In 2012, Professor Kripa Varanasi and David Smith SM ’11 revolutionized everyday convenience with their innovative no-stick technology, known as LiquiGlide. This game-changing invention allows products like ketchup, cosmetics, and toothpaste to slide effortlessly from their containers, eliminating frustrating residue. Now, the newly rebranded Arnasi Group is expanding this groundbreaking technology into the medical field, with potential to enhance the lives of millions.
Arnasi’s inaugural biomedical product, Revel, is a deodorizing lubricant specifically engineered for ostomy pouches. Millions of individuals in the United States utilize these pouches after digestive surgeries to collect bodily waste. The cumbersome process of emptying these pouches multiple times daily can lead to sticky and clogging problems, causing embarrassment and inconvenience.
Revel aims to tackle these issues head-on. Unlike existing alternatives, Arnasi’s deodorizing lubricant only requires one application per day. Designed for portability, it comes in a compact single-use dose that easily fits in a pocket, simplifying the ostomy pouch maintenance experience.
“An ostomy pouch significantly impacts a person’s lifestyle,” Varanasi notes. “Maintaining its cleanliness is essential, and our solution provides dignity and ease for users.” This FDA-registered product has already launched, receiving enthusiastic feedback from healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Nurse Margaret, who personally relies on an ostomy pouch, shared her transformative experience with Revel after trying it at a recent conference. “Pouches need to be emptied often, and this product makes the process smooth and efficient. One application lasts long enough for several uses, eliminating the need to carry extra supplies,” she expressed.
Margaret’s positive reactions reflect the sentiments of many who have experienced Revel. Arnasi CEO Dan Salain emphasized how impressed nurses were with the product. “They urged us to expedite its market release, and here we are, delivering an innovative solution,” he said.
Looking ahead, Arnasi plans to introduce additional medical products that will target issues related to biofilms and bacterial infections linked to implants and catheters, as well as support patients with cystic fibrosis.
“Our mission is to develop transformative products that genuinely improve lives,” Salain added. “Our technology lends itself well to a variety of implantable medical devices, such as catheters and joint replacements.”
Transforming Lives: From Packaging to Patients
Varanasi, in collaboration with Smith, originally developed this liquid-infused surface technology with support from the MIT Energy Initiative and the MIT Deshpande Center, focusing on solid-liquid interfaces applicable to energy and water solutions. “We created a new surface that allows a less viscous liquid to easily slide, overcoming a significant barrier in fluid dynamics,” he explained.
The journey from invention to application was sparked by a moment of inspiration while Varanasi observed his wife struggling to extract honey from a bottle. This realization propelled the team into the MIT $100K Entrepreneurship Competition, where the media frenzy over their technology pushed them to found the company.
Licensed from MIT’s Technology Licensing Office, Arnasi initially operated under the LiquiGlide name, forming partnerships with leading consumer goods companies resulting in innovations like fully recyclable toothpaste. Varanasi highlighted the environmental benefits, noting that 5 to 10 percent of products are commonly left behind in packaging, leading to significant waste and a high CO2 footprint.
As the team delved into the biomedical realm, they recognized the potential for their lubricant technology to vastly improve the experience of ostomy pouch users. “These pouches need frequent emptying, and the current methods pose various challenges,” remarked Brienne Engel, Arnasi’s director of business development. “Our solution aims to facilitate this essential process.”
Innovative Applications Beyond Ostomies
Revel stands out as the first non-water-based lubricant for ostomy pouches, with preliminary third-party tests indicating its ability to allow for quicker and more thorough pouch drainage.
Arnasi is set to extend its technology to combat skin infections, support cystic fibrosis care, and improve implantable devices like catheters and joint replacements. These advancements could notably reduce the incidence of life-threatening infections. Engel emphasized the urgency of the issue: “Catheter users face a high risk of infection, which can lead to dire consequences. Our technology addresses these critical health challenges.”
Ultimately, Varanasi’s team is committed to simultaneously advancing biomedical applications while exploring impacts in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and agriculture. “We envision Arnasi as a multi-faceted company capable of tackling numerous challenges across various fields,” he stated. “This technology exemplifies how MIT innovations can contribute positively to global health and well-being.”
Photo credit & article inspired by: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
