Türkiye to develop nanotechnology to improve quality of life

A team of Turkish scientists led by Professor Zeki Candan is developing innovative materials that are safe for human health.

The Biomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Group (BioNanoTeam), formed by Prof. Jandan, conducts research in the field of composite products, renewable energy, smart technologies and manufacturing systems.

In particular, a number of products that are absolutely safe for health have been developed, including cellulose nanomaterials.

In 2019, the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TUBA) named Prof. Candan an “outstanding young scientist” in the field of engineering.

Candan is also the holder of the “Academician with the most patents” award, which he received at the Academic Achievement Award Ceremony of the Faculty of Forestry at Istanbul Cerrahpaşa University.

According to the professor, his team is working on comfortable and healthy products and technologies that are used in everyday life almost everywhere: in homes, offices, workplaces, schools, hospitals and public places.

“For example, BioNanoTeam members Professor Ilven Mutlu and graduate student Mert Yildirim are developing self-healing smart technologies” Candan said.

Stating that about ten inventions have already been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, “We are working on smart technologies, smart beds and smart furniture that make our lives easier, can be used by children, babies, the elderly and adults and improve their sleep and quality of life. They received patents. And for commercialization, we are negotiating with companies and industry organizations,” said the Turkish professor.

According to Candan, scientists work in large groups on technologies that are applied in a wide range of fields: from medicine, healthcare, to engineering, basic and social sciences.

Collaborations have been established with prestigious universities in foreign countries, including the US, Canada and the UK, and numerous studies are being carried out with the support of global industrial enterprises and non-governmental organizations, Candan noted.

The team has applied for patents on dozens of developed technologies, some of which have been approved and some are pending, he said.

Pointing out that a cooperation is being carried out with industrial enterprises to develop innovative engineering products with high added value Candan, “Wood and particle boards are used in houses and offices. We produce products that eliminate or minimize carcinogens and harmful effects on human health, and gain greater consumer acceptance through improved quality” he said.