Metallic-peristome surface inspired by <i>Nepenthes alata</i> for anti-sticking of electrosurgical electrodes

Soft tissue sticking on electrosurgical electrodes in minimally invasive surgery can cause tissue trauma, laceration, bleeding, and easily lead to medical accidents. The multi-level structure on the peristome surface of <em>Nepenthes alata</em> creates a stable liquid film and long-term slippery phenomena, providing an excellent anti-sticking performance. However, it is a critical challenge to transfer the multi-level structure to metallic substrates. Herein, a facile method using a bionic replication process combined with electroforming process was reported to successfully prepare a realistic metallic-peristome surface (MPS) from the peristome surface of <em>Nepenthes alata</em> to a copper-based substrate. The long-term lubrication theory of MPS was analyzed and proved the high wettability and robustness of the surface. The unidirectional transport behavior and long-term lubrication performance of dimethyl silicone oil on the MPS under the action of thermal field gradient were analyzed. The results show that the as-prepared metallic-peristome surface has liquid transport capability in the opposite direction of the thermal field gradient. In addition, the introduction of microstructures on the surface of the MPS electrode can promote the occurrence of spark effects and improve the cutting effect. An electrocution test of isolated pig liver tissue was conducted to test the tissue anti-sticking properties, thermal damage and antibacterial effects of the self-lubricating slippery surface bionic electrosurgery. MPS exhibits excellent anti-stick properties, low thermal damage and significant antibacterial properties, which lays the foundation for its application in other fields.