MAM
Biotechnology Research Laboratories
The Biotechnology Research Group conducts multidisciplinary R&D activities to develop innovative solutions that address our country's priority needs in the fields of health, agriculture, and the environment. The Vaccine Technologies, Drug Technologies, Molecular Oncology, Biomaterials, Plant Biotechnology, and Animal Biotechnology Laboratories within the group adopt an integrated working approach with complementary expertise and infrastructure. The Group operates in line with its goal of developing technology, products, and services for public, university, and private sector stakeholders through national and international collaborations.
Research in the field of health includes the development of protective approaches against biological agents, the evaluation of vaccine and immune response processes, efficacy/safety analyses in cell-based systems, and the planning of in vivo studies conducted in appropriate models. Within this framework, vaccine studies involve laboratory-scale development in inactivated, subunit, recombinant, and peptide formats; vaccine-adjuvant compatibility, stability, immunogenicity, and dose evaluations are conducted; and immune response studies supported by 3D in vitro modeling and tissue engineering approaches are performed. Virus culture/titer determination studies can be conducted with BSL-2 and BSL-3 infrastructure; the infection process can be monitored in real time with real-time cell analysis platforms, allowing the intervention effect to be quantitatively evaluated. In the field of drug technologies, development processes for biotechnological products are addressed in conjunction with production, purification, characterization, and cell-based biological activity assessments.
Within the scope of research on diagnosis and treatment, studies are conducted in Molecular Oncology laboratories on cancer diagnosis/screening, early diagnosis-monitoring, and treatment approaches; target-oriented research processes supported by biobanking approaches, bioinformatics analyses, and multi-omics methods are being developed. In biomaterials laboratories, studies are conducted on functional biomaterials for treatment and diagnosis, drug delivery systems, biosensor technologies, and diagnostic kits; the integration of health technologies with nanostructures and smart materials is supported. Approaches to tissue engineering applications focused on biomimetics and regenerative medicine are also an important component of this ecosystem.
Plant Biotechnology laboratories conduct research on the evaluation of national plant genetic resources, molecular approaches to increase productivity and quality, next-generation genomic applications, and genomic editing studies. In Animal Biotechnology laboratories, research at the intersection of animal husbandry and biotechnology is supported through genetic/genomic-based approaches, appropriate experimental models, and biological evaluation processes.
This integrated structure supports the consolidation of interdisciplinary competencies toward a common goal, the systematic and traceable execution of R&D processes, and the transfer of outputs into practice.
Vaccine Technologies Research Laboratory
The Vaccine Technologies Research Team conducts studies focused on developing protective and immunotherapeutic treatment methods against biological agents that are zoonotic in origin or directly impact human health. Our laboratory has the appropriate infrastructure and expert staff for vaccine development studies in inactivated, subunit, and recombinant peptide forms. In this context, meticulously conducted in vitro and in vivo studies include the production of conventional and recombinant toxins, laboratory-scale vaccine production at the preclinical level, the examination of vaccine-induced humoral and cellular immune responses, modeling of next-generation immunotherapeutics, the use of drug- and gene-loaded nanocarriers with effective adjuvant systems, the development of vaccine-adjuvant formulations, and tissue engineering studies.
The Vaccine Technologies Research Team contributes to the field of CBRN defense by developing diagnostic and treatment methods against biological agents. It also conducts research in line with the needs of public and private sector organizations by establishing national and international collaborations.
Areas of Activity and Work
In vitro Cell Culture
Food toxicology, nanotoxicology, biocompatibility, bioefficacy and biosafety determination, anti-microbial and anti-cancer efficacy.
Tissue Engineering, 3D in vitro Modeling, in vitro Immunotherapeutic Modeling
Cell- and molecular-based immunoregulation in inflammatory disease models
Purification and Chemical Synthesis Studies
Peptide synthesis, purification and characterization.
Vaccine-Adjuvant Studies
Stability, antigen-adjuvant compatibility, immunogenicity & dose, innate and adaptive immune response studies.
In Vivo Animal Modeling and Challenge Studies
Mouse, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and ferret.
Plant Biotechnology Research Laboratory
The Plant Biotechnology Research Team continues its activities within the scope of producing products and services that can be transformed into added value by using up-to-date biotechnology and genetic engineering methods in line with the country's priorities.
The Plant Biotechnology Research Team collaborates with public research institutions, universities and the private sector at national and international level. In addition, analysis and consultancy services are provided to public and private sector organizations.
Areas of Activity and Work
Next Generation Genomic Research
Characterization of national plant genetic resources, studies on increasing productivity and quality values in plants with molecular approaches, elucidation of molecular mechanisms involved in biotic / abiotic stress in plants and identification of molecular markers, molecular marker-assisted breeding programs in plants.
