Students

Hossein Tavassoli

Nano chip simulates cell environment to study heart attacks, Swinburne University of Technology

As a materials engineer Hossein Tavassoli’s skill is in building solutions to address problems. A few years back Hossein teamed up with a biomedical researcher who was looking at the regenerative cells in zebrafish that allow them to regrow amputated fins and other tissues. Hossein’s had partner identified that for the first week after birth baby mice also possess regenerative cells, and was keen to study these cells to better understand regeneration. Hossein realized that he could use his technological prowess, a 3D printer and microfabrication to develop a nano chip that would simulate the natural environment of cardiac cells to more effectively study these regenerative properties. With cardiovascular disease killing someone in Australia every twelve minutes Hossein’s research has the potential to change the way we understand the heart forever and help combat Australia’s biggest killer.