Students from Erzurum Find a Solution to Bedsores Using Spider Venom
Young researchers designed an innovative hydrogel and bandage utilizing spider venom for the treatment of pressure ulcers experienced by bedridden patients.
High school students in Erzurum developed a special hydrogel and bandage against bedsores by utilizing the tissue-regenerating effect of spider venom. With this original project, the students earned the right to represent Turkey in the international Regeneron ISEF competition.
The Emergence Process of the Project
İrfan Sefiloğlu and İrem Alparslan, students at Erzurum Remzi Sakaoğlu BİLSEM, set out with the aim of finding a solution to bedsores, one of the biggest health problems of bedridden patients, under the mentorship of Mathematics and STEM Teacher Mustafa Akay.
Inspired by the cellular-level tissue-regenerating and healing effects of spider venom, the students succeeded in developing a special hydrogel and bandage that ensure wounds close quickly and effectively.
Academic Support and Analyses
The experimental, cellular, and technical analysis processes of the study were meticulously carried out within the body of Atatürk University Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Center.
During this process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nihal Şimşek Özek and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ferhunde Aysin provided academic guidance to the project team and supported the scientific work.
International Representation
As a result of this significant achievement, the high school team from Erzurum will participate in Regeneron ISEF, the world's most comprehensive and prestigious high school-level science competition.
The students will have the opportunity to represent Turkey and showcase their project on a global platform in the international finals to be held in the USA.