Bioproduct Chemistry
The Bioproduct Chemistry group is led by professor Monika Österberg. The group focuses on developing renewable, high-value added materials based on lignocellulosics. Special attention is paid to understanding interfacial properties.
Lignin valorization
An important part of our research is devoted to the development of added value products from lignin. The modification of lignin and the preparation of colloidal lignin particles are investigated in our group.
Nanocellulose-based composites
Aiming for a more sustainable use of natural resources, we work on the development of new composites based on cellulose nanofibrils to replace fossil-oil based materials commonly used in packaging and other applications.
Surface modification of wood and fibres
We explore new approaches for the surface modification of wood and fibres to obtain (super)hydrophobic, anti-bacterial surfaces, yet retaining their natural moisture buffering capacity.
Living cells and biomaterials
We study the interactions of living cells with different biomaterials. The results of this research could be relevant for advanced wound treatment, initial drug testing, and tissue engineering applications.
Nanocellulose materials for cartilage implants
We combine cellulose nanofibrils and hyaluronic acid or other polymers with the goal of developing strong, lubricating materials with potential application as cartilage implants.
Water-in-oil emulsions
We characterize complex water-in-oil emulsions to try to understand the phenomena involved in the preparation of biofuels.
Examples of ongoing research projects
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Colloidal Lignin adhesives and coatings (COLIAD). Funded by TEKES+industry.
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Zero Waste Ligno-Cellulosic Biorefineries by Integrated Lignin Valorisation (Zelcor). Funded by EU.
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Tailored biomass derived self-assembling building blocks for bionanomaterial applications (TaBioMat). Funded by Academy of Finland.
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Scalable manufacturing of lignin-based functional materials for industrial applications (SLIGN). Funded by Academy of Finland.
- Energy-efficient living spaces through the use of wooden interior elements (Wood Life). Funded by Aalto.
- Interactions between living cells and biomimetic hydrogels (MIMEGEL). Funded by Academy of Finland.
- Phenomena in complex water-in-oil emulsions (Watoil). Funded by industry.
Publications
See the list of publications.
Contact information
Monika Österberg
Associate Professor
monika.osterberg [at] aalto [dot] fi
+358 505497218
Visiting address
Vuorimiehentie 1
FI-02150 Espoo
Postal address
Po. Box 16300
FI-00076 Aalto
Finland