Which of the following is the best way to revise and combine the above sentences?

This option improperly emphasizes the consequence (self-cleaning) before stating the cause. The structure makes it less clear, as it suggests that the increased stickiness is the primary focus, which may confuse the reader regarding the relationship between the two processes.

While this choice maintains a connection between the two ideas, the use of "but" implies a contrast rather than a causal relationship. This can mislead the reader into thinking that the two statements are opposing rather than complementary.

This option places the focus on the stickiness first, which shifts the emphasis away from the self-cleaning action. The phrase "in fact" can also imply a redundancy rather than a logical progression, potentially confusing the reader about the primary point being made.