Crack/Fold Hybrid Structure-Based Fluidic Networks Inspired by the Epidermis of Desert Lizards

Abstract

A bioinspired fluidic system with cracks and folds was introduced to emulate the structures and functions of desert lizards' integuments, which show marked ability of water management. Because there was a structural analogy between scales and interscalar channels of lizard's skin and cracks and folds of a bilayer elastic material, we can mimic lizard's skin by controlling the stress distribution on patterned elastomers. Our system showed not only capillary-driven water retention within confined fluidic network, but also stretching driven biaxial water transport. Observed features of our system may enhance understanding of water management in relation to morphogenetic aspects of lizards.