I-IV (1–3 and 15), along with 13 known secondary metabolites via activity-directed fractionation. Compounds were characterized by NMR and HRESIMS. EtOH extract, fractions, and isolates were evaluated for their inhibition on nitric oxide (NO) release in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Compounds 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 16, and 17 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the release of NO (IC50 43.44–95.71 μM), and their mode of actions were elucidated by ELISA, Western blot, qPCR, immunostaining techniques and supported by molecular modelling studies. Compounds 8, 9, 11, 13, and 17 showed significant reduction in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, and COX-2 enzyme production, while 9 and 13 decreased iNOS protein expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Compound 13 exhibited remarkable inhibition on pro-inflammatory markers, cox-2 gene expression and translocation of NF-κB to the nuclear region. Moreover, it had the most favourable interaction (ds: −6.46 kcal/mol) with iNOS in in silico analyses. The cytotoxic activities of the most active isolates against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, U87, A172, MIA PaCa-2, PANC-1, Mahlavu, and Hep3B cancer cell lines were assessed using CCK8 assay and their cell death mechanisms were unveiled via Apoptosis/Necrosis Assay Kit. Compound 8 had significant cytotoxic activity against MIA PaCa-2 (IC50 23.7 μM) and Hep3B (IC50 25.4 μM) cancer cell lines, via arresting cell cycle especially in G2/M phase and triggering the apoptotic pathway. These findings indicated that 8 and 13 deserve further in vivo assays on the way to discover new potential drug leads.
  • Öğe
    Thermoplastic Polyurethane-Oleic Acid (TPU-OLE) Membranes for Guided Bone Regeneration
    (John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep; Hazer, Baki
    Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a regenerative surgical procedure in dentistry and orthopedics. The aim of this study is to fabricate a novel nano-textured, hydrophilic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based barrier membrane containing unsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid (OLE) to assist GBR. First, TPU copolymer containing OLE in different ratios was synthesized, and GBR membranes were fabricated by the solvent casting method, and then, the surface properties were improved by alkali treatment. Thus, a TPU-OLE structure was obtained with improved surface wettability, the ability to prevent bacterial adhesion, and the capability to promote cell adhesion. The contact angle reduced from 73.3° ± 1° to 30.7° ± 0.3° at TPU-OLE3, while at TPU it decreased from 121.2° ± 2.5° to 63.6° ± 0.8° after treatment with 3 M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Furthermore, plate counting assays showed that TPU-OLE membranes displayed excellent bacterial inhibition (against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus); the control group showed 6 × 107 CFU/mL of E. coli bacterial colonies, while on the plates interacting with TPU-OLE1, TPU-OLE2, and TPU-OLE3 membranes, colonies of 12 × 105, 12 × 105, and 24 × 105 CFU/mL were observed, respectively. The bacterial count on TPU-OLE1, TPU-OLE2, and TPU-OLE3 membranes decreased by 109, 164, and 12 × 105 CFU/mL at 24 h, while the control group and TPU membranes showed 1300 × 105 and 600 × 105 CFU/mL, respectively. The obtained results indicated that either alkali treatment or OLE-modified TPU produced a more hydrophilic and promotive surface for cell attachment. Therefore, we anticipate that alkali-treated TPU-OLE membranes have a great potential in GBR in future applications.
