Sulogna Chatterjee is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Florida. She engineers microorganisms to transform low-cost agricultural waste into customizable bioplastics, offering sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based polymers. In this Postdoc Portrait interview, she shares the importance of her work and what she hopes her research will accomplish.
Engineering Microbes for Sustainable Bioplastics
Q | What scientific problem are you trying to solve?
I am working to address the cost and production challenges that currently limit the use of bio-based plastics as alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. Many existing bioplastics are expensive to produce, difficult to manufacture at large scale, or do not have the strength and flexibility needed for broader applications.
My current research focuses on developing microorganisms that can turn low-cost, renewable resources, such as agricultural waste and plant-based materials, into biodegradable plastics. I am particularly interested in designing these materials so that their properties, such as strength, flexibility, and durability, can be matched to specific needs. This approach could help make sustainable plastics more practical and affordable while reducing dependence on fossil resources. Ultimately, I hope to develop environmentally friendly materials that can be used in everyday products as well as more demanding applications, including medical devices and space exploration.
Q | What drew you to this field?
My passion for this work comes from a desire to address two major challenges facing humanity: plastic pollution and climate change. During my doctoral research at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, I studied ways to turn organic waste into useful products, which showed me the potential of microorganisms to create value from materials that would otherwise be discarded.
My research journey then took me to Stanford University and the University of Florida, where I expanded my work toward developing biological systems that can use carbon-rich materials, including waste and carbon dioxide, to make valuable products. What excites me most is the possibility of using microorganisms as tiny, programmable factories that can transform simple raw materials into strong, biodegradable plastics. These materials could have applications ranging from healthcare and everyday products to future space exploration, including work connected to NASA CUBES. The opportunity to combine sustainability, biology, and practical applications continues to drive my research and motivates me to develop solutions that can contribute to a more circular and sustainable future.
Q | What’s one thing you learned from your research that you didn’t expect?
One of the most exciting things I learned from my research is how much potential there is to shape the properties of a plastic by making small changes in the microorganism that produces it. Initially, I thought genetic changes would mainly help increase the amount of plastic produced. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they can also influence important qualities such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance.
I also learned that creating a truly sustainable plastic requires thinking beyond the laboratory. It is important to consider the availability and cost of renewable raw materials, how efficiently they can be converted into products, and how easily the final material can be produced and used on a larger scale.
This broader perspective has made my research even more exciting. It showed me that sustainable materials can be designed with both environmental benefits and real-world performance in mind, which motivates me to continue developing practical alternatives to conventional plastics.
Q | If your research succeeds, what could it change for science or society?
I am very positive that our research will succeed, and that we will be able to produce advanced bioplastics using our genetically engineered microorganisms on a commercial scale. If successful, this work could help make sustainable plastics a practical alternative to petroleum-based plastics. By using microorganisms to turn renewable resources and waste materials into high-quality, biodegradable plastics, we could reduce plastic pollution and decrease our dependence on fossil fuels.
Q | What question are you most excited to answer next?
I am excited to explore how we can fine tune microbial metabolism, so bioplastics break down safely and predictably in natural environments without leaving harmful residues.
Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
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