Zehra Betül AHİ, PhD

I am an experienced R&D Manager with a multidisciplinary background in biotechnology, sustainability, and circular economy. My core expertise lies in developing high-value products from protein-based industrial waste, with a particular focus on collagen hydrolysate, gelatin, and functional ingredients for the food and cosmetic industries. Over the past years, I have led and coordinated both national and international R&D projects — including TÜBİTAK 1501, 1505, 1509, 1071, Euroka Network, EUREKA Euripides, M-ERA.NET, FLAG-ERA, and Horizon Europe — turning scientific insight into commercially viable innovation. My key areas of specialization include: -Biotechnological valorization of animal-based waste -Collagen and probiotic synergy in functional food design -Sustainable, microbial-based processes for protein extraction -Biomaterial development (PLA, PCL, silk fibroin, collagen composites) -Wound healing dressings, 3D bioprinting scaffolds, and customized bioink formulations -Advanced characterization techniques (FTIR, SEM, DSC, TGA, UV-VIS) -Cell culture and biocompatibility testing -Green chemistry and zero-waste product development -Encapsulation technologies and novel delivery systems As the manager of an accredited R&D Center, I also lead the development of commercialization strategies, cross-sector collaborations, and scientific validation processes to advance innovative concepts through higher TRL stages. I am deeply passionate about building eco-conscious, next-generation technologies that align with circular economy principles — redefining "waste" not as a problem, but as a powerful starting point for sustainable innovation.