Work experience:   

Since 2017    Associated Professor, Riga Technical University, Institute of General Chemical Engineering, Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovation and Development Centre (RTU ICGE RCRBIDC)
Since 2013    Director, RTU ICGE RCRBIDC
Since 2011    Assisting Professor, RTU ICGE RCRBIDC
2010-2013    Leading Researcher, RTU ICGE RCRBIDC
2007-2008    Researcher, RTU ICGE RCRBIDC
2002-2009    Laboratory Assistant, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Laboratory for Analysis of Biologically Active Compounds, Department of Research and Development
2001-2003    Laboratory Assistant, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry

Language skills:

Latvian – mother tongue
Russian – fluently
English – fluently
German – conversational
Norwegian – with dictionary

Education:

2005-2009 doctoral studies in Riga Technical University, faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, program “Materialscience;
2003-2005 master studies in Riga Technical University, faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, program “Materialscience”;
2000-2003 bachelor studies in Riga Technical University, faculty of Materials Science and Applied Chemistry, program “Materialscience”;
1988-2000 Grammar School of Nordic Languages;

Education abroad:              

09.02.2015-22.02.2015. 7. Grant of the COST Action MP1005 – “NAMABIO – From nano to macro biomaterials (design, processing, characterization, modeling) and applications to stem cells regenerative orthopedic and dental medicine” for Short Scientific Mission “Calcium phosphate nanoparticle/hyaluronan hydrogel composites” in AO Foundation, AO Research Institute Davos, Davos Platz, Switzerland.
06.02.2003-01.05.2003 studies in Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institüt für Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnologie.

Experience in project governance, performance:

1. Peformer/head of WP of Horizon 2020 project  “Baltic Biomaterials Centre of Excellence”  (BBCE) (2017- 2018)
2. Head of RTU/RSU-18 project “Multifunctional nano-calcium phosphate/ hyaluronic acid hydrogels for osteoporotic bone treatment” (2016 – 2019).
3. Project leader of EuroNanoMed2 (5th Joint Transnational Call for Proposals for “European Innovative Research & Technological Development Projects in Nanomedicine”) project „POsTURE“ – PhOtocrosslinked hydrogels for guided periodontal TissUe REgeneration (2015-2017).
4. Project leader of National Research Programme No. 2014.10-4/VPP-3/21 “MultIfunctional Materials and composItes, photonicS and nanotechnology (IMIS2)”, Project No. 4 “Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for medical applications”, Subproject No. 4.1. (2014-2017).
5. Project leader in „Bekanntmachung des BMBF zur Förderung eines Ideenwettbewerbs zum Auf- und Ausbau innovativer FuE-Netzwerke mit Partnern in Ostseeanrainerstaaten“ project „Baltic Sea network for biomaterial composites (BASENETBICO)” (2014-2016).
6. Scientific manager of EuroNanoMed2 project „NANOFOROSTEO“ – Multifunctional injectable nano HAp composites for the treatment of osteoporotic bone fractures (2014-2016).
7. Head of group in M.ERA-NET project „GoImplant“ – Tough, Strong and Resorbable Orthopaedic Implants (2014-2016).
8. Head of RTU project Nr. ZP-2014/20 “The effect of TiO2 nanopowder coating on in vitro bioactivity of porous TiO2 scaffolds (2014-2015).
9. Head of RTU project Nr. ZP-2013/19 „ Fiber reinforced calcium phosphate bone cements for local vancomycin delivery“ (2013-2014).
10. Head of group in MATERA–ERA-NET project “SONOSCA” – Sonochemical technology for bioactive bone regeneration scaffold production, Nr.MATERA/BBM-2557 (2012-2015).
11. Head of RTU project Nr. FLPP-2012/16 „Microencapsulation of Mildronate in biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers“ (2012-2013).
12. Head of RTU project Nr. ZP-2010/25 „ Development of local drug delivery systems based on porous calcium phosphate bioceramic scaffolds“ (2011-2012).
13. Head of RTU project Nr. FLPP-2010/30 „Use of polarization microscopy for arthritis diagnostics in reimathology“ (2010-2011).
14. Head of group in ESF project „ Multidisciplinary Research in Biomaterials Technology of New Scientist Group”, Nr. 2009/0201/1DP/1.1.1.2.0/09/APIA/VIAA/090 (2010-2012).
15. Performer in National Research Program No. 7416. „Modern functional materials for micro and nano electronics, fotonics, biomedicine, and constructive composites as well as appropriate technologies” 4^th project „Prospective Biomaterials and medical technologies” (2010-2013).
16. Performer in project R7339. „Microstructural analysis of hard materials using SEM. Properties dependence of sample preparation technology” (2010-2011).
17. Performer in RTU project Nr. ZP-2009/24 „Improvement of foam polystyrene manufacturing technology”.
18. Performer in project FP7, People, „Research Fun”. 06/2009 – 10/2009.
19. Performer in project FP7, People, Fun2Night. 06/2008 – 12/2009.

