Chemists continue to work at the forefront of materials science research. Recent advances include application of bioengineering to produce plastics from renewable biomass instead of petroleum, generation of paper-based batteries, and development of phototriggerable microcapsules for chemical delivery. In this article, the author provides summaries of recent research advances in paper batteries, phototriggered microcapsules, and oil-free plastic production. (Contains 4 figures.)