Developing biodegradable nanoparticles from polymers, loading them with drugs and sending them on a journey into the human body to combat diseases more effectively: this is the field of research being conducted by Professor Lutz Nuhn, Head of the Chair of Macromolecular Chemistry at the Institute of Functional Materials and Biofabrication at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg in Bavaria, Germany.

The 39-year-old scientist has now been honoured for his innovative strategies for synthesising such nanoparticles: He received, together with Professor Rongrong Hu from South China University of Technology, the Hanwha-TotalEnergies IUPAC Young Scientist Award 2024.

For Young Talents in Polymer Chemistry

The prize is awarded every two years at the World Polymer Congress of the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) to young talents in polymer chemistry from all over the world. Lutz Nuhn and Rongrong Hu received it at the beginning of July 2024 at the IUPAC conference Macro2024 in Warwick (England).

With this award, the IUPAC Polymer Division honours Lutz Nuhn's achievements in the production of biodegradable drug carriers that can be used to specifically target immune cells in order to trigger immune reactions, for example against cancer.

Centre of Polymers for Life Under Construction

At JMU, Lutz Nuhn, in collaboration with Professor Jürgen Groll, is playing a key role in setting up the Centre of Polymers for Life, which is expected to open on the Hubland Campus in 2025. The centre is intended to further advance cutting-edge research in polymer science and its applications in the life sciences.