Grants, Awards and scholarships:

1. In 2016 nominee of award “Laiks Ziedonim” in category Science „Taureņu uzbrukums“.
2. In 2015 honorary title „Young Scientist 2015 of Riga Technical University“.
3. In 2012 – the L`ORÉAL Latvia award “For Women in Science” with the support from UNESCO Latvian National Commission and Latvian Academy of Science for the work “Development of calcium phosphate bone cements/biodegradable polymer composites for local drug delivery”.
4. In 2012 –  nomination for young talent competition „From Latvia to World”.
5. In 2010 – 2nd place in the young scientist speech contest during the „1st International Conference for Students and Young Scientists on Materials and Processing Science” with oral presentation “Biodegradable Polymer Coatings on Calcium Phosphate Porous Bone Scaffolds for Drug Delivery”.
6. In 2008 – 3rd place in the young scientist speech contest during the „14th Nordic – Baltic Conference on Biomedical Engineering and Medical Physics” with oral presentation “Evaluation of highly-water soluble drug physical state in biodegradable microcapsules”.
7. In 2004 – JSC “Grindeks” scholarship for the scientific work „Development of analytical methods for determination of new intermediate products of pharmaceutical substances and pharmaceutical substances themselves”.
8. In 2003 – ERASMUS stipendium for studies in “Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Institüt für Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnologie“, Jena, Germany.

Memberships

1. Science 2018 – Member of International Advisory Board of Junior Euromat 2018
2. Science 2017 – Expert Evaluator for  the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (MSCA-IF) 2017 call
3. Science 2015 – Latvian Council of Science expert in the field of “Chemical Engineering”
4. Science 2015 – Latvian Council of Science expert in the field of “Pharmacy”
5. Since 2012 – Expert of Doctoral board P-18 (Materialscience) of Riga Technical University
6. Since 2012 – Latvian Council of Science expert in the field of „Materialscience“
7. Since 2011 – President of “Materials Research Society of Latvia”
8. Since 2010 – Member of scientific committee of “Maritime Administration of Latvia”
9. 2008 -2011 Member of “Materials Research Society of Latvia”
10. Since 2007 – Member of “Association of Latvian Young Scientists”

Academical work:

Lecture courses:

1. „Materials Science”, since 2007.
2. „Drug delivery systems and nanomedicine”, since 2010.

Supervision of Bachelor Thesis

1. Daiga Mieriņa “Preparation and characterization of hydrogels containing polyvinyl alcohols” defended in 2016.
2. Marta Branka, “Synthesis and chracterization of hydroxyapatite/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite hydrogels”, defended in 2015
3. Anastasija Smirnova “Calcium phosphate composites for local vancomycin delivery“, defended in 2014.
4. Evija Buļa „Development of calcium phosphate/biodegradable polymer containing microparticles“, defended in 2011.
5. Ivita Bistrova „Modification of porous calcium phosphate scaffolds with biocompatible polymers”, defended in 2011.
6. Zane Zondaka „Preparation of porous bioceramic-polymer composites for drug delivery systems”, defended in 2010.
7. Jeļena Mitlaševiča „Infiltration of pharmacologically active substances in bioceramic and investigation of release kinetics”, defended in 2007.

