Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fie... more Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fields. However, these hydrogels are usually formed synthetically via a long and complicated process involving crosslinking natural polymers. Herein, we describe a natural hydrogel isolated using a 'gentle' acid treatment from the girdle of a chiton species (Chiton articulatus). This novel hydrogel is shown to have a proliferative effect on mouse fibroblast cells (cell line, L929). The swelling capacity of this natural hydrogel was recorded as approximately 1,200% in distilled water, which is within desired levels for hydrogels. Detailed characterizations reveal that the hydrogel consists predominantly (83.93%) of protein. Considering its non-toxicity, proliferative effect and swelling properties, this natural hydrogel is an important discovery for material sciences, with potential for further applications in industry. Whether the girdle has some hydrogel activity in the living animal is unknown, but we speculate that it may enable the animal to better survive extreme environmental conditions by preventing desiccation.
In the present study, we report the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated on acti... more In the present study, we report the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated on activated screen printed carbon electrode (ASPCE). The AgNPs were prepared by using Justicia glauca leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent and the ASPCE was prepared by a simple electrochemical activation of screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The ASPCE/AgNPs shows a reversible electrochemical behaviour with enhanced response for DA than that of other modified SPCEs. Under optimum conditions, the electrochemical oxidation current response of DA is linear over the concentration range from 0.05 to 45.35 µM. The limit of detection is found as 0.017 µM with a high sensitivity of 7.85 µA µM−1 cm−2.
Potato plant is an important agricultural and food product for our country and the world. As a re... more Potato plant is an important agricultural and food product for our country and the world. As a result, it is widely cultivated. The most common problem in the cultivation of potato plants is pests, which damage the plant and cause a decrease in product quality and yield. Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a pest on the Solanaceae family, and can cause great damage by eating the leaves of the living plant during the development period. Although the most effective control method against potato beetle is chemical control, researches on alternative methods are becoming more widespread. In this context, the current study aimed to develop a new biological control agent with the aim of reducing product loss by investigating the effect of Camphorosma monspeliaca plant essential oil on L. decemlineata species eggs, larvae and adults. As a result, C. monspeliaca essential oil application was found to have lethal effect on early larvae, late larvae and adults. Besides, it was determined that the eg...
Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology
Growing environmental challenges worldwide and the lack of resources to tackle them require conse... more Growing environmental challenges worldwide and the lack of resources to tackle them require conservationists to set priorities for action. As known; protected areas will be needed as species change their distribution over time due to global climate change, drought, and complete habitat destruction. Although; conservation targets have been met for most species, some conservation features remain unprotected, especially for threatened bird species. There are certain habitat types in Aksaray province where target species belonging to different bird groups are concentrated. Herein; we identify these priority areas for conservation for the current and future estimated distributions of bird species. For this purpose; field studies have been carried out for two years (2015-2017) to represent different habitat types besides bird species detected within the borders of the province. According to our findings; three different habitats (wetland, swamp, and steppe) rich in target species were det...
Keratin is a fibrous, structured protein that constitutes the basis of different structures such ... more Keratin is a fibrous, structured protein that constitutes the basis of different structures such as nails, hair, beak, wool, feathers, claws, and horns. Until now, keratin isolation has been carried out from waste wool, feather, hoof and hair. However, the development of effective techniques to obtain keratin without any damage to the secondary structure of the protein remains a challenging task. Here in, two distinct keratin isolation methods (Na2S and EDTA) were compared for the first time from Domestic Goose (Anser domesticus) feathers. Kjeldahl method was used for the determination of crude protein from the obtained keratin powders by two methods, and antioxidant activity of keratin powders was conducted. Our findings suggest that Na2S method displayed the best keratin yield (86.34%) from goose feather; however, antioxidant activity of EDTA method was nearly three times higher than Na2S method, which could be taking into consideration as a potential keratin source for future stu...
Throughout the world, vulture populations have suffered threatening declines in numbers in recent... more Throughout the world, vulture populations have suffered threatening declines in numbers in recent years. The Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a highly philopatric scavenger that ranges across southern Europe and the central Asian plateau. Turkey holds the second most numerous population in the Western Palearctic but there has been no research on the genetic structure of this particular population. In the present study, we describe the current genetic status of the Turkish population using both mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers. Although, mitochondrial (mt) DNA revealed extremely low genetic variability (haplotype diversity), nuclear diversity based on allelic richness and expected heterozygosity demonstrated moderate levels of genetic variation. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the Turkish lineage, together with the Caucasus population, occupies an intermediate position between European (Balkan and Iberian) and Central Asian (Mongoli...
The Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus is a near threatened raptor that occurs in isolated popul... more The Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus is a near threatened raptor that occurs in isolated populations across its range. The only comprehensive genetic study performed so far excluded samples from Turkey, although this area forms a significant part of the species' range. In this study, we used 311 bp long sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 58 Turkish individuals to assess genetic diversity and phylogeny, and to determine if any signals for population expansion exist. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that the Turkish birds hold, along with those from the Caucasus, an intermediate position between European (Balkan and Iberian) and North Asian (Mongolian) lineages. Our findings also demonstrate extremely low mitochondrial diversity and suggest no population expansion. Despite the low genetic diversity found in this study, other mtDNA gene regions and other nuclear markers should be evaluated together with the current results, before any kind of conservation action plan of this species is applied.
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2016
Because many bird species are monomorphic or only sexually dimorphic in adult stages, it is diffi... more Because many bird species are monomorphic or only sexually dimorphic in adult stages, it is difficult to determine their sexes, which may cause significant problems in population and conservation studies. DNA-based sexing relies on the chromodomain helicase DNA binding ( CHD) gene located on the W chromosome and its homolog on the Z chromosome, giving distinct banding patterns on agarose gel as a result of length differences in intronic regions within this gene. We used 3 specific primer sets, CHD1F/CHD1R, 2550F/2718R, and P2/P8, for sex determination of 230 samples from 77 avian species. We report here the records for 70 of those species analyzed using the CHD1F/CHD1R primer set, and 49 species using 2550F/2718R, and 46 species using P2/P8. CHD1F/CHD1R PCR products on agarose gel generally showed an apparent single band in males and 2 bands in females, but the products of 2550F/2718R (61%) and P2/P8 (42%) showed distinct banding patterns for separate bird orders. However, when PCR ...
Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fie... more Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fields. However, these hydrogels are usually formed synthetically via a long and complicated process involving crosslinking natural polymers. Herein, we describe a natural hydrogel isolated using a ‘gentle’ acid treatment from the girdle of a chiton species (Chiton articulatus). This novel hydrogel is shown to have a proliferative effect on mouse fibroblast cells (cell line, L929). The swelling capacity of this natural hydrogel was recorded as approximately 1,200% in distilled water, which is within desired levels for hydrogels. Detailed characterizations reveal that the hydrogel consists predominantly (83.93%) of protein. Considering its non-toxicity, proliferative effect and swelling properties, this natural hydrogel is an important discovery for material sciences, with potential for further applications in industry. Whether the girdle has some hydrogel activity in the living animal is un...
Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fie... more Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fields. However, these hydrogels are usually formed synthetically via a long and complicated process involving crosslinking natural polymers. Herein, we describe a natural hydrogel isolated using a 'gentle' acid treatment from the girdle of a chiton species (Chiton articulatus). This novel hydrogel is shown to have a proliferative effect on mouse fibroblast cells (cell line, L929). The swelling capacity of this natural hydrogel was recorded as approximately 1,200% in distilled water, which is within desired levels for hydrogels. Detailed characterizations reveal that the hydrogel consists predominantly (83.93%) of protein. Considering its non-toxicity, proliferative effect and swelling properties, this natural hydrogel is an important discovery for material sciences, with potential for further applications in industry. Whether the girdle has some hydrogel activity in the living animal is unknown, but we speculate that it may enable the animal to better survive extreme environmental conditions by preventing desiccation.
In the present study, we report the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated on acti... more In the present study, we report the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated on activated screen printed carbon electrode (ASPCE). The AgNPs were prepared by using Justicia glauca leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent and the ASPCE was prepared by a simple electrochemical activation of screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE). The ASPCE/AgNPs shows a reversible electrochemical behaviour with enhanced response for DA than that of other modified SPCEs. Under optimum conditions, the electrochemical oxidation current response of DA is linear over the concentration range from 0.05 to 45.35 µM. The limit of detection is found as 0.017 µM with a high sensitivity of 7.85 µA µM−1 cm−2.
Potato plant is an important agricultural and food product for our country and the world. As a re... more Potato plant is an important agricultural and food product for our country and the world. As a result, it is widely cultivated. The most common problem in the cultivation of potato plants is pests, which damage the plant and cause a decrease in product quality and yield. Leptinotarsa decemlineata, is a pest on the Solanaceae family, and can cause great damage by eating the leaves of the living plant during the development period. Although the most effective control method against potato beetle is chemical control, researches on alternative methods are becoming more widespread. In this context, the current study aimed to develop a new biological control agent with the aim of reducing product loss by investigating the effect of Camphorosma monspeliaca plant essential oil on L. decemlineata species eggs, larvae and adults. As a result, C. monspeliaca essential oil application was found to have lethal effect on early larvae, late larvae and adults. Besides, it was determined that the eg...
