BIOELECTRONICS
Projects
National Marker Control Devices and Inspection System Project
As the Bioelectronic Systems Laboratory, we continue to work on the National Marker Control Devices and Inspection System Project. In line with the project, the system is being developed and produced to prevent the distribution of fuel obtained through unregistered production and smuggling in the petroleum market, to ensure the highest possible level of control of the fuel market and to increase tax revenues. The National Marker Control and Inspection System developed under the project consists of the following three parts:
- National Marker Field Control Devices (MarkerXP+): These devices, which are used in field inspections of all fuel oils distributed in the country, detect National Marker and measure its concentration.
- National Marker Concentration Measurement Devices (MarkerK+): These devices, which are used in the laboratories of fuel distribution companies, measure the concentration of the National Marker in fuels.
- Data Collection Center (UMOS): This center, established within the scope of the project, ensures the collection, analysis and storage of the data obtained.
The National Marker Control Devices and Inspection System has been actively used by institutions such as the Police, Gendarmerie, Coast Guard, Undersecretariat of Customs and Ministry of Industry and Technology since 2007. The system plays an important role in fuel inspections at refineries, fuel stations, transport tankers and storage areas.
The National Marker Control Devices and Inspection System is developed and produced to enable fuel companies to recognize the fuel they sell, inspect their stations and improve their service quality. As the Bioelectronic Systems Laboratory, we are working intensively to ensure the successful continuation and development of the National Marker Control Devices and Inspection System Project.
FORDEX Next Generation Document Inspection Project
FORDEX Next-Generation Document Inspection Project is a system development project consisting of hardware and software modules designed to enhance the capabilities of forensic document examiners for legal document examination. This project is built upon the foundation of the first document inspection device (FORENSIC XP), which was introduced for sale by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM in 2005 and saw 58 units sold. The Next-Generation Document Inspection device has been developed to meet evolving needs and provide more advanced features.
As part of the project, the developed Next-Generation Document Inspection device is equipped with a hyperspectral analysis software and a spectrometer device. This enables the use of hyperspectral imaging to obtain image and spectrum information, showing the reflection, transmission, and fluorescence spectrum details of any point on the image at both macro and micro levels. The device's hyperspectral method allows for the detection of even tiny differences in the microscopic structure by combining powerful optoelectronic elements in a new design.
FORENSIC (Next Generation Document Inspection Systems), developed as part of the FORDEX Next Generation Document Review Project, has been developed for document inspection using contemporary hyperspectral imaging technology. This device contains up-to-date scientific methods that help detect forgery in documents such as money, checks, promissory notes, passports. By using the ink analysis method through the device, the detection of differences and outliers, the hyperspectral analysis procedure for the detection of inks that have the same appearance but different chemistry, reveal hidden or deleted information, and similar operations can be performed.
Additionally, the project includes a 3D software developed using the photometric stereo method. This software is used to non-destructively assess the authenticity of the examined documents. Considering the other features present in the developed device, it offers many superior capabilities not found in similar devices available in the market.
Bioaerosol Detection Device Project
Bioaerosol Detection Device Project aims to be of significant importance for national defense due to the potential impact of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats on society and the increasing danger of biological weapons. The possibility of genetically modifying microorganisms to enhance their pathogenic effects, make detection difficult, and direct them towards specific targets raises the risk of biological weapons as weapons of mass destruction. In this context, the project initiated by the Bioelectronic Systems Division aims to develop optical sensor-based bioaerosol detection systems.
The project encompasses a multidisciplinary effort and aims to achieve the following in the short term:
- To develop medical, food and environmental detection devices to detect biohazardous aerosols for the safety of the civilian population. Bioaerosols have a direct impact on human health, agriculture and animal husbandry. Therefore, Public Health, Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) and other institutions providing services in collective areas are among the stakeholders of the project.
- To develop optical sensor-based bioaerosol detection devices that can be used in CBRN vehicles in the military field. It is envisaged that these studies can also form the infrastructure for other devices for CBRN and other needs of the Presidency of Defense Industries. The stakeholders of the project in this field include the Ministry of National Defense R&D, Turkish Armed Forces CBRN School, Ministry of Health and AFAD.
In recent years, suspicious incidents in our region have made the detection of genetically modified disease-causing biological agents with enhanced pathogenic effects even more critical. With the COVID-19 pandemic, debates continue regarding whether the disease originated naturally or if it was a result of laboratory production as a biological weapon. These situations have brought discussions about biological warfare to the forefront.
The constantly evolving nature of chemical and biological warfare agents poses a significant threat, making it imperative for detection systems to be domestically developed. Otherwise, a device without the capability to recognize an unknown threat not present in its database could result in a significant security vulnerability.
The project carries out comprehensive R&D studies in line with new requirements based on the prototype device previously developed by TÜBİTAK BİLGEM.
