Liquid Superspreading on Surface with Microhexagonal Structure Inspired by Rock-Climbing Fish

The dynamic spreading mechanism of liquid on a specific surface is vital for understanding interface wetting and antifouling. Whereas, how to control the spreading process and accelerate the spreading speed is a major challenge. The rock-climbing fish is characterized by its alepidote feature that lives in stream habitats dominated by strong currents. The mucus on its body surface plays a vital role in its adherence and maintenance of antifouling and antibacterial properties. However, the rapid, uniform, and efficient spreading mechanism of mucus on the fish body surface remains largely unknown. Herein, it is revealed that the surface of the rock-climbing fish is overlaid fully by the microhexagonal texture structure. This hexagonal structure shows a superspreading effect on liquid diffusion, resulting from testing with bionic microfabrication inspired by the rock-climbing fish. It is demonstrated that the microhexagonal-textured surface can enhance liquid spreading quickly and evenly on the surface by regulating the moving contact line of the liquid. This kind of superspreading mechanism has great potential applications in the antifouling, electroencephalogram electrode interfaces, flexible skin sensors, and interfacial lubrication of underwater surfaces.