  • Öğe
    Cryopreservation of ram semen: baicalein efficiency on oxidative stress, chromatin integrity, viability and motility post thaw
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024) Avdatek, Fatih; Güngör, Şükrü; Gülhan, Mehmet Fuat; İnanç, Muhammed Enes; Olğaç, Kemal Tuna; Denk, Barış; Yeni, Deniz; Taşdemir, Umut
    Baicalein (B) has potential antioxidant properties, but it has not been tested as a ram semen extender. This study aimed to assess the impact of B on various sperm parameters and determine its potential influence on semen quality after the freeze-thawing process. During the breeding season, ejaculates were obtained from four rams with the aid of an artificial vagina. The collected mixed semen samples were divided into four groups: control (C; 0), B0.5 (0.5 mM), B1 (1 mM), and B2 (2 mM). After semen extension, the samples were loaded into 0.25 mL straws and stored for 2 h at 4°C prior to freezing in liquid nitrogen vapor and thawed in a water bath at 37°C. Among the groups, B0.5 demonstrated the highest progressive motility results, while B1 and B2 exhibited reduced motility (p < 0.05). In terms of high mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity, and viability, B0.5 showed significantly superior outcomes to the other B groups (p < 0.05), although it was not significantly better than C. B1 displayed the highest plasma membrane integrity levels (p < 0.05). Notably, B2 displayed the lowest total antioxidant status levels among the groups (p < 0.05). The findings of this study suggested that the in vitro spermatological characteristics of ram spermatozoa such as progressive motility and chromatin integrity can be protected from the freeze-thawing process by using the 0.5 mM dose of baicalein as a semen extender. The treatment of sperm freezing might benefit from further in-depth research on the role of B in the improvement of cryoinjury and its underlying processes.
  • Öğe
    Forecasting impacts of climate and land-use change on Vallonea oak (Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis) based on the ensemble modeling
    (Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Kenar, Nihal
    Although Mediterranean species demonstrate a strong ability to survive in degraded and arid environments, it is crucial to acknowledge the significant influence that climate change can have on them. Woodlands dominated by Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis are part of an agroforestry system in the Mediterranean region, hence, the potential changes in its distribution were investigated under future climate and land-use change scenarios through species distribution modeling. The modeling results show that the suitable habitats for the species are mainly concentrated in Greece and the west of Anatolia, which are already natural ranges. In addition, climate has a higher influence on the thriving strength and distribution of the species than land-use, with temperature being the primary factor driving these effects. Therefore, the distribution of the species is predicted to undergo small declines in suitable habitats and to be more influenced by climate change than the combination of land-use and climate change in case of minor temperature increases. However, the synergistic influence of land-use and climate change is expected to have a more adverse impact on the distribution of the species than climate change alone in case of major temperature changes, thus leading to a more significant decrease in the species’ habitats.
  • Öğe
    Zeolite-impregnated polypropylene melt-electrospun membranes for filtration applications
    (John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025) Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep
    Combining zeolites (Zeo) through electrospinning is a developing area, with relatively few studies dedicated to the production of zeolite/polymer composites. Therefore, creating highly effective filters by using a polymer base and zeolite has become necessary. In this study, a combination of polypropylene (PP) melt and zeolite by electrospinning technique is employed to fabricate a PP-Zeo filter membrane. The average fiber diameter of PP-Zeo filter membrane was found as 1 ± 0.02 ?m. To improve the filtration efficacy, the surface of PP/Zeo membranes was modified using zeolite by two methods, electrospraying and chemical activation. According to SEM and EDX, results showed that a significantly different Al/Si atomic percentage was obtained by chemical activation compared to the electrospraying method. Additionally, the surface roughness (Sa) values significantly improved following the surface modification procedure. The surface roughness of PP/Zeo membranes modified with 5% (w/v) zeolite using the chemical activation method was 0.189 ?m, compared to 0.143 ?m for pure PP. This work presents a facile and effective preparation method to be used as filter for membrane filtration applications. Highlights: Polyprophylene (PP) and zeolite (Zeo) were combined for effective filtration. PP or PP/Zeo fiber membranes were prepared by melt-electrospinning. The surface was modified comparatively using electrospraying and Garcia methods. SEM analyses indicated that the surface was coated with zeolite particles.
