Professor at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, China.
Prof. Dr. Xiaofeng Dai is a distinguished expert in precision oncology and plasma medicine, currently serving as Professor and Research Theme Leader at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. With dual PhDs in Systems Biology (Genetics) and Econo-Informatics from Finland, she integrates interdisciplinary knowledge across molecular oncology, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. Prof. Dai has established herself as a global leader in exploring the molecular and clinical applications of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy, publishing over 114 SCI-indexed articles with a cumulative impact factor of 806.74. She is the first or corresponding author of all these works, including four ESI highly cited papers. Her scientific achievements are further marked by 2 U.S. patents, 4 Chinese invention patents, and 10 software copyrights. She has secured and led national and industrial research funding exceeding 10 million RMB. Recognized for her pioneering work, Prof. Dai has received prestigious honors including Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences (2023), Outstanding Engineer Award (2022), and selection in the Jiangsu Province 333 High-level Talents Program (2024). As an active contributor to academic societies and a passionate educator, she is committed to translating advanced research into tangible clinical innovations.
Publication Profile
Scopus
Educational Details
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Ph.D. in Econo-informatics, Aalto University, Finland (2016)
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Ph.D. in Systems Biology – Genetics, Tampere University of Technology, Finland (2010)
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M.Sc. in Bioinformatics, University of Tampere, Finland (2010)
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M.Sc. in Molecular Biology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China (2006)
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B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, China (2003)
Professional Experience
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2023/06 – Present: Professor, Theme Leader – Precision Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University
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2017/06 – 2023/05: Professor, Theme Leader – Precision Medicine, Jiangnan University
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2014/02 – 2017/05: Associate Professor, Precision Medicine, Jiangnan University
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2016/12 – 2017/02: Visiting Scholar, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia
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2013/10 – 2014/01: Principal Investigator, Chinese National Human Genome Center
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2011/02 – 2013/09: Senior Research Fellow, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
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2010/02 – 2011/01: Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland
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2007/03 – 2011/01: Research Fellow, Tampere University of Technology, Finland
Research Interest
Prof. Dai’s research centers on cold atmospheric plasma (CAP)-based therapies in oncology and beyond. Her interests lie in exploring the molecular underpinnings of CAP’s selective cytotoxicity against malignant cells, investigating its influence on cancer stemness, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. Expanding from cancer, her current work includes the use of CAP in immunomodulation, metabolic disorders, viral prevention, and vaccine enhancement. She also focuses on developing innovative CAP delivery systems such as ingestible CAP capsules and CAP-mediated photodynamic therapy, aiming to enhance its versatility and applicability. Prof. Dai is also addressing key translational barriers—such as CAP’s short-lived reactive components—by designing storage-stable and sustained-release solutions. Her research integrates bioinformatics, molecular biology, and plasma physics to decipher therapeutic pathways and identify CAP-mimicking biomolecules. Through computational modeling and synthetic chemistry, she is developing molecules with CAP-like efficacy, pushing forward the concept of molecular plasma medicine. Her goal is to create clinically adaptable, precision-targeted, and minimally invasive treatment solutions across a wide spectrum of diseases.
Research Skills
Prof. Dai is proficient in a broad array of interdisciplinary research techniques, spanning molecular biology, plasma physics, bioinformatics, and translational medicine. Her core expertise includes the design and execution of high-throughput omics experiments, real-time plasma-matter interaction studies, and in vitro/in vivo cancer models. She is skilled in CRISPR-based functional genomics, computational modeling of plasma-induced cellular responses, and RNA-seq data interpretation. Her strong background in systems biology enables her to construct multi-scale models that integrate molecular, cellular, and clinical data. She has extensive experience in developing biomedical devices and software tools tailored to plasma applications, backed by 10 software copyrights. Her ability to secure industrial partnerships and government funding demonstrates her leadership in translational research. Additionally, Prof. Dai has led cross-disciplinary teams to develop CAP-based interventions for autoimmune diseases, metabolic disorders, and infectious disease prevention. She is also adept at scientific communication, grant writing, project management, and mentoring junior researchers and students.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Dai’s research excellence and leadership have been widely recognized. In 2024, she was named a Level 3 recipient in the prestigious “333 High-Level Talent Program” of Jiangsu Province. In 2023, she was elected an Academician of the European Academy of Natural Sciences, highlighting her international stature. Her innovative research earned her the Outstanding Engineer Young Award in 2022 from the International Scientific Exchange Foundation of China. Earlier honors include being a member of the Dual Innovative Team of Jiangsu Province (2017), receiving the Six Talent Peaks Award (2016), and being named a Leading Talent for Social Undertakings in Wuxi (2015). These accolades underscore her sustained contributions to scientific innovation, particularly in the interdisciplinary domains of bioengineering, oncology, and plasma medicine. They also reflect recognition by both national and international academic bodies, industry collaborators, and government agencies. Her ability to integrate science, education, and clinical translation has made her a respected figure in China’s high-impact research ecosystem.
Author Metrics
Top Noted Publication
1. Advanced Science (2020)
Title: Innovative precision gene-editing tools in personalized cancer medicine
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Blancafort Pilar, Peiyu Wang, Agustin Sgro, Erik W Thompson, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Journal: Advanced Science
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IF (2023): ~17.5
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JCR Rank: Q1 (Multidisciplinary Sciences)
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Reason: Highly impactful, interdisciplinary, cutting-edge gene-editing research published in a top-tier journal.
2. Trends in Biotechnology (2018)
Title: The emerging role of gas plasma in oncotherapy
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Kateryna Bazaka, Derek J. Richard, Erik W. Thompson, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Journal: Trends in Biotechnology
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IF (2023): ~20.0
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JCR Rank: Q1 (Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology)
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Reason: Published in a Cell Press journal, which is highly selective. Recognized for trend-setting reviews.
3. Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (2025)
Title: Systemic lupus erythematosus: updated insights on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention and therapeutics
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Yuting Fan#, Xing Zhao*
Journal: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
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IF (2023): ~39.3
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JCR Rank: Q1 (Immunology/Oncology)
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Reason: Nature Publishing Group journal with very high impact. Although recent, its publication in a Nature journal signifies top-tier status.
4. Trends in Genetics (2022)
Title: Histone lactylation: epigenetic mark of glycolytic switch
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Xinyu Lv, Erik W. Thompson, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Journal: Trends in Genetics
5. Biotechnology Advances (2019)
Title: Standardizing CAR-T therapy: getting it scaled up
Citation: Xiaofeng Dai#*, Yi Mei, Dongyan Cai, Weidong Han*
Journal: Biotechnology Advances
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IF (2023): ~14.2
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JCR Rank: Q1 (Biotechnology)
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Reason: Authoritative journal in biotechnology with strong clinical and commercial relevance, especially in CAR-T research.
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Xiaofeng Dai is a leading interdisciplinary scientist advancing cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) therapy in precision oncology and regenerative medicine. With dual Ph.D. degrees, over 100 SCI-indexed publications, and multiple patents, she bridges molecular research with clinical application. Her leadership in securing major research funding and fostering industry collaboration highlights her impact across science and innovation. As an educator and mentor, she is shaping future experts in cancer biology and bioinformatics. Through national and international partnerships, Prof. Dai remains at the forefront of translating high-impact research into real-world medical solutions.