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Biomimetic Replication of Root Surface Microstructure using Alteration of Soft Lithography
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Beyond Microstructures: Surface Polarity as the Key To Reversible Hydrophobicity in Natural Plant Leaves
Guan-Chu Liu1,2, Jia-Hao Yan3, Li Zheng4
1Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|January 21, 2026
Summary
Plant leaf wettability is primarily determined by surface polarity, not just structure. Reversible switching between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states was achieved by altering surface charge, offering agricultural applications.
Area of Science:
- Plant Biology
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Superhydrophobicity in plants like rice and lotus is traditionally linked to micro-nano structures and waxes.
- The role of surface polarity in plant leaf wettability has been underestimated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the principal factor governing leaf wettability.
- To explore dynamic wettability control on plant surfaces.
- To assess agricultural applications of modulated leaf wettability.
Main Methods:
- Controlled oxygen plasma exposure to alter surface polarity.
- Scanning electron microscopy to confirm surface topography.
- Surface charge characterization and electrical grounding for state switching.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated reversible switching between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states on various plant species.
- Confirmed that oxygen plasma treatment induces positive surface charges, leading to hydrophilicity.
- Showed that electrical grounding removes charges, restoring hydrophobicity, over hundreds of cycles.
Conclusions:
- Surface polarity, not just structure, is the key determinant of leaf wettability.
- Dynamic wettability control is achievable by manipulating surface polarity.
- This approach has potential for enhancing pesticide adhesion and efficiency in agriculture.
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