Azam F. Tayabali

Research Scientist

Lead, Biotechnology Laboratory

Health Canada

Current research and/or projects

Pathogenicity of microorganisms used in biotechnology applications and toxicity of nanomaterials

Research and/or project statements

Investigating the pathogenic mechanisms of opportunistic bacteria and fungi
Developing immunological-based methods to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms
Studying innate immune mechanisms associated with defence from microbial infection
Determining the potential immunological effects associated with exposure to manufactured nanomaterials

Professional activities / interests

Participating Member of Standards Council of Canada - International Standards Organisation Mirror Committee for Biotechnology (TC-276)

Member of the Interdepartmental Microbial Working Group (Canada)

Provision of scientific expertise and development of methods for regulation of microorganisms used in biotechnology

Education and awards

B.Sc. Biology, University of Ottawa

Ph.D. Biology, Carleton University

Senate Medal (Carleton University) for Excellence in Graduate Work

International experience and/or work

Expert Contributor for ISO 276 (Biotechnology) through Standards Council of Canada

Former member of the Joint Industry-Regulators Working Group for the Characterization of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics under the International Cooperation for Cosmetics Regulation (ICCR)

Key publications

Tayabali, A.F., Zhang, Y., Fine, J.H., Caldwell, D., Navarro, M. (2018) Acellular Filtrates of a Microbial Based Cleaning Product Potentiates House Dust Mite Allergic Inflammation. Food and Chemical Toxicology: Special Issue on Microbial Based Cleaning Products. 116:32-41.

Zhang, Y., Nguyen, K.C., Caldwell, D., Fine, J.H., Lefebvre, D.E., and Tayabali, A.F. (2017) Immune Responses during Single and Repeated Murine Endotracheal Exposures of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles used in Sunscreen Formulations. NanoImpact 7:54-65.

Tayabali, A.F., Coleman, G., Crosthwait, J., Nguyen, K.C., and Shwed, P. (2017) Composition and Pathogenic Potential of a Microbial Bioremediation Product Used for Crude Oil Degradation. PLoS One 12(2): e0171911

Nguyen, K.C., Richards. L., Rippstein, P., Massarsky, A., Moon, T.W., and Tayabali, A.F. (2016) Toxicological Evaluation of Representative Silver Nanoparticles in Macrophages and Epithelial Cells. Toxicol in vitro. 33:163-173

Tayabali, A.F., Coleman, G., Nguyen, K.C. (2015) Virulence Attributes and Host Response Assays for Determining Pathogenic Potential of Pseudomonas Strains Used in Biotechnology. PLoS ONE 10(11): e0143604.

Nguyen, K.C., Tayabali, A.F., Willmore, W.G. (2015) Mitochondrial toxicity of cadmium telluride quantum dot nanoparticles in mammalian hepatocytes. Toxicological Sciences. 146(1):31-42.

Zhang, Y., Nguyen, K.C., Lefebvre, D.E., Shwed, P.S., Crosthwait, J., Bondy, G.S., Tayabali, A.F. (2014) Critical Experimental Parameters Related to the Cytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles. J. Nanoparticle Res. 16: 2440

Nguyen, K.C., Willmore, W.G., Tayabali, A.F. (2013) Cadmium Telluride Quantum Dots Cause Oxidative Stress Leading to Extrinsic and Intrinsic Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma HepG2 Cells. Toxicology. 306:114-123.

Tayabali A.F., Nguyen K.C., Shwed P.S., Crosthwait J., Coleman G., Seligy, V.L. (2012) Comparison of the Virulence Potential of Acinetobacter Strains from Clinical and Environmental Sources. PLoS One 7(5): e37024.