Leaf-Inspired Micro- and Nanoengineered Surfaces for Controlled Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Properties

摘要

In various industries, it is important to manipulate engineering platforms by controlling hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. Here, we report on a simple, tunable replication method that mimics the unique surface of micro- and nanotopographies of common camellia, fragrant plantain, and lotus leaf, with properties that range from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. Using lithographic technology in combination with thermal- or ultraviolet (UV)-sensitive materials such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyurethane acrylate (PUA), we designed and fabricated hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces using a single material (i.e., PCL and PUA with controlled surface properties). The morphologies of the mimetic leaves were analyzed, which showed that flat, hexagonal, and protuberance topographies were successfully generated using the same material. There was no change in the chemical bending or crystalline structure of the mimetic platform compared with the flat platforms. This demonstrates that our leaf-inspired micro- and nanostructures could exhibit hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, which is an important consideration in designing engineering platforms for various industries.