emi-closed Microfluidics Systems in the Modification of Surface Adhesion

Abstract

When the majority of efforts to control adhesion from surfaces currently focus on a direct modification of the surface, either chemically or physically, perhaps a non-superficial approach where the action occurs underneath the surface can provide a competitive alternative. In this comment we highlight a methodology used to control adhesion from flexible surfaces. This is based on ‘semi-closed’ flexible microfluidics systems. Three basic functionalities are derived from this methodology. In one case the system is used to improve adhesion; in an extreme opposite case to prevent adhesion and in a somehow intermediate functionality it provides a switchable system in which the surface can be reversibly changed from adhesive to non-adhesive.