Coating Repel Bacteria, Blood and Geckos

Oct-27-14 A new bio-inspired coating able to repel both blood and bacteria could help prevent some of the complications that accompany implanted medical devices.

The coating, created by combining material already approved by the FDA, was inspired by SLIPS—a surface technology that was in turn inspired by the slippery surface of the pitcher plant. The team adapted the technology for use on existing medical instruments and applied the coating using a two-step process—first attaching a layer of a Teflon-like material to the instrument and then following up with a layer of liquid perfluorocarbon (commonly used in medical applications).

The new coating, called Tethered-Liquid Perfluorocarbon (TLP), has been tested in pigs—with positive results—and even prevented the mighty gecko (famous from its super-sticky foot pads) from being able to stick to it.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[WYSS.HARVARD.EDU]

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