Affiliation:
1. Hubei Longzhong Laboratory Wuhan University of Technology Xiangyang Demonstration Zone 441000 Xiangyang China
2. Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing School of Materials Science and Engineering Wuhan University of Technology 430070 Wuhan China
3. Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park Wuhan University of Technology 572024 Sanya China
Abstract
AbstractDirectional liquid spreading has an irreplaceable role in applications such as microfluidic devices, disposable biosensors, and point‐of‐care diagnostics. However, how to achieve directional, rapid, and complete spreading (i.e., superspreading) of liquids without external energy input is a great challenge. Herein, inspired by the peristome surface of Nepenthes pitcher, the directional superspreading of water droplets on hydrogel surfaces with predesigned microchannels by using the synergistic effect of the liquid‐like property of hydrogels and the guidance of anisotropic microstructures is reported. Compared with the smooth ones, hydrogel surfaces with isotropic microstructures can facilitate the superspreading of water droplets, which can be realized within 500 ms in the absence of external forces. Furthermore, directional superspreading and the flow of water droplets are realized under the guidance of anisotropic microgrooves. Such a unique spreading behavior can also be observed on the hydrogel surfaces with various shaped microchannels, such as periodic, bent, shunted, divergent, and confluent morphologies, which have potential for the development of open microfluidic platforms for various healthcare‐related applications.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
National Key Research and Development Program of China
Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Subject
General Materials Science,General Chemistry