Matthias Barz

Matthias Barz is a Professor of Biotherapeutic Delivery at the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Faculty of Science, Leiden University. He leads the Barz Lab, focusing on polymer science and biomedical applications of functional nanoparticles.

• Professor of Biotherapeutic Delivery (Leiden University)
• Head of the Division of BioTherapeutics
• Researcher in reactive polymer systems and nanocarrier design

His research bridges polymer chemistry with biomedical applications, emphasizing polypept(o)ide-based nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery in cancer, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Key areas include:

• Stimuli-responsive polymer architectures
• Secondary structure-driven self-assembly
• Core-crosslinked micelles for controlled cargo release
• Redox-sensitive disulfide bonds for intracellular delivery
• Protein-repellent nanoparticle shells
• Riboflavin-functionalized nanocarriers for tumor targeting

The lab's publications highlight advancements in polysarcosine-containing copolymers, orthogonal functional group utilization, and modular nanoparticle platforms with precise control over morphology and function. Current projects explore the clinical translation of these systems for immunotherapy and diagnostics.

Scientific recognition includes:

• Dozentenpreis des Fonds der Chemischen Industrie (2018)
• PMSE Young Investigator Award (2018)
• Nachwuchswissenschaftlerstipendium der GDCh (2017)

His team trains graduate students in polymer synthesis, nanoparticle characterization, and biomedical application testing. Collaborations span institutions like the University of Tokyo and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, with ongoing projects under the SFB 1066 initiative for malignant melanoma immunotherapy.