Bioinspired hierarchical microtexturing: rigidity-compliance synergy for active programmable fluid guidance transport

Abstract

Bioinspired hierarchical microtexturing has emerged as an extremely attractive strategy for achieving active fluid guidance in applications such as energy conversion, microfluidics technology, and wearable devices. However, as the requirements in these fields become increasingly complex, bridging the rigidity and compliance of the material system is crucial for ensuring the robustness, dynamic responsiveness, and long-term reliability of the interface. This review systematically surveys recent progress in the fabrication and functional implementation of bioinspired hierarchical microtextured surfaces for programmable liquid transport. We separately summarize the manufacturing methods of rigid and compliant bioinspired microtexturing surfaces and their surface fluid guidance mechanisms. Subsequently, we outline the selection and application of rigid and compliant materials in various applications based on surface fluid transmission, and discuss the co-development of rigidity and compliance in these fields. Finally, we outline current challenges and future opportunities for integrating rigidity and compliance to achieve simultaneously precise, adaptive, and reliable fluid transport interfaces. Collectively, this review provides a unified framework and forward-looking perspective on rigid–compliant hybrid architectures, offering more meaningful insights into their application and future development in programmable fluid transport systems.