Azam Tayabali

Dr. Azam Tayabali is Adjunct Research Professor in Carleton University's Department of Biology and Senior Researcher at Health Canada's Environmental Health Centre. His research examines toxicity mechanisms of emerging substances including nanomaterials and microorganisms used in biotechnology applications. Tayabali develops methods to differentiate hazardous microbial strains from safer alternatives through virulence attribute analysis and host response assays.

Research focuses on two key areas: 1) Pathogenic potential assessment of microorganisms used in industrial/commercial biotechnology; and 2) Mechanistic toxicology of nanomaterials including quantum dots, silver, and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Current projects investigate nanomaterial effects on gut microbiota and immunological stability. Tayabali's work supports regulatory risk assessment of new and existing substances through Health Canada's mandate.

Laboratory approaches include virulence factor analysis, mammalian cell cytotoxicity assays, immunological signaling evaluation, phagocytosis studies, and animal exposure models that mimic human exposure routes. His research contributes to safer implementation of emerging technologies in environmental and consumer applications.