Recent advances in slippery liquid-infused surfaces with unique properties inspired by nature

The slippery liquid-infused porous surface(s) (SLIPS) that imitates the Nepenthes pitcher plant has proven to be highly versatile and can be combined with various surface characteristics such as dynamic response, antifouling, selective adhesion, and optical/mechanical tunability. In addition, the introduction of a lubricating fluid layer also gives it extremely low contact angle hysteresis and self-repairing properties, which further expands its application range. Currently, SLIPS has been proven to be suitable for many frontier fields such as aerospace, communications, biomedicine, and microfluidic manipulation. In this review, we explain the theoretical background of SLIPS and the preparation methods currently available, including the choice of substrate materials and lubricants, and we discuss the design parameters of the liquid injection surface and how to deal with the consumption of lubricants in practical applications. In addition, the paper focuses on current and potential applications, such as preventing pathogen contamination of and blood adhesion of medical equipment, manipulation of tiny droplets, and directional transportation of liquids. Finally, some weaknesses that appear when SLIPS is used in these applications are pointed out, which provides a new perspective for the development of SLIPS in the future. Graphic abstract

Automated summary

SLIPS, inspired by the Nepenthes pitcher plant, is highly versatile and can be combined with various surface characteristics. It has been proven suitable for many frontier fields and has potential applications in preventing pathogen contamination and blood adhesion, droplet manipulation, and directional transportation of liquids.