Effective Unidirectional Wetting of Liquids on Multi-Gradient, Bio-Inspired Surfaces Fabricated by 3D Printing and Surface Modification.

The movement of liquid droplets on the energy gradient surface has attracted extensive attention inspired by biological features in nature, such as the periodic spindle-shaped nodes in spider silks and conical-like barbs of cacti, and the structure-property-function relationship of multifunctional gradient surfaces. In this study, a series of specific patterns are fabricated with 3D printing technology, followed by modification via the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment and liquid phase chemical deposition, resulting in enhancing the ability of water droplets of 5 μL to travel 18.47 mm on a horizontal plane and 22.

Reversible Underwater Adhesion: The Unique C-shaped Suckers of Net-winged Midge Larvae (Blepharicera sp.).

Aquatic insects living in fast-flowing streams have developed various types of attachment systems to resist being carried away by strong currents. Combinations of various attachment devices offer aquatic insects advantages in underwater adhesion on substrates with different surface properties. In this study, the net-winged midge (Blepharicera sp.

Fish scale-extracted hydroxyapatite/chitosan composite scaffolds fabricated by freeze casting-An innovative strategy for water treatment.

In this study, low-cost and eco-friendly hydroxyapatite (HA) minerals were extracted from scales of Tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus). After calcination, fish-scale extracted powder was further confirmed to be HA by X-ray diffraction with mean particle size of 5.96 μm determined by particle size analyzer.

Bioinspired Diatomite Membrane with Selective Superwettability for Oil/Water Separation.

Membranes with selective superwettability for oil/water separation have received significant attention during the past decades. Hierarchical structures and surface roughness are believed to improve the oil repellency and the stability of Cassie-Baxter state. Diatoms, unicellular photosynthetic algae, possess sophisticated skeletal shells (called frustules) which are made of hydrated silica.

Climbing upstream: Multi-scale structural characterization and underwater adhesion of the Pulin river loach (Sinogastromyzon puliensis).

Hillstream fishes live in the current with high flow velocity and strong water impact. To survive in such environments, they evolved various adhesive apparatus and attachment mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the Pulin river loach (Sinogatromyzon puliensis) known for its ability to climb vertically against rapid torrent.