Students develop biotechnological hydrogel using tarantula venom

Students İrfan Sefiloğlu and İrem Alparslan from the Remzi Sakaoğlu Science and Art Center (BİLSEM) in Erzurum, Turkey, have developed a biotechnological hydrogel designed to treat pressure sores in bedridden patients.

Guided by teacher Mustafa Akay, the students researched the bioactive components of venom from the Tarantula cubensis species to study their effects on tissue regeneration and cellular renewal. The research and analysis phases were conducted at the Atatürk University Eastern Anatolia High Technology Research Center (DAYTAM), with academic support from Associate Professors Nihal Şimşek Özek and Ferhunde Aysin.

After five months of cell experiments, the students achieved positive results for wound healing at specific dosages. Their project earned second place in the TÜBİTAK national finals and will represent Turkey at the 2027 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).