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Plant Morphology Bio-Inspires The Design of Surfaces With Varying Wetting Properties, From Superhydrophilic to Superhydrophobic
Abstract
Plant surfaces have evolved many structures over approximately 460 million years, resulting in a wide range of highly adaptive features. Among these are plant cuticles that exhibit varying degrees of surface hydration—from hydrophilic to extremely water-repellent or superhydrophobic. This paper provides the fundamental architecture of plants with superhydrophobic surfaces, exploring the biological functions of these unique characteristics. Such plants can effectively repel water, making it look like they "dislike" water. Features like cellular etchings and microscopic surface details, such as epidermal cell folds or epicuticular waxes, play a significant role in controlling hydration levels. We also present an overview of the hierarchical and other structural adaptations contributing to plant surface hydrophobicity. Inspired by these plants, biomimetic engineering could lead to the creation of materials with similar water-repellent properties. This understanding could pave the way for developing disease-resistant crops in the agricultural sector. The paper also discusses the current and prospective applications of superhydrophobic surfaces, including self-cleaning capabilities, reduced hydrodynamic drag, capillary-based fluid transport, and other bio-inspired materials.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
Turkish
Subjects
Biomaterial
Journal Section
Review
Publication Date
June 30, 2024
Submission Date
November 17, 2023
Acceptance Date
December 12, 2023
Published in Issue
Year 1970 Volume: 8 Number: 1








