Behnam Akhavan

Behnam Akhavan is an ARC DECRA Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle's School of Engineering, where he directs the Plasma Bio-engineering Laboratory. He received his PhD in Advanced Manufacturing from the University of South Australia and holds affiliations with the Hunter Medical Research Institute. His research focuses on plasma surface engineering of biomaterials for orthopedic, cardiovascular, and oncological applications.

Key innovations include plasma-functionalized orthopedic implants with covalent antibiotic attachment, zwitterionic coatings for thrombosis-resistant devices, and nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy. He employs atmospheric pressure plasma jets to create bioinstructive interfaces that enhance tissue integration and combat infections.

Analysis of 15 recent articles (2018-2025) reveals evolving themes: 1) Long-term antimicrobial implant coatings (TiCu-CMC/PDA), 2) 3D-printed scaffold biofunctionalization, and 3) Plasma-synthesized nanoparticles for drug delivery. His work consistently bridges plasma physics and translational medicine.

Awards recognize his translational impact: Most Innovative Engineers Award (2020) from Engineers Australia, Sydney Nano Best Publication Award (2021), and Coatings Award (2017). He collaborates with Tufts University, University Medical Centre Utrecht, and University of Otago.