Dr. Laura Andže to launch the “OsteoWood” project within the BioPhoT platform

At the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, the development of new biomaterials continues. Funding from the research and innovation project competition of the “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Product Development” (BioPhoT) has been awarded to our institute’s leading researcher of the Cellulose Laboratory, Dr. chem. Laura Andže, for the project: “OsteoWood. Next-Gen Bone Fixation from Birch: A Sustainable Pathway from Forest to Functional Implant”

In our institute’s laboratory, wood densification using a glycerin bath is being carried out – a process that significantly improves the mechanical properties of the material. Densified birch wood becomes as strong as human cortical bone – the outer, hard layer of the bone.

As Laura revealed, this idea emerged in collaboration with specialists from the Latvian Microsurgery Center, and active research is currently underway to enable the future use of this material for osteosynthesis implants – screws and plates for bone fixation.

Results of the first BioPhoT competition

In the first BioPhoT research and innovation project call, a total of 122 applications were submitted, of which 40 projects received funding – about one-third of all applicants. This highlights the high level of scientific activity and the quality of ideas, as well as demonstrates that such a competition format was highly anticipated in Latvia.

The supported projects cover a wide range of topics, including biomedicine and healthcare with new approaches to sepsis, cancer, and infection diagnostics; medical technologies such as novel devices, sensors, and diagnostic solutions; as well as photonics and optical technologies, for example luminescent coatings, fiber-optic sensors, and infrared spectroscopy. Particular attention has also been given to smart materials, including innovative biomaterials and sustainable composites, while several projects address environmental and energy challenges, such as CO₂ capture and renewable energy applications.

The total funding volume was increased from the initially planned €6 million to €8 million, due to the particularly high quality of the submitted applications.

Looking ahead

By 2032, BioPhoT aims to develop at least 35 new technologies, more than half of which will be validated under real or large-scale conditions (TRL 5–6), and at least four will reach commercialization. This will significantly strengthen cooperation between Latvian science and industry in high-technology fields.

The project “Biomedical and Photonics Research Platform for Innovative Products” (BioPhoT) is implemented within the framework of the State Research Programme “Innovation Fund – Long-Term Research Programme” (No IVPP-EM-Innovation-2024/1-0002).

We warmly congratulate our colleague Dr. Laura Andže on receiving funding for the “OsteoWood” project – may the ideas born in our laboratory grow into new support for doctors and patients!

More about the BioPhoT programme: www.biophot.lv

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