Genomic rearrangements in plants
Regulating the levels of valuable plant metabolites through genetic manipulation.
RNAi
The use of microbial agents in the treatment and prevention of plant diseases.
Biomaterials Research Laboratory
Biomaterials Research Team is a multidisciplinary research team that aims to develop innovative solutions in biomaterials and biotechnology applications. Our team works towards the realization of technologies, products and services with high competitiveness and added value that our country needs in various disciplines such as health, food safety and environmental protection. Our research includes studies on new functional biomaterials for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, as well as drug delivery systems, development of synthetic drugs and imaging agents, biosensor technologies and diagnostic kits that offer innovative approaches in the early detection and treatment of diseases. We also provide innovative solutions in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by focusing on the imitation of natural processes through biomimetic and regenerative medicine research, while integrating nanostructures and smart materials in the field of nanotechnology and materials science into healthcare technologies.
Areas of Activity and Work
Research on Disease Treatment
Small molecule, peptide, and peptidomimetic drug candidates are designed and synthesized/characterized using artificial intelligence and in-silico approaches in areas such as cancer, neurological, cardiovascular, rare diseases, and diabetes. The focus is on increasing efficacy and safety through targeting, controlled release, and smart delivery systems.
Research on the Detection of Diseases and Infections
Biosensors, diagnostic kits (LFA/ELISA), and imaging agents (PET/MR, etc.) are being developed for early and reliable diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity are being improved using biomolecules such as peptides/antibodies/aptamers/PNA and artificial intelligence-based analyses.
Research in Nanotechnology and Materials Science
Functional, biocompatible, and smart materials are being designed and developed for healthcare and food safety applications. Tissue engineering biomaterials, nanofiber/hydrogel systems, 3D bioprinting-bioink, microneedles, wound dressings/artificial skin, and smart packaging technologies are the main areas of focus.
Animal Biotechnology Research Laboratory
The Animal Biotechnology Research Team has achieved important milestones by successfully producing Turkey's first clone calves and first transgenic mice (mice synthesizing human interferon, frost-resistant mice). It conducts genetic and genomic studies in farm animals, domestic and domestic animals, reproductive biology in animals, development of transgenic and experimental animal models, cancer molecular biology, identification of anticancer drug candidates, stem cell therapies, integrated omics analysis for disease diagnosis and treatment, and biodefense product development. It provides services in the field of toxicity and biocompatibility studies in experimental animals by collaborating with public research institutions, universities and private sector at national and international level.
Areas of Activity and Work
Animal Reproductive Biotechnology Studies and Development of Molecular Breeding Strategies in Livestock and Poultry
Cloning, in vitro fertilization, cryobiology, biobanking, genetic selection, etc.
Animal Genetics Studies and Pedigree Analysis
Identification of genes associated with economically important traits in farm animals, diagnosis of animal diseases such as BLAD, DUMPS where a single mutation is responsible, etc.
Cell Signaling Pathways (Apoptosis, Angiogenesis, Autophagy etc.), Molecular Cancer Biology, Anticancer Drug Development and Embryonic, Mesenchymal and Cancer Stem Cell Studies
Anti-Serum Production and Purification Studies against Pandemic Potential and Disease Causing Agents
Toxicity and Biocompatibility Studies in Experimental Animals, Development of Transgenic and Experimental Animal Models, In Vitro Model Development for Drug Development and Toxicology Studies
Pharmaceutical Technologies Research Team
The Pharmaceutical Technologies Research Team has been competent in antibody engineering, cell line development and characterization, photodynamic therapy, nanoscale drug systems, physico-chemical characterization of proteins and biological activity assays for more than 25 years. In the field of healthcare, the pharmaceutical technologies research team continues to work with different approaches in the discovery of original and biosimilar antibodies, development of new biopharmaceutical drugs, biosimilar mAbs and theranotherapeutic agents, with a priority on cancer and pathogen-induced diseases. The team carries out nationally and internationally supported multidisciplinary projects such as the development of neutralizing antibodies against Sars-CoV-2 virus, the development of the first nationally supported biosimilar antibody for cancer treatment, the production and application of photodynamic therapy agents for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and the development of nanoparticle-based molecules.
Areas of Activity and Work
Development and production of new drugs and biosimilars based on recombinant antibodies and peptides
The design, production, and process optimization of recombinant antibody/peptide candidates are carried out using mammalian and/or bacterial expression systems. Product candidates are developed using scalable production approaches in line with quality, efficacy, and safety targets.
Development of a Biotechnological Drug Producing Cell Line
Cell line development, clone selection, and productivity/stability assessments are performed for the target molecule. Research Cell Bank (RCB), Master Cell Bank (MCB), and Working Cell Bank (WCB) establishment; cell bank characterization and traceability processes are supported.
