Bone Implants Made from Wood: Latvian Researchers Seek Alternatives to Titanium

Dr.chem Laura Andže, leading researcher at the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry and Doctor of Chemistry, is working on an innovative project in collaboration with Rīga Stradiņš University – the development of bone implants made from wood.

Traditionally, titanium is used for such purposes; however, metal implants can cause discomfort for patients and may even contribute to repeated fractures. In our institute’s laboratory, a wood densification process is performed using a glycerol bath – a method that significantly enhances the material’s mechanical properties. The densified birch wood becomes as strong as human cortical bone – the outer, hard layer of the bone.

As Laura revealed in a report by Latvian Radio journalist Viktors Demidovs, the idea emerged in collaboration with specialists from the Latvian Microsurgery Center. Active research is currently underway to develop this material for future use in osteosynthesis implants – screws and plates used for bone fixation.

Although the path to clinical application is still long – including testing on cells and later on animals – Latvian scientists are taking bold steps toward a more sustainable and biocompatible future in medicine.

We are proud of our researcher Laura Andže and thank Latvian Radio for their interest!
We invite you to listen to the full story here: Bone Implants Made from Wood: Latvian Researchers Seek Alternatives to Titanium.