Research
The research studies carried out in our group are both experimental and computational. The experimental side involves the utilization of food biopolymers in nanotechnology applications, especially in food packaging. On the computational side, we perform multi-scale modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of polymeric, bio-molecular and colloidal systems with an emphasis on poorly absorbed lipophilic nutraceuticals.
- Multiscale modeling and molecular dynamics simulations of polymeric, bio molecular and colloidal systems
Our current efforts are towards expanding the knowledge about the structural properties of duodenal mixed micelles under different physiological conditions and the factors modulating the solubilization of bioactive lipophilic molecules in them via multi-scale molecular dynamics simulations. The structural changes taking place in the dietary mixed micelles upon solubilization of bioactive compounds such as beta-carotene and curcumin, and their interactions with the micelle constituents are among the focuses of our studies. Our motive is that acquisition of such knowledge will facilitate the development of a reverse engineering approach to design more effective delivery systems for lipophilic bioactive components.
Additionally, we comparatively investigate the aqueous behavior of certain monosaccharides through molecular dynamics simulations with a focus on inter- and intra-molecular H-bonding interactions.
- Food Biopolymers and Nanotechnology Applications
Our group carries out experimental research on the development of multi-layered edible nano coatings or surface-modified food packaging films by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly for the purpose of maintaining or extending the shelf life of fresh products. Encapsulation of natural colorant and/or bioactive compounds, and fabrication of colorimetric pH indicator nanofiber mats by electrospinning for use in intelligent food packaging applications are the other areas that we are interested in.
Research Projects
“Invert Şekerin Su ile Etkileşiminin Moleküler Dinamik Simülasyon ve NMR Relaksometre İle İncelenmesi”, Researcher, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, (Principal investigator: Assoc. Dr. Halil Mecit Öztop), METU Department of Food Engineering METU-TEZ-YL-314-2021-10728 (2021-2022).
“Mor Reyhan Antosiyaninlerinin Ultrason Destekli Ekstraksiyon ile Özütlenmesi İşleminin Optimizasyonu”, Principal Investigator, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, 2020İYTE0077, (2020-2021).
‘Exploring the Solubilization Mechanisms of Curcumin and Beta-carotene in Duodenal Mixed Micelles and the Modulating Factors Through Molecular Dynamics Simulations’, Principle Investigator, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, TUBITAK Project no:118O378 (2018-2021).
“Exploring the Food Applications of Time Domain (TD) Solid State NMR Techniques; Magic Sandwich Echo (MSE) and Spin Diffusion (SD) Sequences and Their Use on Developing New and Alternative Quality Control Techniques”, Researcher, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, (Principal investigator: Assoc. Dr. Halil Mecit Öztop, METU Department of Food Engineering, TUBITAK- 217O089), (2018-2020).
“Fabrication and Structural Characterization of Edible Coatings Obtained by Layer-by-Layer Deposition from Lysozyme and Iota-carrageenan”, Principal Investigator, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, 2017İYTE07 (2018-2019).
“Investigation of Structural and Dynamic Properties of Duodenal Mixed Micelles at Different Conditions by Molecular Dynamic Simulations”, Principal Investigator, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, 2016İYTE19 (2016-2017).
“Development of Novel Thin Edible Coatings for Fresh-Cut Fruits and Vegetables by Layer-By-Layer Deposition Technique”, Principal Investigator, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, TUBITAK-114O696, (2014-2016).
“Fabrication and Characterization of Model Edible Nano-Coatings for Fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables by Layer-by-Layer Assembly: Dipping vs. Spraying”, Principal Investigator, Department of Food Engineering, IZTECH, 2014IYTE06, (2014-2015).