3D-Printed Composite Scaffolds
Thermoplastic scaffolds reinforced with eggshell microparticles for bone tissue engineering.
Mert Gezek
Biomaterials & Biofabrication Researcher
PhD Candidate, Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Lowell · Camci-Unal Lab (advisor: Prof. Gulden Camci-Unal)
Hello, and welcome to my homepage. I am Mert Gezek, a bioengineer working across biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biofabrication. My research focuses on biomaterial design and 3D fabrication strategies for regenerative medicine.
My work includes 3D-printed thermoplastic scaffolds incorporating functional additives and microparticles, as well as hydrogel-based biomaterials for tissue engineering. Through these projects, I have worked with additive manufacturing, biomaterial characterization, and in vitro evaluation of scaffold performance.
My broader research interests include advanced biofabrication, vascularized tissue engineering, and complex in vitro tissue models. I also enjoy mentoring and teaching new researchers. I am open to postdoctoral and industry opportunities in biomaterials, tissue engineering, and biofabrication. Feel free to explore my work and get in touch.
Research
My doctoral research in the Camci-Unal Lab follows three themes. Each links to related projects and publications.
Oxygen-Generating Biomaterials
Scaffolds that generate oxygen to support cells where oxygen is limited.
Hydrogels & Paper-Hydrogel Constructs
Photocrosslinkable gelatin hydrogels, a sprayable wound dressing, and origami-inspired paper-hydrogel scaffolds.
Education
- Ph.D. Candidate, Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA Thesis: "Three-Dimensional (3D) Fabrication Approaches for Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine." Advisor: Prof. Gulden Camci-Unal
- B.S., Bioengineering (2021) Yıldız Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey Thesis: "Development of Bioink for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications."
Highlights
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First-author paper
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
My first paper as first author during my Ph.D.: 3D-printed eggshell microparticle-laden scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.
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Impact Article
MRS Bulletin
The hidradenitis suppurativa scaffold paper appeared in the journal’s Impact section.
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Award
Art in Science Image Competition
First Place for the SEM image “Eye of the Hurricane: A Hidden Calm in a Tissue Scaffold.”
Recent News
Seminar in the Alfred Donatelli Seminar Series of the Department of Chemical Engineering at UMass Lowell: "Three-Dimensional (3D) Fabrication Approaches for Biomaterials in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine."
Finalist in the UMass Lowell Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
Appeared in the campaign video for "Designing the Future: The Campaign for UMass Lowell." Watch video