Laser fabrication of modular superhydrophobic chips for reconfigurable assembly and self-propelled droplet manipulation

Abstract Natural creatures that enables controllable liquid transport provides the inspiration for developing novel microfluidic devices by engineering functional surfaces with superwettability. However, towards applications, strict requirements of sophisticated droplet manipulation make it challenging to reach this end. In work, we report a conceptually new self-propelled strategy based on reconfigurable superhydrophobic chips. The modular chip (MDC) is developed laser embossing series structures elastomer jigsaws act as units. MDC potable since only gravity used driving force dynamic droplets, including droplets transporting, splitting, merging and bouncing without mass loss. demonstrated reasonable anti-cross-contamination property due water repellence superhydrophobicity. Modular assembly different functions solution dilution, SERS detection, cell labeling chemical synthesis. As miniature portable experimental platform, promising next-generation lab-on-a-chip systems.