Patterned Cell Culture Platforms with Synergistic Bioinspiration for Microenvironmental Stability

Current patterned superwetting surfaces face critical challenges in sustaining cell viability, including rapid droplet evaporation, discontinuous nutrient supply, and inadequate microenvironmental control. Inspired by the Stenocara beetle’s hydrophilic–hydrophobic patterning and the Boston fern’s integrated fluid retention-transportation system, we engineered a bioinspired platform synergizing reservoir modules, microfluidic networks, and cell culture arrays. Building upon rigorous analysis of superhydrophobic surface properties, encompassing wettability dynamics, mechanical robustness, and chemical stability, we designed patterned substrates featuring solid, closed-loop, and open-loop microstructures. Through systematic characterization of directional adhesion properties, we achieved precise liquid acquisition, manipulation, and autonomous replenishment across the micropatterned array. Ultimately, strategic integration of these functional motifs yielded an evaporation-resistant cell culture platform with autonomous fluidic replenishment capabilities. Experimental validation confirmed that reservoir-mediated replenishment effectively stabilized culture conditions: After 48 h, reservoir-integrated platforms maintained clear nuclear morphology and robust cellular proliferation, whereas reservoir-free controls exhibited complete loss of viability due to evaporation. This design paradigm provides a robust platform for cell culture and suggests potential applicability in high-throughput bioassays where microenvironmental stability is critical.