Purification and Physico-Chemical Characterization of Antibodies
Post-production purification processes (capture–intermediate purification–polishing) and process development studies are conducted. Identity, purity, aggregation, charge variants, binding kinetics, and biosimilarity assessments are performed using methods such as SEC/reverse phase HPLC, variant analysis, FPLC, CE-SDS/CE-IEF, SPR, CD, DLS/Zeta, FTIR, SDS-PAGE/Western blot, and ELISA.
In Vitro Activity Determination of Therapeutics
The efficacy of candidate therapeutics at the cellular level is evaluated through proliferation inhibition, IC50/EC50 determination, cell migration-invasion, apoptosis/necrosis markers, and ROS/oxidative stress analyses. A mechanism-focused efficacy profile is established using wound healing (scratch) and target-specific functional assays.
3D Cell Culture, In Vitro Disease Models
Alongside 2D cultures, more physiologically relevant in vitro disease models are developed using 3D spheroid/organoid approaches. The efficacy and toxicity profiles of candidates are comparatively analyzed in the context of cancer, neurodegeneration (e.g., Alzheimer's-like models), and metabolic diseases (e.g., mechanisms related to Type II diabetes).
Directed Immunotherapeutic Applications
Target antigen/biomarker-based directed immunotherapeutic strategies (antibody-based formats, binding-function relationship, target validation) are developed. Cell-based binding and function tests support the selectivity, efficacy, and safety profile of candidates.
Screening of Antibody and Peptide Libraries Against Target Antigens Using Phage Display Technology
Phage display-based biopanning and screening processes are conducted to discover antibody/peptide candidates that bind to target antigens. Candidates are pre-screened for binding strength/selectivity, cross-reactivity, and functional outputs before being advanced to subsequent development stages.
Development of Immunized, Naïve and Synthetic Human or Mouse-Based Antibody Libraries
The design/establishment of human or mouse-derived immunized, naïve, and synthetic libraries and the validation of library quality are performed. Infrastructure is provided for the transfer of candidates to sequencing/formatting processes after target-specific enrichment.
Human and Humanoid Recombinant Antibody Engineering and Applications in Different Formats (Fab, Scfv, Nanobody, Vh, Vl)
Engineering studies are conducted on different antibody architectures, including Fab, scFv, and single-chain formats. Format conversion, affinity/specificity improvement, stability-expressibility optimization, and selection of candidates suitable for application are supported.
Computer-Based Antibody Humanization
In silico humanization and candidate optimization are performed to reduce immunogenicity risk. Rational design is supported by evaluating CDR conservation, frame region compatibility, and functional effects through structural modeling and sequence analysis.
Development of Biologically Activated Materials, Implants, Nanoparticles
Biomaterials and nanotechnology-based systems are designed for drug/antibody/peptide delivery or tissue-interaction purposes. Parameters such as surface functionalization, release profile, biocompatibility, and cellular response are evaluated using in vitro tests.
Determination of Virus Titer, Detection and Quantification of Neutralizing Antibodies and Antiviral Drug Screening Using the Bsl-3 Substructure
Using BSL-3 infrastructure, live virus culture and titer determination studies are conducted; thanks to real-time cell analysis, the infection process and neutralization kinetics are monitored with time resolution, enabling the quantitative determination of the neutralization profile and infection kinetics.
Molecular Oncology Research Team
The Molecular Oncology Research Team offers research on treatment and diagnostic methods especially for cancer, the disease of our age. Recently, it has been working on the development of diagnosis, detection and treatment systems for lung and hematologic cancers. Within the team, a bio-bank has been established from solid and liquid tissue cancer patient samples, and screening, early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment systems have been developed. Using antibodies, immuno-histochemistry kits and immunoassay systems have been developed to identify patients who are candidates for immunotherapy. A therapeutic system was also developed for the treatment of bone defects using mesenchymal stem cells and an osteomimetic hydrogel. One of the main areas of activity of the team is the development of personalized treatment systems. In this context, in addition to developing a CAR-T cell therapy system, we also aim to develop biological drugs, vaccines, small molecules and RNA therapeutics against target molecules and pathways that we have identified in collaboration with relevant expert teams within our unit and outside the institution.
Areas of Activity and Work
In Vitro Cell Culture and Lentivirus Studies
Production in mammalian and bacterial cells.
Cell Bank
Research cell bank, master cell bank and working cell bank.
Development of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (Car)-T Cell Therapy Systems
Design and expansion of CAR-T GMP-grade T cells using the ClinMACS prodigy cell production system.
Cloning Studies
In vitro ve in vivo çalışmalar için floresan, near infrared floresan ve hedef moleküllerin istenilen hücre hattı veya primer hücrelere klonlanması.
Crispr/Cas9 Studies
TRAC locus targeted system design to prevent GvH reaction, especially in allogeneic CAR-T studies.