From Wood to Bone Implant – LSIWC Research Featured on LTV

This morning, the Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry was featured on LTV’s news program Rīta Panorāma, showcasing its groundbreaking research on developing bone implants from wood.

In the segment, our researcher Dr.Chem. Laura Andže explained that the wood cooking process is similar to the method used to extract cellulose. During this treatment, the wood becomes plasticized and soft. The softened wood is then densified using a hot press, resulting in a hard, durable material suitable for medical applications.

Researcher Ph.D. Mārtiņš Andžs compared metal and wooden screws:
“In a metal screw, the thread pitch is very small and dense. In contrast, the properties of wood require the screw threads to have a wider spacing. This ensures that when the screw is inserted or tightened, the threads can properly interlock with the bone structure.”

Our researchers are working in close collaboration with microsurgeon Vadims Nefjodovs to bring this innovation closer to clinical application.

Currently, our scientists are testing the biocompatibility of the wood-based material with bone cells. If results are promising, preclinical trials on animals will follow – and eventually, these implants could be used in human medicine.

Watch the full report by journalist Uldis Birziņš here.