Halim Ayan

Halim Ayan, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Bioengineering in the College of Engineering at the University of Toledo, Ohio, USA, where he teaches courses in both bioengineering and mechanical engineering. He previously held faculty appointments at Murray State University and the University of Kentucky.

Education

• B.Sc. (summa cum laude), Mechanical Engineering, Ege University, Turkey, 2001
• Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University, USA, 2009

Research Focus
Dr. Ayan's laboratory investigates the physics of non-thermal atmospheric-pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasmas and translates these insights into biomedical technologies. Core areas include sterilization of medical devices and surfaces, targeted cancer therapy, biofilm eradication, and plasma-enabled biofabrication. His work combines experimental plasma physics, biological assays, mathematical modelling, and translational studies.

Recent publications reveal an emphasis on plasma-induced modulation of macrophage phenotypes, induction of apoptosis in lung carcinoma cells, and synergistic antimicrobial strategies combining plasma with chemical agents. Mathematical modelling efforts further advance understanding of plasma–biofilm interactions and diffusion kinetics.

Scientific Awards & Recognition

• Principal Investigator on 2 NSF grants, 1 NIH grant, and 2 USAF-MDA grants
• Founding member, International Society of Plasma Medicine
• Founding member, International Society for Biofabrication
• Published 1 book, 2 book chapters, 18 peer-reviewed journal articles, and 2 patents
• Invited podium presentations at numerous international conferences

Research Support & Collaborations
Dr. Ayan has secured competitive federal funding totaling multiple awards from NSF, NIH, and the U.S. Air Force Missile Defense Agency (USAF-MDA). His research team collaborates across disciplines, integrating plasma physics, cancer biology, tissue engineering, and materials science to develop next-generation plasma-based therapeutic and sterilization technologies.

Laboratory & Facilities
His laboratory at the University of Toledo houses custom-built atmospheric-pressure plasma sources, advanced optical and electrical diagnostics, cell-culture suites, 3D bioprinting platforms, and microscopy/imaging systems to support multifaceted plasma-biomedical research programs.