Projects per year
Personal profile
Research interests
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.
specialisation
tissue engineering, biomaterials, wound healing, in vitro, in vivo
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Education/Academic qualification
Bachelor, Istanbul University
2004 → 2008
Award Date: 20 Aug 2023
PhD, Electrospun P3ana/PCL Nanofibers as electroactive-bioactive biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration: synthesis, characterization and cell studies, Istanbul Technical University
2011 → 2016
Award Date: 10 Jun 2016
Master, Cell transfection and cytotoxicity studies of newly synthesized DNA nanocarriers for gene delivery, Istanbul University
2008 → 2011
Award Date: 7 Jul 2011
Keywords
- RG Gynecology and obstetrics
- prolapse
- implants
- TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
- implant testng
- RB Pathology
- prolapse
- incontinence
- histology
- Q Science (General)
- material science
- TP Chemical technology
- biofuntionalization
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 2 Active
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Development of a novel wound-healing implant with mechano-stimulation and localized delivery
1/01/2019 → …
Project: Research
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An Improved Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A 3D In Vitro Model under Static and Mechanical Loading Conditions
van Velthoven, M. J. J., Gudde, A. N., van der Kruit, M., van Loon, M. P. C., Rasing, L., Wagener, F. A. D. T. G., Roovers, J. P., Guler, Z. & Kouwer, P. H. J., 25 Mar 2024, In: Advanced healthcare materials. 13, 8, 2302905.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access1 Citation (Scopus) -
Potential of Estradiol-Functionalized Polyisocyanide Hydrogels for Stimulating Tissue Regeneration of the Pelvic Floor
van Velthoven, M. J. J., Gudde, A. N., Enting, H., Hammink, R., Roovers, J-P., Guler, Z., Oosterwijk, E. & Kouwer, P. H. J., Jan 2024, In: Advanced Therapeutics. 7, 1, 2300199.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access3 Citations (Scopus) -
The Regenerative Capacity of Tissue-Engineered Amniotic Membranes
Maljaars, L. P., Gudde, A. N., Oosthuysen, A., Roovers, J. P. W. R. & Guler, Z., 18 Mar 2024, In: ACS Applied Bio Materials. 7, 3, p. 1441-1448 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
Two-Year Preclinical Evaluation of Long-Term Absorbable Poly-4-hydroxybutyrate Scaffold for Surgical Correction of Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Guler, Z., Kaestner, L. A., Vodegel, E., Ras, L., Jeffrey, S. & Roovers, J. P., Mar 2024, In: International Urogynecology Journal. 35, 3, p. 713-722 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access -
Characterization of Electrospun Polysuccinimide-Dopamine Conjugates and Effect on Cell Viability and Uptake
Tóth, K., Nagy, K. S, Juhász, Á. G, Pállinger, É, Varga, G, A.Sezai Sarac, Miklos Zrinyi, Angéla Jedlovszky-Hajdú & David Juriga, Mar 2023, In: Macromolecular bioscience. 23, 3, 2200397.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Open Access5 Citations (Scopus)
Prizes
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Frontiers in Medical Technology (Journal)
Zeliha Guler (Reviewer)
2023 → 2025Activity: Peer review and Editorial work › Editorial activity
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International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) (External organisation)
Zeliha Guler (Chair)
2019 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of committee › Academic
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International Urogynecological Association (IUGA) (External organisation)
Zeliha Guler (Chair)
2019 → …Activity: Membership › Membership of committee › Academic