OsteoWood

Next-Gen Bone Fixation from Birch: A Sustainable Pathway from Forest to Functional Implant

Project description

The aim of the project is to develop a new modification approach for birch (Betula pendula) wood to obtain irreversibly densified, partially delignified, and biocompatible wood materials for osteosynthesis implant applications, providing an alternative for patients with metal intolerance.
Using methods from wood chemistry and materials science – alkaline pretreatment, oligo-chitosan impregnation, and densification – the project develops a mechanically robust, dimensionally stable, and biocompatible wood-based material.

The solution will be developed up to TRL3, including microstructural analysis, mechanical testing, and in vitro cell compatibility studies, as well as the fabrication of an initial biomechanical prototype.

Total project funding: 200,000 EUR

Scientific team:

Project partners

  • Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry
  • Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis

Project implementation site: Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry

Project start date: 13.10.2025

Project status:
Active
Execution time:
13.10.2025 - 12.10.2026
Project type:
VPP
Project number:
Nr. IVPP-EM-Inovācija-2024/1-0002
Project manager:
Dr. chem. Laura Andže
Cellulose Laboratory
Biorefinery Laboratory