  • Öğe
    In vitro and in vivo effects of commercial and environmental microplastics on Unio delicatus
    (Springer, 2025) Yüce, Pınar Arslan; Günal, Aysel Çağlan; Erkmen, Belda; Yurdakök Dikmen, Begüm; Çağan, Ali Serhan; Çırak, Tamer; Başaran Kankılıç, Gökben; Seyfe, Melike; Filazi, Ayhan; Tavşanoğlu, Ülkü Nihan
    Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous pollutants in freshwater environments. In this study, freshwater mussels, Unio delicatus, were exposed to both environmental MPs (e-MP) and commercial MPs (c-MP) that include green fluorescent MP (gf-MP), polyethylene (c-PE) and polystyrene (c-PS) at environmental concentrations (5 mg/L and 50 mg/L) over duration of 7 and 30 days. According to in vivo experiment results, both e-MPs and c-MPs induced significant changes in the total hemocyte counts of mussels (p < 0.05). Exposure to high concentrations of e-MPs and c-MPs for 7 days led to decreased cellular glutathione levels in the mussels, while exposure to low concentrations of e-MPs and c-PS for 7 days resulted in increased advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP). Mussels exposed to high concentrations of e-MPs for 30 days exhibited decreases in both glutathione levels and AOPP values. Although no damage was observed in tissues other than gills and digestive gland, histopathological alterations were observed in these tissues following exposure to 50 mg/L c-MPs. Additionally, MPs were observed in the intestine tissues. In vitro experiments using the MTT assay showed no significant difference in cell viability between the MP-exposed group and the control group at tested concentrations, with no observed dose-response relationship (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, certain cells exhibited signs of cell death, such as disrupted cellular structures, condensed nuclei, and loss of cellular integrity. These observations were consistent with mechanical compression, indicating that physical contact with MPs may result in cell damage or death. These findings demonstrate that environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs have toxic effects on freshwater mussels and multiple parameters provide valuable insight for the evaluation of health risks of organisms.
  • Öğe
    Predicting the effect of climate change on the geographic distribution of the endemic Fritillaria aurea in Türkiye
    (Abdullah KAYA, 2024) Kenar, Nihal; Tekşen, Mehtap
    Fritillaria aurea is a rare, high altitude, endemic, and bulbous plant species in Türkiye. Although it is classified as least concern according to IUCN criteria, the species has a narrow distribution. This study utilized ensemble modeling to forecast potential future changes in suitable habitats for F. aurea by two Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs: SSP 1-2.6 and 5-8.5). These pathways were constructed using two General Circulation Models (GCMs) and covered the years 2035, 2055, and 2085. The results showed that the minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio6), mean temperature of the wettest quarter (bio8), and precipitation of the warmest quarter (bio18) have the largest influence on the potential species distribution. The ensemble model predicted that the highly suitable habitats of F. aurea would contract under all future SSP scenarios and it would lose almost all of its potential highly suitable distribution areas by the end of the century. The remained population of F. aurea could possibly harbour in only minor areas of the North Anatolian Mountains in the north and Taurus Mountains in the south. The results of the study could contribute to establishing conservation strategies and natural resource management policies for F. aurea against the potential impacts of climate change. The highly suitable habitats under pessimistic scenarios at the end of this century projected by the present study can be determined as protected areas for the species.
  • Öğe
    Curcumin- and quercetin-functionalized polypropylene membranes as active food packaging material
    (Wiley, 2024) Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep; Hazer, Baki
    A wide range of active agents, synthetic and natural agents such as essential oils, chitosan and polyphneols consisting of curcumin, gallic acid, anthocyanins, and catechins have been used in order to develop antimicrobial packaging systems, and among them, natural polyphenolic compounds, specially curcumin (Cur) has great potential due to effective biological activities in developing food packaging material. Quercetin (Quer) is also the mostly studied flavonol as a color-changing indicator in the food industry and has been already developed as a realistic alternative for smart and active food packaging. The reason for choosing these two polyphenolic compounds is that they simultaneously possess many beneficial properties such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumoral, and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the main objective of the study is to combine polypropylene (PP), which is the most preferred and cost-effective polymer in the packaging industry, with these active ingredients, rather than using more expensive polymer types. In this context, PP-Quer or PP-Cur membranes, which are new experiences based on these literatures were chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the surface morphology of these composite membranes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial response against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria species was investigated. Furthermore, the reactive oxygen species generation and anticancer activity of these composite membranes using human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) were observed. We proposed that PP-Quer or PP-Cur composite membranes can be a potential candidate as active packaging material in the food industry.
