News Finding: "The membrane filter could potentially prevent germs, dust, or allergens from reaching an open wound, while still allowing a doctor to perform surgery safely," Wong said.
Paper Finding: This property, in conjunction with other biological mechanisms, makes possible the engulfment of large particles without fluid exchange as exemplified by endocytosis.
News Context: Not only could the membrane serve as a particle barrier, but the self-healing properties would also allow medical devices such as surgical tools to pass through while contaminates stay out. "The membrane filter could potentially prevent germs, dust, or allergens from reaching an open wound, while still allowing a doctor to perform surgery safely," Wong said. "This membrane could make this possible."
Paper Context: We further demonstrate that these membranes can be used for previously unachievable applications, including serving as particle barriers that allow macroscopic device access through the membrane (for example, open surgery) or as selective membranes inhibiting gas/vapor passage while allowing solids to pass through them (for example, waste/odor management). This property, in conjunction with other biological mechanisms, makes possible the engulfment of large particles without fluid exchange as exemplified by endocytosis. For example, the incorporation of stable liquid layers into porous solids allows self-healing, robust liquid repellency , anti-biofouling , anti-icing , and even gating properties.