Medical implants often malfunction and require surgical replacement due to an immune reaction called fibrosis—a process that encases foreign objects in dense tissue.

The Anderson and Langer Labs are developing new “immunocloaking” coatings that help devices evade immune detection.

This image captures a silicone implant undergoing fibrosis. Encroaching tissue forms a dragon's head shape of collagen and new blood vessels, while clouds of immune cells cover the surface.