Washington freshman designs banana-inspired liner to fight hospital infections
A creative high schooler has designed an innovative incubator liner modeled after banana leaves. This unique approach tackles condensation issues and helps reduce infection risks for newborns. Named BananaBaby, her project has garnered recognition at a prestigious global science fair, highlighting its potential to enhance neonatal care in resource-limited regions. However, additional clinical…
Hospital incubators offer vulnerable newborns a controlled environment for care, but maintaining cleanliness around them can be difficult, particularly in areas with limited medical resources. Vedika Devarajan, a freshman from Redmond High School in Washington, developed a novel approach inspired by the structure of banana leaves.
Her project, BananaBaby, creates a biomimetic neonatal incubator liner designed to help prevent hospital-acquired infections. The idea came from banana leaf vein patterns that guide water movement, a concept called biomimicry. Devarajan created a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) mold based on these patterns and tested if it could redirect condensation inside incubators.
The goal is to manage condensation more effectively and reduce microbial contamination risks, particularly for developing countries where affordable medical solutions are crucial. Although BananaBaby remains a student project, its innovative approach earned Devarajan a third-place award at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and showcases the potential of biomimicry in addressing medical challenges.
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