Multifunctional Biomimetic Microstructured Surfaces for Healthcare Applications

Abstract Creatures in nature have evolved fascinating functions in the natural selection of superiority and inferiority to adapt to complex and harsh survival environments. Some special and excellent functions have been found to originate from the multilayered physical microstructure and chemical composition of biological surfaces, providing humans with a wide range of bionic references and inspirations. Inspired by the biological surfaces, numerous novel functional materials have sprung up to achieve unexpected results by mimicking the physical and chemical structures. Herein, some typical applications for healthcare advances of various biomimetic microstructured surfaces including sensors, adhesives, and superhydrophobic surfaces are reviewed, which are associated with the working mechanism around biological surfaces. The techniques and methods to fabricate biomimetic microstructured surfaces are also reviewed. The future challenges and opportunities for biomimetic microstructures are presented.