Research Spotlight: Slippery surfaces that speed up life-saving diagnostics

Bei Fan, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University, and her team have developed a new slippery coating that helps liquids travel smoothly. This thin, liquid-like layer is made up of small mobile molecules. The layer feels slick at the molecular level, so fluid samples glide across it instead of clinging to or blocking the channel.

In testing, fluids move with noticeably lower resistance and avoid typical buildup. The coating stayed clear and stable even after repeated use, which is essential for optical sensors and point-of-care devices.

Single-droplet medical tests thrive on low friction. Faster fluid motion supports rapid, low-cost diagnostics. Smoother channels also reduce the amount of sample and reagent required, creating less waste and lowering the environmental footprint of disposable tests. In wearable and implantable systems, reduced drag can lead to smaller pumps and longer device lifetimes.

Fan’s work strengthens the foundation for more accessible diagnostics, better monitoring tools, and cleaner lab processes that reach more people at lower cost.

To explore Fan’s research further, visit:

• Slippery liquid-like surfaces as a promising solution for sustainable drag reduction(opens in new window) [Article}
• Modulation of the Streaming Potential and Slip Characteristics in Electrolyte Flow over Liquid-Filled Surfaces(opens in new window) [Article]
• Enhanced voltage generation through electrolyte flow on liquid-filled surfaces(opens in new window) [Article]
• Google Scholar page(opens in new window) [Website]