Superhydrophobic Surfaces in Biological Applications: Mechanisms, Advances, and Translational Challenges

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces (SHS), inspired by naturally occurring water‐repellent interfaces such as the lotus leaf, have attracted increasing interest in biomedical research because of their ability to minimize liquid–surface interactions, resist biological fouling, and regulate interactions with cells and biofluids. This review examines the fundamental principles governing superhydrophobicity and critically discusses their relevance to biological and biomedical applications. Particular emphasis is placed on wetting mechanisms, antifouling and antimicrobial behavior, biofluid manipulation, diagnostic and lab‐on‐a‐chip platforms, cell–surface interactions, medical devices and implants, drug delivery, and wound‐care applications. Across these areas, the retention of interfacial air layers and the resulting reduction in solid–liquid contact provide the principal basis for many reported antifouling and liquid‐repellent effects. However, the long‐term performance of SHS in complex biological environments remains constrained by loss of the superhydrophobic wetting state, mechanical instability, biofouling, and material‐related biocompatibility concerns. Recent advances in durable, fluorine‐free, and stimuli‐responsive surface designs provide promising strategies for overcoming these limitations. Overall, SHS represent an emerging platform for biomedical surface engineering, although further improvements in durability, biosafety, scalability, and performance under physiologically relevant conditions are required to advance their translation toward practical biomedical and prospective clinical applications.