Nils Kröger

Prof. Dr. Nils Kröger serves as Chair for "Biomimetic Materials" at the Technical University of Dresden, Germany, where he leads the Kröger Group dedicated to studying diatoms and their remarkable biological capabilities. His research program investigates two extraordinary phenomena exhibited by these microalgae: silica biomineralization and underwater adhesion.

Academic Background:

• Diploma in Chemistry, University of Regensburg, Germany (1991)
• PhD in Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Germany (1995)
• Habilitation in Biochemistry, University of Regensburg, Germany (2001)
• Assistant Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA (2005)
• Associate Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA (2011)
• W3 Professor for Biomimetic Materials, TU Dresden, Germany (2012)

Professor Kröger's research sits at the intersection of biology, materials science, and nanotechnology. His group employs biochemical, molecular genetic, and cell biological approaches to unravel how diatoms construct intricate silica structures and adhere to surfaces underwater. This work has significant implications for developing novel bio-inspired materials and understanding fundamental biological processes. Recent advancements in his laboratory have revealed molecular mechanisms behind diatom motility and the precise control of silica pattern formation.

Analysis of Professor Kröger's publication record shows consistent focus on diatom biology with increasing interdisciplinary collaboration. His recent work demonstrates sophisticated integration of physics, engineering, and biology to understand the mechanical aspects of diatom movement and structure formation. The research shows progression from basic protein characterization to complex systems-level understanding of diatom motility and morphogenesis.

Current Research Funding:

• Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG): PoL Nucleation grant with Prof. Stefan Diez (2022-2025) - Acto-myosin cooperativity and regulation underlying diatom gliding motility
• Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) (2018-2022) - Molecular basis of diatom adhesion and motility
• Previous funding from Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) (2010-2016) - Molecular Mechanism of Diatom Adhesion

Professor Kröger actively mentors PhD students and maintains a vibrant research group comprising senior scientists, postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and graduate students. His laboratory serves as a hub for interdisciplinary collaboration, bridging traditional boundaries between biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science. The group maintains strong international connections and participates in numerous collaborative research initiatives focused on biomineralization and bio-inspired materials.