Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Turkey

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Prof. Dr. Ather Farooq Khan from IRCBM has an active collaboration with Sivas Cumhuriyet University in Turkey, initiated during his sabbatical visit. This partnership focuses on advancing research in accelerated wound healing through the use of electrical stimulation.

Together, the collaborators have successfully co-authored several research papers and submitted innovative project proposals to TÃœBÄ°TAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey), aiming to secure funding and institutional support. The research explores how electrical stimulation can enhance the cell proliferation and healing process, potentially leading to significant improvements in treatment outcomes for patients with chronic and diabetic wounds.

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Hacettepe University, Turkey

This collaborative research initiative was taken by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yar between COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus (Pakistan) and Hacettepe University (Turkey) which aimed to develop an innovative, biocompatible, and mechanically stable synthetic tissue interposition flap (TIF) for the treatment of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF).

The project focuses on integrating angiogenic and antimicrobial agents to promote tissue regeneration and antimicrobial protection, addressing both healing and infection control. Advanced bilayer membranes and dissolvable microneedle patch technologies are being designed to enhance localized drug delivery, accelerate wound healing, and reduce dependence on invasive surgical procedures.

This collaboration addresses a critical clinical challenge caused by the limited availability of autologous tissue interposition flaps. Given the global burden of VVF—affecting over 20 million women worldwide with 50,000–100,000 new cases annually (WHO)—this joint effort aims to provide a cost-effective, scalable, and clinically translatable solution, particularly for low-resource settings.