Journal of the Institute of Science and Technology
Growing environmental challenges worldwide and the lack of resources to tackle them require conse... more Growing environmental challenges worldwide and the lack of resources to tackle them require conservationists to set priorities for action. As known; protected areas will be needed as species change their distribution over time due to global climate change, drought, and complete habitat destruction. Although; conservation targets have been met for most species, some conservation features remain unprotected, especially for threatened bird species. There are certain habitat types in Aksaray province where target species belonging to different bird groups are concentrated. Herein; we identify these priority areas for conservation for the current and future estimated distributions of bird species. For this purpose; field studies have been carried out for two years (2015-2017) to represent different habitat types besides bird species detected within the borders of the province. According to our findings; three different habitats (wetland, swamp, and steppe) rich in target species were det...
Keratin is a fibrous, structured protein that constitutes the basis of different structures such ... more Keratin is a fibrous, structured protein that constitutes the basis of different structures such as nails, hair, beak, wool, feathers, claws, and horns. Until now, keratin isolation has been carried out from waste wool, feather, hoof and hair. However, the development of effective techniques to obtain keratin without any damage to the secondary structure of the protein remains a challenging task. Here in, two distinct keratin isolation methods (Na2S and EDTA) were compared for the first time from Domestic Goose (Anser domesticus) feathers. Kjeldahl method was used for the determination of crude protein from the obtained keratin powders by two methods, and antioxidant activity of keratin powders was conducted. Our findings suggest that Na2S method displayed the best keratin yield (86.34%) from goose feather; however, antioxidant activity of EDTA method was nearly three times higher than Na2S method, which could be taking into consideration as a potential keratin source for future stu...
Throughout the world, vulture populations have suffered threatening declines in numbers in recent... more Throughout the world, vulture populations have suffered threatening declines in numbers in recent years. The Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus) is a highly philopatric scavenger that ranges across southern Europe and the central Asian plateau. Turkey holds the second most numerous population in the Western Palearctic but there has been no research on the genetic structure of this particular population. In the present study, we describe the current genetic status of the Turkish population using both mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences and nuclear microsatellite markers. Although, mitochondrial (mt) DNA revealed extremely low genetic variability (haplotype diversity), nuclear diversity based on allelic richness and expected heterozygosity demonstrated moderate levels of genetic variation. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the Turkish lineage, together with the Caucasus population, occupies an intermediate position between European (Balkan and Iberian) and Central Asian (Mongoli...
The Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus is a near threatened raptor that occurs in isolated popul... more The Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus is a near threatened raptor that occurs in isolated populations across its range. The only comprehensive genetic study performed so far excluded samples from Turkey, although this area forms a significant part of the species' range. In this study, we used 311 bp long sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from 58 Turkish individuals to assess genetic diversity and phylogeny, and to determine if any signals for population expansion exist. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that the Turkish birds hold, along with those from the Caucasus, an intermediate position between European (Balkan and Iberian) and North Asian (Mongolian) lineages. Our findings also demonstrate extremely low mitochondrial diversity and suggest no population expansion. Despite the low genetic diversity found in this study, other mtDNA gene regions and other nuclear markers should be evaluated together with the current results, before any kind of conservation action plan of this species is applied.
Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2016
Because many bird species are monomorphic or only sexually dimorphic in adult stages, it is diffi... more Because many bird species are monomorphic or only sexually dimorphic in adult stages, it is difficult to determine their sexes, which may cause significant problems in population and conservation studies. DNA-based sexing relies on the chromodomain helicase DNA binding ( CHD) gene located on the W chromosome and its homolog on the Z chromosome, giving distinct banding patterns on agarose gel as a result of length differences in intronic regions within this gene. We used 3 specific primer sets, CHD1F/CHD1R, 2550F/2718R, and P2/P8, for sex determination of 230 samples from 77 avian species. We report here the records for 70 of those species analyzed using the CHD1F/CHD1R primer set, and 49 species using 2550F/2718R, and 46 species using P2/P8. CHD1F/CHD1R PCR products on agarose gel generally showed an apparent single band in males and 2 bands in females, but the products of 2550F/2718R (61%) and P2/P8 (42%) showed distinct banding patterns for separate bird orders. However, when PCR ...
Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fie... more Hydrogels are widely used materials in biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural fields. However, these hydrogels are usually formed synthetically via a long and complicated process involving crosslinking natural polymers. Herein, we describe a natural hydrogel isolated using a ‘gentle’ acid treatment from the girdle of a chiton species (Chiton articulatus). This novel hydrogel is shown to have a proliferative effect on mouse fibroblast cells (cell line, L929). The swelling capacity of this natural hydrogel was recorded as approximately 1,200% in distilled water, which is within desired levels for hydrogels. Detailed characterizations reveal that the hydrogel consists predominantly (83.93%) of protein. Considering its non-toxicity, proliferative effect and swelling properties, this natural hydrogel is an important discovery for material sciences, with potential for further applications in industry. Whether the girdle has some hydrogel activity in the living animal is un...
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