Self-Cleaning Coating Keeps Endoscopes Seeing Clearly

Oct-05-16 A modification of the SLIPS technology from the team at Wyss has led to a coating that will keep endoscopes clear while they are in the body.

The SLIPS (Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces) technology, also developed by Wyss, makes surfaces self-cleaning by resisting fouling materials. However, the technology was not robust enough to withstand the environment of the body.

To overcome this challenge, the team layered silica nanoparticles on the endoscope’s glass tip, which created a surface scattered with microscopic holes. The holes were then filled with a silicone oil, resulting in a liquid layer that will self-replenish to resist fouling.

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

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