Bionic Structured Milli-fluidics: A Review

Area of Science:

• Fluidics
• Biomimetics
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Milli-fluidics is an emerging interdisciplinary field with applications in biomedical detection, material synthesis, and water collection.
• Bioinspired structures from natural surfaces like Araucaria leaves and cactus are used for droplet manipulation.
• Wetting gradient surfaces and external stimuli (light, thermal, electric, magnetic, acoustic) enhance milli-fluidic performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review passive methods (bioinspired structures) and active strategies (external fields) in bionic structured milli-fluidics.
• To discuss the relationships between Laplace pressure, wettability gradients, and milli-fluidics.
• To examine the advantages and disadvantages of various external stimuli and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Review of passive methods including bioinspired structures mimicking natural surfaces.
• Analysis of active strategies utilizing external stimuli like light, thermal, electric, magnetic, and acoustic fields.
• Discussion of the interplay between Laplace pressure, wettability gradients, and milli-fluidic phenomena.

Main Results:

• Bionic structures and external stimuli offer effective means for droplet manipulation and enhanced milli-fluidic performance.
• Understanding Laplace pressure and wettability gradients is crucial for optimizing milli-fluidic systems.
• Different external stimuli present unique advantages and disadvantages for practical applications.

Conclusions:

• Bionic structured milli-fluidics holds significant potential across diverse scientific and technological domains.
• Addressing current obstacles and exploring emerging trends will drive future advancements in the field.
• This review provides guidance for future research by highlighting key issues and future directions.