Biotechnology Working Group
Researchers:
Esra Mine Ünal, Işılay Çelik, Pelin Taş , Ayça Deniz, Ayşegül Er Gökçe, Berkay Gülen , Ayça Yeşilbağ, Emre Keskin
#GenomicTechnologies #DNABarcoding #Metabarcoding #eDNA #AgriculturalIdentification #IndustrialApplications #DNAInAgriculture #FoodSafety #GenomeProfiling #AgronomicCharacteristics #Productivity #StressTolerance #EnvironmentalManagement #SustainableAgriculture #EcosystemHealth #NatureFriendlyTechnologies
The group develops biotechnological products that support sustainability by combining fundamental and applied research with modern genomic technologies. The group integrates DNA barcoding technologies into industrial applications to ensure the identification of agricultural products, genetic verification of plant and animal species, and traceability of biological resources. DNA barcoding-based analysis systems are developed and implemented for critical processes in the agriculture and food sectors, such as combating counterfeiting, biodiversity monitoring, and agricultural product certification. The group conducts genome profiling studies, particularly for determining genetic diversity and investigating important agronomic characteristics such as yield and stress tolerance in plants and microorganisms. This data is integrated into the production processes of biotechnological products, contributing to the creation of more resilient and efficient biological systems. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding technologies are used in industrial-scale environmental analyses to support biological monitoring and environmental management processes. eDNA-based biotechnological solutions are developed for environmental sustainability projects such as water resource conservation, biodiversity monitoring, and species monitoring in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. These methods offer environmentally friendly, rapid, and cost-effective analyses and are directly integrated into industrial applications for monitoring ecosystem health.
In the field of agricultural and food biotechnology, DNA barcoding and genome profiling technologies are actively used in critical processes such as genetic identification of agricultural products, origin verification of food products, and determination of genetic diversity of plant and animal species. These approaches play a significant role, particularly in combating counterfeiting, ensuring food safety, quality control, sustainability, and strengthening geographical indication systems. Ensuring genetic traceability at every stage of the food chain protects consumer health and adds value to producers.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding studies are being integrated into environmental biotechnology and environmental monitoring applications to develop solutions for the conservation of biodiversity. By analyzing DNA found in environmental samples such as water samples from freshwater and marine ecosystems, soil, air, pollen, and even food matrices, it enables the detection of a wide variety of organisms, from microorganisms to plants and animals. In this way, it offers environmentally friendly, fast, and cost-effective biotechnological solutions in areas such as biodiversity monitoring, tracking invasive species, evaluating habitat quality, and monitoring ecosystem health.
The genome profiling studies conducted by the group aim to determine important agronomic characteristics such as yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. This data can be used in the design and production processes of next-generation biotechnological products, enabling the development of more robust, efficient, and sustainable biological systems.
The Biotechnology Working Group contributes to both academia and industry with its environmentally friendly and scientifically based solutions that respond to industrial needs.
Fields of Study
Genetic Engineering: Developing more efficient, resilient, and sustainable biological systems.
DNA Barcoding and Metabarcoding
Identifying and determining plants, animals, and microorganisms at the molecular level and ensuring their traceability. Food Biotechnology: Application of molecular analyses for origin verification, counterfeiting detection, and quality control in food products.
Environmental DNA (eDNA) Based Monitoring
Biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem assessment using DNA obtained from water, soil, and air samples. Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses: High-resolution analysis of the genetic structure and gene expression levels of organisms.
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis
Analysis and interpretation of high-dimensional biological data and development of AI-powered decision support systems.
University-Industry Collaborations
Conducting applied projects and joint R&D activities for the transfer of biotechnological solutions to industry.
Projects
Integration of Multiple Ohmic Data with Artificial Intelligence Algorithms
Metabarcoding of Airborne DNA (eDNAir) in Taxonomic Characterization of Environmental Samples
Tr.Aqua: Innovative and Sustainable Practices in Aquaculture within the Framework of Food Supply Security
Investigation of the Effect of Mucilage on Biodiversity in the Water Column and Seabed of Bandırma Bay and Çanakkale Strait Using Metabarcoding and Development of Biomonitoring Markers
"A Molecular Study on the Microbial Filtration Efficiency of Water Purification Systems"