Supervision of Master Thesis

1. Anna Vojevodova “Hydrogels of hydroxyapatite/polyvinyl alcohol composite materials for bone and cartilage tissue engineering”, defended in 2017.
2. Anastasija Smirnova “Preparation and characterization of strontium ranelate/polylactic acid containing microcapsules”, defended in 2016.
3. Lāsma Poča „Modification of silver doped hydroxyapatite and its in vitro evaluation in simulated body fluids“, defended in 2013.
4. Ivita Bistrova „Improvement of calcium phosphates bone cement properties for the local slow release drug delivery”, defended in 2013.
5. Evija Buļa „Development of multifunctional calcium phosphate/polylactate microparticles for local drug delivery“, defended in 2013.
6. Alīna Bondarevska „Preparation and characterization hydroxyapatite/dexamethasone composites”, defended in 2012.
7. Linda Vecbiškena „Preparation and characterization of tricalcium phosphate bone cements”, defended in 2011.

Supervision of PhD Thesis

1. Kristaps Rubenis „Investigations of thermoelectric effect of ceramic materials”, defended in 2017.
2. Arita Dubņika „Controlled release drug delivery systems based on silver doped hydroxyapatite”, defended in 2014.

Monographs:

1. D.Loca, A.Dubnika, V.Zalite, J.Locs, L.Berzina-Cimdina. 12. Porous hydroxyapatite for drug delivery. Chapter in the „Hydroxyapatite (HAP) for biomedical applications” (Edited by: Professor Michael Mucalo, University of Waikato, New Zealand, Woodhead publishing) Hardbound, 392 Pages, Published: April 2015. Woodhead Publishing. ISBN: 978-1-78242-033-0

Publications and scientific papers (2012-2017):

