Standing out as a notable example of university–industry collaboration, the “Sleeping Yarn” project seeks to offer a side-effect-free and daily-life-compatible solution to sleep disorders. Led by Bursa Technical University and carried out in cooperation with Üsküdar University, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital and Ormo Wool Yarn, the project focuses on the development of specialised yarns intended for use in textile products such as pillowcases, bed sheets, pyjamas and similar applications, with the aim of supporting sleep through olfactory and dermal pathways. To this end, natural molecules are planned to be integrated into the yarn structure via microencapsulation. The 24-month project is being implemented under the TÜBİTAK TEYDEB 1505 – University–Industry Cooperation Support Program.
“Our goal is to develop functional products suitable for daily use”
Representing Üsküdar University as a researcher within the project, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı, faculty member of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and Director of the In Silico Research Laboratory, underlines that the core approach of the study is based on chemical-free, safety-proven natural molecules. Emphasising that their objective is to develop functional products suitable for everyday use by integrating selected candidates derived from natural molecules into yarn structures, rather than using sleep medications or conventional methods, Çarşıbaşı states that the intended effect is to be achieved through skin contact and olfactory pathways without causing side effects.
In the first phase of the “Sleeping Yarn” project, yarn skeins will be produced
Within the scope of the project, GABA and melatonin receptors, which play a key role in the regulation of sleep, are being targeted. Advanced simulation studies to be conducted at the In Silico Research Laboratory, which has recently become operational within Üsküdar University, will enable the rapid screening of a broad pool of natural molecules to identify the most suitable candidates. The selected molecules will be integrated into the yarn through microencapsulation, and yarn skeins will be produced in the initial phase.
Clinical studies will be carried out at Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital on individuals experiencing sleep disorders as well as control groups. With the support of the industrial partner, the project ultimately aims to deliver a tangible, concrete product.
Stating that the study will fill a significant gap from both scientific and societal perspectives, Dr. Nigar Kantarcı Çarşıbaşı noted that the “Sleeping Yarn” project aims to make a side-effect-free and innovative contribution to human health.