“Temporal and spatial control of the cellular microenvironment is key to developing physiological and clinically relevant platform technologies for the prevention, relief and cure of human diseases. Hence, the understanding of critical design rules for bio-hybrid systems is important.”

Regina Luttge is an Associate Professor in the Microsystems section and Chair of Neuro-Nanoscale Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). Her research line investigates and develops microsystems for medicine and biology with integrated bio-inspired functionality mediated by shrinking structural dimensions and controlling material properties at the nanoscale applying emerging and established micro-nanofabrication methods.

The specific goal is to combine microfluidics with tissue engineering to create a realistic in vitro model of the brain, which can provide insights into both normal and disease-state function. In her previous research (ERC-StG, 2011-2016), she mainly used a soft-lithography approach for the rational design of miniaturized 3D culture experiments and the generation of artificial micro-environments of physiological relevance working with primary neurons. With the results of her ERC-research, Luttge and her team aim to forward-engineer a living brain-on-chip from neuronal stem cells.

Regina Luttge studied Applied Sciences in Germany and worked as an engineering researcher at Institut für Mikrotechnik in Mainz for nearly five years prior to starting her PhD studies in Microsystems Technologies at Imperial College, London, in 1999. In 2003 she received her PhD from the University of London on the development of fabrication technology for micro-optical scanners. Switching her research interest to microfluidics applications, Luttge went on to work at the University of Twente MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. Initially as a senior scientist and later as an Assistant Professor. She was appointed Associate Professor in the TU/e Microsystems Group in 2013.

Besides education and research, Regina is actively involved in scientific entrepreneurship. Since 2012, she has been Chief Scientific Officer at MyLife Technologies BV. She is passionate about spinning off new businesses based on her research at TU/e, particularly on topics in which unique opportunities arise for students at all levels of their educational program to take part in business development.

Partners in (semi-)industry

• MyLife Technologies B.V.