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Prof. Ločs, coordinator of the Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence (BBCE) project, has long been a driving force behind strengthening biomaterials research capacity in the Baltic region. Dr. Klavins joined RTU and BBCE as a Scientific Focus Group Leader, bringing extensive experience in LC-MS-based metabolomics and its application across biomedical and biomaterial research. Metabolomics is a technique used to measure small molecules that reflect biological processes and pathways. At BBCE, assoc. prof. Klavins established comprehensive metabolomics workflows and applied them to investigate how materials, including bioceramics, interact with their biological environment at the molecular level.

The BBCE team has utilized metabolomics applications in biomaterials research, revealing that bioceramics can significantly influence the chemical microenvironment by binding specific metabolites, thereby creating metabolite-enriched zones on material surfaces. These subtle biochemical shifts can shape cellular behaviour and ultimately affect healing and integration. The team further studied bone healing at the metabolic level across different stages of recovery, identifying specific metabolites that can be incorporated into ceramic-based biomaterials to better support tissue regeneration.

During the BBCE initiative, several novel metabolomics methods and workflows were developed. Through interactions with industry partners, participation in conferences, and collaboration with researchers in the fields of medtech, healthtech, and biotech, it became clear that there was a growing need for flexible, agile, and deeply collaborative metabolomics services. Many early-stage companies, in particular, lacked access to advanced analytical expertise that could adapt quickly to fast-moving R&D needs.

MetaboNet was established in direct response to this gap. The company offers end-to-end support, from experimental design to data interpretation, ensuring that metabolomics becomes an accessible and impactful tool rather than a technical bottleneck. By bridging high-complexity analytical science with real-world applications, MetaboNet empowers researchers working in health technologies, biotechnology, environmental science, and especially biomaterials innovation to accelerate discovery and develop practical, high-value solutions. The company’s multidisciplinary, partnership-driven model enables metabolomics to function not merely as a measurement technique, but as a strategic asset capable of revealing hidden biological patterns.

Despite its profound potential, metabolomics remains underutilised in the biomaterials and ceramics fields. At MetaboNet, we actively encourage researchers to explore these possibilities, even starting with small pilot or exploratory studies. Our philosophy is simple: all you need is one idea, one molecule, one sample; we will take care of the rest. By lowering the barriers to adoption, we aim to integrate metabolomics into next-generation materials research.

Looking ahead, MetaboNet is also expanding its capabilities to support the development of advanced drug delivery systems. We are building high-throughput and rapid-turnaround assays for quantifying small molecules, including therapeutic compounds. These workflows are designed to support screening campaigns, kinetic studies, and target validation with the precision and speed demanded by modern R&D.

As interest in biologically informed materials design continues to rise, MetaboNet is committed to advancing metabolomics as a transformative tool for ceramics and biomaterials research by supporting innovation that ultimately benefits both industry and society.

We strongly believe that the future of biomaterials and bioceramics lies in embracing the biological complexity that surrounds them. Metabolomics provides a powerful means of understanding how materials interact with living systems at the molecular level. Through MetaboNet, we aim to make these advanced analytical tools accessible to more researchers and innovators, particularly those who are just beginning to explore biological–material interactions.

Below are selected scientific publications where MetaboNet contributed with our metabolomic data, analysis, and expertise to advance research across health, biotechnology, and environmental science.

·  Autoactive CNGC15 enhances root endosymbiosis in legume and wheat - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-08424-7

·  Itaconate is a metabolic regulator of bone formation in homeostasis and arthritis - https://doi.org/10.1136/ard-2023-224898

·  Gut microbiome encoded purine and amino acid pathways present prospective biomarkers for predicting metformin therapy efficacy in newly diagnosed T2D patients - https://doi.org/10.1080/19490976.2024.2361491

We shared our insights in several interviews, discussing the role of metabolomics in shaping innovation, sustainability, and the future of life sciences.

·  Interview with Latvian radio - https://www.researchlatvia.gov.lv/en/latvian-startup-supporting-scientists-metabolism-research

·  Interview with Riga Technical University - https://www.rtu.lv/en/university/for-mass-media/news/open/rtu-scientists-establish-medical-technology-company-commercialising-unique-baltic-expertise-in-metabolism-research

Dr. Kristaps Klavins (CEO)

Company / Organization:
MetaboNet

Country:
Latvia

E-mail:
kristaps@metabonet.com

LinkedIn Profile / Website:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/metabonet

https://www.metabonet.com/