  • Öğe
    Climate change impacts on the distribution of Dryomys laniger (woolly dormouse) in Türkiye: a data-driven approach
    (Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2024) Helvacı, Zeycan
    This study examines the population structure, ecological niche, and vulnerability to climate change of the woolly dormouse Dryomys laniger in Türkiye. Integrating genetic data with species distribution modeling, the research predicts suitable habitats for D. laniger under current and future climate change scenarios until the year 2100. Using an ensemble of two machine learning models, this study finds that by 2040, the range of D. laniger will be reduced significantly, particularly in southern populations. Eastern areas emerge as a potential refuge, showing slight expansion and colonization. The low genetic diversity in this eastern population indicates the need for long-term adaptability of D. laniger. Due to the unique adaptive potential of each population, this research highlights the importance of region-specific management plans to ensure the long-term survival of this species, which appears to be vulnerable to habitat fragmentation.
  • Öğe
    Dual surface activation of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) guided membranes
    (Pamukkale Üniversitesi, 2023) Karahaliloğlu, Zeynep
    Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which consisting of alternant hard- and soft segment is a kind of segmented block copolymer. Amazing elasticity, transparency, and strength at break have expanded the application of TPU in automotive, buildings, coatings, sealants, medicine, and rubber industries. Further, TPUs lack active group, they have high crystallinity, low surface energy, and chemical inertness. Therefore, its properties needed to restore. Recently, plasma or alkali treatment have been suggested to modify the surface properties of nanostructures. Especially, alkali treatment is also versatile one, and creates changes in dimensions, and fine structure without change the surface functional groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of surface treatment method on newly identified TPU membranes containing of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Raw TPU surface was modified by alkali treatment with different percentages of NaOH: 1M and 3 M without heating for a constant soaking time of 30 min. Surface morphology, roughness and wettability properties of treated TPU membranes were investigated. The experimental results showed that the all treated TPU membranes showed surface feature morphology with increasing roughness, i.e. Sa (areal average roughness) values of the TPU-PEG or TPU-PC after the submersion in 1 M solution of NaOH became about 2.51x10(2)+/- 15.6 and 2.79x10(2)+/- 17.3 nm while that of TPU was 6.24x10(1)+/- 6.9 nm. Furthermore, while the contact angle values of TPU-PEG after alkalization reduced from 40.6 +/- 0.5 degrees to 21 +/- 0.2 degrees and patterned TPU-PC showed significantly superior cell attachment to the MC3T3-E1 cells than the pristine TPU. The study's findings indicate NaOH-treated composite TPU membranes could be a possible guided agent, which supported the bone induction, and differentiation.
  • Öğe
    Phylogenetic inference from 16S rRNA gene sequencing in chromosome races of the genus nannospalax species (Rodentia: Spalacidae)
    (Pleiades Publishing, 2024) Kankılıç, Teoman; Çelikbilek, Habibe Didem; Kankılıç, Tolga; Seçkinozan Şeker, Perinçek; Selvi, Engin; Civelek, İlkay
    In this study, we aimed to develop a species-level phylogeny for the Nannospalax genus, identify cryptic species that are difficult to differentiate using standard methods, and further evaluate the relationships across chromosomal forms of several species. 16S rRNA gene sequences from 81 Turkish regions were evaluated and statistical analyzes were conducted. Results are as follows; (i) Nannospalax cilicicus was found to be monophyletic and sister in relation to Nannospalax xanthodon; (ii) We suggested for the first time that the Central-Anatolian populations should be classified under the species name Nannospalax cilicicus (stat. n.); (iii) the unidentified 2n = 52 cytotypes from Bolu and Nannospalax leucodon cytotypes were reciprocally monophyletic, these data support the notion that the 2n = 52 cytotypes from Bolu belong to an unidentified taxon; (iv) study also offered evidence for the monophyly of N.