1. A.Timofejeva, M.D’Este, D.Loca. Calcium phosphate/polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogels: A review on the freeze-thawing synthesis approach and applications in regenerative medicine (Review). European Polymer Journal, 2017, Vol. 95, pp.547-565.
2. M. Prakasam, J.Locs, K.Salma-Ancane, D.Loca, A.Largetau and L.Berzina-Cimdina. Biodegradable Materials and Metallic Implants – A Review, J. Funct. Biomater., 2017, 8 (4), 15 p., DOI:10.3390/jfb8040044.
3. M.Pilmane, K.Salma-Ancane, D.Loca, J.Locs, L.Berzina-Cimdina. Strontium and strontium ranelate: Historical review of some of their function, Mater. Sci. Eng. C, 2017, Vol. 78, pp. 1222-1230.
4. A.Dubnika, D.Loca, V.Rudovica, M.B. Parekh, L.Berzina-Cimdina. Functionalized silver doped hydroxyapatite scaffolds for controlled simultaneous silver ion and drug delivery, Ceramics International, 2017, 43 (4), pp. 3698-3705.
5. L. Stipniece, I. Narkevica, K. Salma-Ancane, D. Loca. Sr- and/or Mg-containing Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite: Study from Synthesis to Calcined Products, Key Engineering Materials, 2017, Vol. 721, pp. 167-171.
6. A.    Dubnika, D. Loca, L. Berzina-Cimdina. Cross-linked dexamethasone sodium phosphate delivery systems based on silver doped hydroxyapatite scaffolds, Key Engineering Materials, 2017, Vol. 721, pp. 192-196.
7. I. Jurgelane, A. Buss, D. Loca. Bovine serum albumin adsorption onto hydroxyapatite and biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic granules. Key Engineering Materials, 2017, Vol. 721, pp. 197-201.
8. M. Sokolova, J. Locs, D. Loca. Hyaluronan Hydrogel/Calcium Phosphates Composites for Medical Application, Key Engineering Materials, 2017, Vol. 721, pp. 219-223.
9. A.Smirnova, D.Loca, L.Stipniece, J.Locs, A.Pura. Encapsulation of Strontium Ranelate in Poly (lactic Acid) Matrix, Key Engineering Materials, 2017, Vol. 721, pp. 208-212.
10. A.Vojevodova, D.Loca. Hydroxyapatite/Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite in situ Synthesis for Hydrogel Formation, Key Engineering Materials, 2017, Vol. 721, pp. 202-207.
11. Z. Irbe, D. Loca, A. Pura, L. Berzina-Cimdina. Synthesis and Properties of α-Tricalcium Phosphate from Amorphous Calcium Phosphate as Component for Bone Cements, Key Engineering Materials, 2017, Vol. 721, pp. 182-186.
12. L. Stipniece, K. Salma-Ancane, D. Loca, S. Pastare. Synthesis of Strontium Substituted Hydroxyapatite through Different Precipitation Routes, Key Engineering Materials, 2016, Vol. 674, pp. 3-8.
13. M. Prakasam, J. Locs, K.Salma-Ancane, D.Loca, A. Largeteau, L. Berzina-Cimdina. Fabrication, Properties and Applications of Dense Hydroxyapatite: A Review. J. Funct. Biomater., 2015, 6 (4), 1099-1140.
14. D.Loca, M.Sokolova, J.Locs, A.Smirnova, Z.Irbe. Calcium phosphate bone cements for local vancomycin delivery. Mater. Sci. Eng. C, 2015, 49, 106-113.
15. D.Loca, I.Narkevica, J.Ozolins. The effect of TiO2 nanopowder coating on in vitro bioactivity of porous TiO2 scaffolds. Materials Letters, 2015, 159, 309-312.
16. M.Pilmane, I.Salma, G.Salms, D.Loca, J.Locs. Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Healing Process of Osteoporotic Bone after Biomaterial Implantation. Tissue Engineering Part A, 2015, 21, S411-S411.
17. J.Locs, W.Li, M.Sokolova, J.A.Roether, D.Loca, A.R.Boccaccini. Zoledronic acid impregnated and poly (L-lactic acid) coated 45S5 Bioglass®-based scaffolds. Materials Letters, 2015, 156, 180-182.
18. D.Loca, E.Sevostjanovs, M.Makrecka, O.Zharkova-Malkova, L.Berzina-Cimdina, V.Tupureina, M.Sokolova. Microencapsulation of mildronate in biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers. Journal of Microencapsulation, 2014, 31(3), 246-253.
19. A.Dubnika, D.Loca, I.Salma, Aigars Reinis, L.Poca, Liga Berzina-Cimdina. Evaluation of physical and antimicrobial properties of silver doped hydroxyapatite depending on the preparation method. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 2014, 25(2), 435-444.
20. Z.Irbe, D.Loca, I.Bistrova, L.Berzina-Cimdina. Calcium phosphate bone cements reinforced with biodegradable polymer fibres for drug delivery. Key Engineering Materials, 2014, 604, 184-187.
21. L.Poca, A.Dubnika, D.Loca, L.Berzina-Cimdina. Bioactivity of silver doped hydroxyapatite scaffolds in simulated body fluids. Key Engineering Materials, 2014, 604, 175-179.
22. L.Poca, A.Dubnika, D.Loca and L.Berzina-Cimdina. Evaluation of the bioactivity properties of silver doped hydroxyapatite depending on the preparation method. Journal of International Scientific Publications: Materials, Methods and Technologies, 2014, 8, 612-620.
23. M.Pilmane, I.Salma, G.Salms, A.Skagers, D.Loca. Combination of biomaterial and stem cell implants for treatment of osteoporotic bone in experimental animals. Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 2014, 8, 305-305.
24. D.Loca, A.Dubnika, A.Reinis, N.Romancikova. In Vitro evaluation of osteoblast cell behavior and antimicrobial properties of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics.  IFMBE Proceedings, 2013, 38, 186-190.
25. A.Dubnika, D.Loca, A.Reinis, M.Kodols, L.Berzina-Cimdina. Impact of sintering temperature on the phase composition and antibacterial properties of silver doped hydroxyapatite. Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2013, 85(2), 453-462.
26. D.Loca, J.Locs, L.Berzina-Cimdina. Preparation of hydroxyapatite/poly(lactic acid) hybrid microparticles for local drug delivery. IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng., 2013, 47(1), 012007.
27. Z.Irbe, D.Loca, D.Vempere, L.Berzina Cimdina. Controlled Release of Local Anesthetic from Calcium Phosphate Bone Cements. Mater. Sci. Eng., C, 2012, 32, 1690-1694.
28. A.Dubnika, D.Loca, L.Berzina-Cimdina. Functionalized hydroxyapatite scaffolds coated with sodium alginate and chitosan for controlled drug delivery. Proceedings of the Estonian Academy of Sciences, 2012, 61(3), 193-199.
29. J.Locs, V.Zalite, I.Salma, G.Salms, D.Locs, M.Pilmane. Evaluation of polymer coated hydroxyapatite ceramic scaffolds. Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, 2012, 6, 37-38.