Two scientific studies conducted at the Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis (LIOS) in the fields of bioorganic and organic chemistry have been recognised by the Latvian Academy of Sciences (LAS) as among the most significant scientific achievements of 2024. This year, 12 works across various scientific disciplines were awarded this distinction by the Academy.
Biomimetic Method for Producing Spider Silk
Innovative Approach to Mimicking Nature’s Strongest Material
Authors: Mg. Viktors Romaņuks, Ph.D. Jēkabs Frīdmanis, Mg. Anna Līna Bula, Dr.chem. Alons Lends, Mg. Kristīne Senkāne, Mg. Gundars Leitis, Dr.chem. Gints Šmits (LIOS), Dr.phys. Krišjānis Šmits, LAS academician Sergejs Gaidukovs (RTU), Ph.D. Benjamin Schmuck, Ph.D. Anna Rising (Karolinska Institute, Sweden), LAS academician Kristaps Jaudzems (LIOS and LU)
Scientific Institutions: LIOS – Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, LU – University of Latvia, RTU – Riga Technical University, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Spider silk is one of the strongest materials found in nature, and scientists have been actively studying its properties and attempting to replicate it for several decades. This biomaterial stands out due to its unique combination of strength and elasticity, which surpasses even Kevlar and steel. Additionally, spider silk is biocompatible and biodegradable, making it a promising material for applications not only in materials science but also in the fields of medicine and cosmetics.
However, producing spider silk proteins (spidroins) from spiders on an industrial scale is not feasible due to their cannibalistic and territorial nature. This limitation has driven the development of alternative biotechnological methods for obtaining spidroins.
Breakthrough at LIOS
Under the leadership of Kristaps Jaudzems, LIOS, in collaboration with its partners, has developed an innovative method for producing artificial spider silk fibres with enhanced physical properties, including elasticity nearly twice that of natural spider silk.
Crystal Engineering Approach to Develop Tunable and Long-Lasting Phosphorescent Organic Materials
Advancing the Future of Phosphorescence
Authors: M.Sc. Artūrs Mazarevičs, Dr.chem. Artis Kinēns, Dr.chem. Kaspars Leduskrasts, LAS academician Edgars Sūna
Scientific Institution: LIOS – Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis
Over the past two decades, there has been a significant increase in interest in developing organic materials capable of room-temperature phosphorescence. These materials have applications in data encryption, cell imaging, sensors, and optoelectronic devices. Phosphorescent materials are particularly suitable due to their prolonged emission duration, which aligns with human visual perception rates.
Challenges in Creating Phosphorescent Materials
Such glowing, known as bioluminescence, is famously seen in nature, such as in the light emitted by fireflies in the dark. While phosphorescent organic materials are inexpensive and non-toxic, creating materials with the necessary emission duration has proven to be a challenging task.
LIOS Researchers’ Unique Solution
Researchers at LIOS have developed a unique crystal engineering approach that allows them to toggle phosphorescence in organic materials on and off and control the duration of their emission. This breakthrough provides a convenient method for managing the long-lasting luminescence of organic materials, opening the door to a wide range of applications in everyday devices. Furthermore, this discovery holds significant scientific value, as it may prompt a reevaluation of existing assumptions regarding the interpretation of phosphorescence data.
Reflections on the LAS Recognition Process
Growing Recognition of Scientific Excellence in Latvia
The president of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Ivars Kalviņš, expressed his satisfaction with the increasing diversity of participants in the annual competition for the best scientific achievements, as well as the rising quality of submitted works. This year, LAS evaluated 47 scientific studies, with 12 outstanding works being awarded laureate status. The selection process was carried out by all four LAS divisions, corresponding to the represented scientific disciplines—physics and engineering, chemistry, biology and medicine, agriculture and forestry sciences, as well as humanities, social sciences, and the arts.