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Bioinspired Hierarchical Architecture with Water Transport Channels for Strong Adhesion at the Sweating Interface
Jieliang Zhao1,2, Yu Xiang1, Heng Wang1
1School of Mechanical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, P. R. China.
Abstract:
The persistent conflict between solid adhesion and liquid management fundamentally limits the reliability of epidermal electronics, as sweat accumulation disrupts interfacial integrity and sensor signal fidelity. This study presents a paradigm-shifting strategy that physically decouples these requirements: a composite membrane patch with bioinspired hierarchical hydration architecture for sweat-immune sensing. Inspired by the adhesive systems of tree frogs and bees and the fluid-handling capabilities of bird beaks and pitcher plants, the architecture employs self-regulating triphase liquid bridges to enhance adhesion. Hierarchical tapered microgrooves generate substantial Laplace pressure (>800 Pa) for directional liquid transport (up to 500 mm/s). This synergistic action maintains a dynamically balanced hydration environment at the skin interface, achieving a water vapor transmission rate 2.7-fold higher than commercial patches. Consequently, it enables continuous monitoring of electrophysiological signals and sweat biomarkers, even during profuse sweating. This design principle offers a generalizable platform for developing robust, high-performance epidermal devices.
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