I am Nirmal Sarkar, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Biology at Utah State University. My research interests lie at the intersection of protein engineering, recombinant protein production, biomaterials, and bioprocessing.
My current research focuses on recombinant hagfish intermediate filament (HIF) proteins and their potential as protein-based biomaterials. I am particularly interested in understanding and improving protein solubility, processing, assembly, and material properties, with the broader goal of developing HIF-derived materials for application-specific uses.
Before joining Utah State University, I completed my M.Tech. in Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati). My previous research experience has included microbial biotechnology, recombinant protein expression, metabolic engineering, and the production of biologically relevant small molecules.
Research Interests
My current research interests include:
- Protein engineering
- Recombinant protein expression and solubility optimization
- Bioprocessing
- Protein-based biomaterials
- Hagfish intermediate filament protein-derived materials
- Tissue engineering and regenerative biomaterials
- Microbial biotechnology
Current Research
At Utah State University, I am working on methods to improve the aqueous solubility and processing of recombinant hagfish intermediate filament proteins. My work involves investigating protein solubilization and refolding conditions, characterizing soluble and insoluble protein fractions, and developing approaches that may ultimately enable these proteins to be processed into useful biomaterials.
Longer term, I am interested in connecting fundamental protein behavior with material design and exploring how recombinant protein-based materials can be engineered for biomedical and other functional applications.
Academic Background
Ph.D. in Biology
Utah State University
Logan, Utah, USA
Current
M.Tech. in Bioengineering
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
Guwahati, Assam, India
Publications and Research Profiles
My research publications and citation information can be found through the research profiles linked on this website.
Contact
Nirmal Sarkar
Ph.D. Student, Department of Biology
Utah State University
Logan, Utah, USA
Email: nirmal.sarkar@usu.edu