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Surfaces Inspired by the Nepenthes Peristome for Unidirectional Liquid Transport
Author(s) -
Zhang Pengfei,
Zhang Liwen,
Chen Huawei,
Dong Zhichao,
Zhang Deyuan
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201702995
Subject(s) - nanotechnology , microfluidics , capillary action , materials science , biology , composite material
The slippery peristome of the pitcher plant Nepenthes has attracted much attention due to its unique function for preying on insects. Recent findings on the peristome surface of Nepenthes alata demonstrate a fast and continuous unidirectional liquid transport, which is enabled by the combination of a pinning effect at the sharp edges and a capillary rise in the wedge, deriving from the multiscale structure, which provides inspiration for designing and fabricating functional surfaces for unidirectional liquid transport. Developments in the fabrication methods of peristome‐inspired surfaces and control methods for liquid transport are summarized. Both potential applications in the fields of microfluidic devices, biomedicine, and mechanical engineering and directions for further research in the future are discussed.