Matthias Lütolf

Research in the Lutolf lab is at the interface of stem cell biology and bioengineering to gain fundamental insight into how complex three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments, termed niches, control the behavior of stem cells. We exploit this know-how to develop novel technologies for maintaining stem cells in vitro and for controlling their differentiation and self-organization into 3D functional tissues (organoids).

Biography

Matthias Lutolf is Full Professor at EPFL’s Institute of Bioengineering, with a cross appointment in the Institute of Chemical Sciences and Engineering. Lutolf was trained as a Materials Engineer at ETH Zurich where he also carried out his PhD studies (with Jeffrey Hubbell) that were awarded with an ETH medal. He continued his research training as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Stem Cell Biology (with Helen Blau) at Stanford University. He has served as the Director of the Institute of Bioengineering from 2014 to 2018. Lutolf is an internationally recognized leader in the fields of stem cell bioengineering and tissue engineering. His research program uniquely combines stem cell biology with engineering principles and quantitative thinking. His team, composed of engineers, chemists, physicists, cell and developmental biologists, strives to develop technologies that have true biological and medicinal function and applicability. Lutolf’s work has led to more than 110 peer-reviewed scientific publications, many of which published in highly reputed journals, more than 25 patents, and the commercialization of several products. Current research in the Lutolf lab is focused on the bioengineering of miniature tissues, termed organoids, that are generated from self-organizing stem cells.

Teaching & PhD

Teaching

Life Sciences Engineering

PhD Programs

Doctoral Program in Biotechnology and Bioengineering

Doctoral Program in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Doctoral Program in Molecular Life Sciences

PhD Students

Chrisnandy Antonius, Elçi Bilge Sen, Hofer Moritz, Hsiung Hao-An, Hübscher Tania, Langer Jakob Josef, Mitrofanova Olga, Nikolaev Mikhail, Park Jisoo, Rezakhani Saba, Vianello Stefano Davide,

Past EPFL PhD Students

Allazetta Simone , Blondel Delphine Lorraine Perle , Brandenberg Nathalie , Brünggel Kym Lorenz , Cosson Steffen , Devaud Yannick Robert , Giger Sonja , Girgin Mehmet Ugur , Girotra Mukul , Höhnel Sylke , Kobel Stefan , Kolb Laura , Lienemann Philipp Sebastian , Mashinchian Omid , Mosiewicz Katarzyna , Negro Andrea , Nikitin Gennady , Okawa Yuya , Ranga Adrian , Rivest François Réal , Roch Aline , Tabata Yoji , Trachsel Vincent , Vallmajó Martín Queralt ,

Courses

Stem cell biology and technology

This course introduces the fundamentals of stem cell biology, with a particular focus on the role of stem cells during development, tissue homeostasis/regeneration and disease.

Biomaterials

This course covers the fundamental concepts behind the design, function and application of state-of-the-art biomaterials, that is, materials that are designed based on a molecular understanding of their interactions with biological systems.

Tissue engineering

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that broadly impacts human health. This course provides students an overview of how engineering approaches can be used to investigate and manipulate cell and tissue functions and enable students to be on the cutting edge of tissue engineering.

Online People Directory

Matthias Lütolf

Full Professor

Fields of expertise

Publications

Mission