Imagine a realm where technology seamlessly emulates nature’s silent and efficient fluid management strategies. Researchers at PolyU have brought this vision to life, unveiling a novel technique for manipulating liquid flow inspired by Crassula muscosa, an African succulent. This breakthrough promises to spearhead innovations in fluid dynamics and materials science.

New properties discovered in a plant

Building on nature’s ingenuity, a PolyU research team led by Professor Wang Liqiu, Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Smart and Sustainable Energy, Chair Professor of Thermal-Fluid and Energy Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with colleagues from The University of Hong Kong and Shandong University, has explored how Crassula muscosa thrives in the arid climates of Namibia and South Africa through its unique leaf structure.

Published in the prestigious journal Science, the study reveals that contrary to previous beliefs that plant-based liquid transport was unidirectional and static, Crassula muscosa can dynamically alter the direction of flow from one shoot to another—one directing liquid towards the tip and the other towards the root, based on the configuration of the leaves.

This discovery is particularly intriguing because it challenges existing paradigms in fluid transport technology, which has largely been limited to predefined paths. By studying the tiny, fin-like leaves of Crassula muscosa, researchers identified that the key to this directional control lies in the subtle variations in the leaf shapes along different shoots. These variations manipulate the meniscus – the curved surface on top of the liquid – thereby guiding the liquid in different directions.

PolyU study discovers the selective directional liquid transport on shoot surfaces of Crassula muscosa.

Heralding a new era in fluid dynamics

Inspired by these natural mechanisms, the team created an artificial mimic of these leaf arrays, named “C. muscosa-inspired arrays” (CMIAs). These 3D-printed structures not only replicate the plant’s ability to direct liquid flow but also introduce a dynamic feature: they can be dynamically reoriented using a magnetic field, enabling reversible and adjustable flow directions. This innovation holds potential for applications in microfluidics, chemical synthesis, and biomedical diagnostics, where precise control of fluid flow is essential.

This study underscores the significance of biomimetic approaches in engineering, heralding a new era in fluid dynamics where flexibility and precision drive progress. As we continue to draw inspiration from nature, technologies like the CMIAs pave the way for more sustainable and efficient solutions.