A bioinspired magnetic responsive cilia array surface for microspheres underwater directional transport

Bio-inspired surfaces are usually designed by imitating the surface properties of a particular biological species, or combing with the surface characteristics of multiple biological species to construct a cross-species surface. Herein, inspired by the structure and rhythmic swing of human pulmonary cilia, and the directional migration of pigeons by geomagnetic field, an integrated system of biomimetic hydrophobic magnetic cilia array surface with reversible deformation properties and excellent magnetic response performance for solid microspheres underwater transport is designed and constructed. Driven by an external magnetic field, the magnetic responsive cilia array surface can directionally and continuously transport microspheres underwater in periodic motion. This work will shed new light on the designing of micromanipulation systems for micro-objects transport, and promote the practical application of micro-operating systems in underwater transportation and drug delivery.