Innovators of the Year are changing the world with sustainable biomaterials

Kristiina Oksman and Linn Berglund, researchers in wood and biocomposites, have been awarded the Innovator of the Year prize for their outstanding work with bio-based materials that have the potential to revolutionize both healthcare and industry. Their innovations, which focus on sustainability and societal benefits, pave the way for environmentally smart solutions of the future.

“We are very happy about the award and will focus even more on innovations so that our research can benefit society,” said the delighted award recipients.

Kristiina Oksman, professor in wood and bionanocomposites, and Linn Berglund, associate professor in the same field, have made several important advances in the development of sustainable biomaterials. Among their most noted innovations is a bio-gel based on seaweed, for which the patent has been sold to a Norwegian company for commercialization. The bio-gel is 100 percent biological and highly energy-efficient to produce.
“Our innovations are resource-efficient alternative biomaterials, developed from a holistic perspective. We use low-value by-products and optimize the processes to minimize environmental impact and make use of the materials’ natural functions,” says Linn Berglund.

Innovations that Solve Societal Challenges

The researchers have also developed a nanofiber-based bandage made from cellulose, intended to help heal chronic wounds. The bandage, currently undergoing preclinical testing, has the potential to reduce both the need for care and healthcare costs, something that could have a major impact on the healthcare system.
“Today, more than a quarter of all hospital beds are occupied by patients with chronic wounds,” says Kristiina Oksman, continuing,
“Our nano-bandage could help reduce the strain on healthcare while also improving patients’ quality of life.

Sustainable Solutions for Multiple Sectors

In addition to their medical applications, Oksman and Berglund have developed a method to create bio-based films from wood materials, which are used as growing substrates for edible mushroom cultivation, typically considered a waste product. These films have specific functional properties and have the potential to be used for climate-smart food packaging that doesn’t release microplastics into nature and is completely chemical-free.
“What makes our innovations unique is that they combine sustainability with versatility and functionality. We can tailor the biomaterials for different applications, making them useful in a variety of industries, from medicine to packaging,” explains Linn Berglund.

The researchers have also worked on recycling textile fibers and developed resource-efficient biomaterials that can replace traditional plastics. By using bio-based alternatives, their research can reduce both waste and carbon emissions, creating a direct positive impact on the environment.

Societal Savings and Sustainability

Oksman and Berglund’s work has great potential to contribute to societal benefits, particularly by reducing healthcare costs while also creating environmentally friendly alternatives for industry. Their bio-based solutions are not only energy-efficient to produce but can also replace oil-based materials, thereby reducing the use of fossil fuels and harmful chemicals.
“Bio-based materials are designed to be 100 percent biological and resource-efficient, reducing waste problems and environmental impact. Our materials offer a sustainable and safe alternative to many of the challenges posed by today’s material usage,” says Kristiina Oksman.

Kristiina Oksman and Linn Berglund will receive the Innovator of the Year award for their groundbreaking work during Innovation Day at Luleå University of Technology on November 5.