Lutz Nuhn

Professor Lutz Nuhn is Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry at the Julius Maximilian University Würzburg since April 2022, where he leads the Macromolecular Therapeutics Research Group. His research focuses on designing novel polymeric drug delivery systems at the interface between materials chemistry and life science, with particular emphasis on nano-sized vaccines and anti-cancer immunotherapies.

• Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Julius Maximilian University Würzburg (2022-present)
• Emmy-Noether research group leader funded by DFG (2019-2022)
• Young group leader at Max Planck Institute for Polymer Science (2017-2022)

Professor Nuhn's research explores the design of well-defined block copolymers with self-assembling and responsive properties for developing nano-sized carriers that can sense various stimuli including temperature, pH or light. These biodegradable nanocarriers disassemble under physiologically relevant conditions and are engineered for selective immune responses against intracellular pathogens and cancer. His work particularly emphasizes novel strategies to modulate the immune regulatory properties of the tumor microenvironment to combat cancer via next generation nano-immunotherapeutics.

Analysis of Professor Nuhn's recent publications reveals a strong focus on pH-responsive nanocarriers, macrophage-targeted therapies, and cancer immunotherapies. His work spans from fundamental polymer chemistry to translational applications, with particular emphasis on liver cancer treatment, macrophage repolarization, and vaccine development. The research demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward increasingly sophisticated nanocarrier systems with multiple responsive elements and targeting capabilities.

• Liebig fellow of the FCI
• Emmy-Noether research group leader (DFG)
• Scholarships from German National Academic Foundation, Max Planck Graduate Center, FCI, AvH, and FWO

Professor Nuhn leads the Macromolecular Therapeutics Research Group which develops innovative polymer-based nanocarriers for immunotherapy applications. His research has been supported by multiple grants including the DFG Collaborative Research Center SFB-1066 'Nanodimensional Polymer Therapeutics for Tumor Therapy' where he leads projects focused on treating liver tumors and polymer-induced tumor immunotherapy. The group maintains active collaborations with immunologists, cancer researchers, and clinicians to translate their nanocarrier designs into clinically relevant therapies.