This review synthesizes anisotropic designs that improve directional transport in engineered systems, indicating design benefits for various applications.
Key Points
This review aims to explore biomimetic anisotropy and its application in improving directional transport of various samples.
Synthesis of design principles from biological inspirations
Classification of key anisotropic architectures such as ratchets and grooves
Review of practical fabrication techniques including additive manufacturing
Examination of mechanisms underlying directionality, including capillary effects
Identified architectural designs that lower transport resistance in one direction
Highlighted the importance of contact-line pinning asymmetry in directionality
Outlined application potentials in microfluidics, environmental management, and self-cleaning systems