BRAC University seminar explores nanoscale tech in medical implants
BRAC University’s School of Life Sciences held a seminar on Thursday, November 12, 2026, exploring how nanoscale engineering is being used to develop medical implants and biosensors.
Titled “Where Materials Meet the Body: Nanoscale Engineering in Implants and Biosensors”, the seminar featured Dr Jami Hafiz, director of Synest Solutions in Dhaka, according to a press release.
Dr Hafiz holds a PhD in mechanical engineering from the University of Minnesota and has two decades of experience applying biomaterials in surgical practice. He also holds nine patents related to nanoparticle synthesis and implant surface engineering.
During the seminar, he explained how the surface properties of materials influence their interaction with the surrounding environment and the human body.
He discussed research into nanoscale calcium phosphate coatings that are designed to help medical implants connect with surrounding tissues, including bone. He also described efforts to incorporate antibiotics into implant coatings to reduce the risk of surgical site infections.
Another area of research involves protein-based materials for repairing dental and orthopaedic damage, he said.
Dr Hafiz also discussed continuous glucose monitors, which use a small sensor placed under the skin to send glucose readings to a smartphone every five minutes. The data can help users understand how their glucose levels change after meals and physical activity. Users can also share alerts with family members living abroad, he explained.
He highlighted the use of advanced medical displays to interpret CT scans, MRI scans, chest X-rays and mammograms. He also demonstrated how digital operating theatres bring together endoscopes, microscopes, surgical cameras, patient monitors and hospital information systems on a single platform.
Addressing students, Dr Hafiz urged them to develop a strong foundation in engineering, materials science, physical sciences and life sciences. He said future advances in healthcare would increasingly depend on knowledge from different disciplines.
He also expressed interest in joint research, webinars and internship opportunities for BRAC University students.
Prof Aparna Islam, assistant dean of the School of Life Sciences, moderated the seminar. A discussion followed with BRAC University Board of Trustees member Rasheda K Choudhury, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury and University of Dhaka Professor Emeritus Prof Dr AFM Yusuf Haider.
Among others, Sharmind Neelotpol, chairperson of the School of Pharmacy; Iftekhar Bin Naser, chairperson of the Department of Biotechnology; and Nadia Sultana Deen, chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, attended the event.
BRAC University said the seminar was linked to two United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3) and Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9).