Dr Damla Ulker
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Research Associate in Biophysical Chemistry
Full contact details
School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Dainton Building
13 Brook Hill
Sheffield
S3 7HF
- Profile
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I am an interdisciplinary materials scientist and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) whose research combines chemistry, polymer science, biomaterials and nanotechnology to develop innovative solutions for healthcare. My research focuses on designing advanced functional materials for targeted drug delivery, cancer therapeutics, regenerative medicine and biosensing, with the aim of translating fundamental materials science into clinically relevant technologies.
- Research interests
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My current research at the University of Sheffield centres on the development of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based synthetic chaperones to enhance protein activity for biocatalytic and biomedical applications. I also use these materials for developing highly sensitive molecularly imprinted biosensors for the detection of microRNA biomarkers associated with cancer. My previous research has included the development of synthetic antibodies for targeted treatment of diffuse midline glioma, polymeric nanomaterials for breast cancer therapy, regenerative biomaterials for tissue engineering, and advanced polymer systems for stem-cell preservation.
- Publications
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Journal articles
- Light‐Activated Protein‐Imprinted Hydrogels Capable of Translating Protein Surface Accessibility Into Missing‐Peptide Footprints. Small Structures, 7(6).
- One-step detection of miRNA-21 cancer marker in serum using molecularly imprinted nanoparticle recognition and surface plasmon resonance. Analytica Chimica Acta. View this article in WRRO
- Thermoresponsive Poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)-Based Diblock Copolymer Worm Gels via RAFT Solution Polymerization: Synthesis, Characterization, and Cell Biology Applications. Biomacromolecules, 24(9), 4285-4302. View this article in WRRO
- Advanced liposome based PEGylated microgel as a novel release system for 5-fluorouracil against MCF-7 cancer cell. European Polymer Journal, 146, 110270-110270.
- Preparation of monometallic and bimetallic alloy nanoparticles stabilized with sulfobetaine-based block copolymer and their catalytic activities. Colloid and Polymer Science, 297(7-8), 1067-1078.
- Use of Sulfobetaine-Based Block Copolymer as Stabilizer in Silver Nanoparticle Production and Catalytic Activity Studies. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 18(4), 2521-2529.
- An antibacterial composite system based on multi-responsive microgels hosting monodisperse gold nanoparticles. Journal of Polymer Research, 24(10).
- Multi‐responsive microgel of a water‐soluble monomer via emulsion polymerization. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132(24).
- Generic strategy for the synthesis of highly specific Au/MIP nanozymes and their application in homogeneous assays. Materials Advances, 6(1), 378-387.
- İlk kadın paleontolog: Mary Anning’in hayatı ve paleontolojiye katkıları. Antropoloji(44), 68-75.
- Magnetic Targeting of 5-Fluorouracil-Loaded Liposome-Nanogels for In Vivo Breast Cancer Therapy and the Cytotoxic Effects on Liver and Kidney. AAPS PharmSciTech, 23(8).
- Cerium Oxide (CeO2) Nanoparticles Could Have Protective Effect Against COVID-19. Letters in Applied NanoBioScience, 12(1), 12-12.
Book chapters
- Chronobiologically Targeted Anticancer Strategy: Synergistic Inhibition of CD39 and CD73 with Adenosine Receptor Agonists, Interdisciplinary Cancer Research Springer International Publishing
- Chronobiological Efficacy of Combined Therapy of Pelargonium Sidoides and Melatonin in Acute and Persistent Cases of COVID-19: A Hypothetical Approach, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology (pp. 427-442). Springer International Publishing
- Light‐Activated Protein‐Imprinted Hydrogels Capable of Translating Protein Surface Accessibility Into Missing‐Peptide Footprints. Small Structures, 7(6).
- Research group
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I work within highly interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with chemists, materials scientists, engineers, structural biologists, clinicians and biomedical researchers to develop innovative materials and technologies that address challenges in healthcare.
- Teaching interests
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Alongside my research, I am committed to research-informed education and fostering the next generation of scientists. I have over six years of experience teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, biomaterials and nanotechnology, and have supervised undergraduate, MSc and PhD researchers across the UK and internationally. I am passionate about mentoring students and early career researchers, supporting their technical development, scientific communication and career progression while promoting an inclusive, collaborative and supportive research environment. Through both research and teaching, I strive to inspire curiosity, critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex biomedical challenges.