The WaVes projects objective is to utilize Arctic spruce and berry waxes, along with extracellular vesicles (EVs), by capturing them from natural sources. Building on the success of the WAX project (Interreg Nord), which analyzed Nordic berry waxes and explored extraction methods, the current WaVes project seeks to develop novel wax- and EV-based biosensors for diagnostics. Additionally, purified EVs will be explored for applications in cosmetics, food, and the wellness sectors.
WaVes will optimize the commercial use of Arctic waxes and EVs, promoting sustainable growth for Nordic biotech business. The project targets a high-value market since the natural products sector was valued to be EUR 530 million during 2019.
Since EVs in the human body carry biologically valuable components such as RNA, proteins, lipids, and metabolites, they have the potential to be useful for monitoring health and disease. WaVes aim to unlock the value of plant-derived EVs by first integrating plant waxes into biosensors. We will purify EVs from berries and spruce, with potential applications in superfoods and as medical biotech raw materials for drug delivery systems.
Key challenges include also optimizing cost-effective methods for wax extraction, demonstrating their biotechnological applications in biosensors, and fostering collaboration between Finland, Sweden, and local SMEs. The extensive expertise of collaborators in spruce and berry waxes, EVs, and biosensors will be crucial in driving the project’s success, accelerating commercialization, and promoting smart specialization in biotechnology.
Through cross-border cooperation, the project emphasizes sustainable, eco-friendly solutions using the Arctics unique resources. The ultimate goal is to create high-value products that meet the global demand for natural, sustainable materials, contributing to regional economic growth with applications in healthcare, biomonitoring, and beyond.
Contact:
Seppo Vainio, Project Manager at University of Oulu, seppo.vainio@oulu.fi
