Wetting-Enabled Microfluidic Surface for Fluid/Droplet Manipulation: Fabrication, Strategies, and Applications

Abstract

In recent years, wetting-enabled microfluidic (WEM) technology for fluid/droplet manipulation has demonstrated significant potential for practical applications through innovative surface structural designs. By utilizing WEM surfaces to regulate the cohesion and adhesion of fluid/droplet without external driving mechanisms, precise control over fluid/droplet movement and operations enables efficient and reliable manipulation. However, the design of WEM surfaces poses significant challenges in fabrications and strategies, particularly at the micro/nanoscale level, while its connection with fluid/droplet manipulations and applications has not been fully categorized. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the progress and challenges of WEM technology from the perspectives of fabrications, strategies, and applications, and future outlook is also provided.