Innovators of the Year for using seaweed

Luleå Kristiina Oksman and Linn Berglund, at Luleå University of Technology, have been awarded the Innovator of the Year prize for their work with biobased materials, of which one product will be commercialised in Norway.

Their innovations are considered to have potential in both healthcare and industry, with their focus on sustainability and social benefits.

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

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.

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

Lennart Håkansson

editor@northswedenbusiness.com