Bioinspired multiscale surfaces with special wettability

Bioinspired surfaces with special wettability have rapidly emerged at the forefront of materials research. What is behind biological surfaces with special wettability, and how can we realize special wettability properties for artificial materials? This article describes how the interplay between unique multiscale (micro- and nanoscale) structures of biological surfaces and intrinsic material properties plays a crucial role in achieving the desired wettability and functionalities. Taking inspiration from natural surfaces, researchers have designed and created novel interfacial materials with versatile special wettability, such as superantiwetting surfaces (superhydrophobic and superoleophobic), smart switchable surfaces, and water collecting surfaces.