Title: Biomimetic Engineering of Patterned Surfaces to Control Crystallization
Description: Numerous natural organisms use chemical and structural patterning to manipulate complex crystal growth and control their aqueous environment. Structural templates such as vesicles and cell walls aid in the growth of nano- and micro-patterned single crystal structures seen in sea urchins, brittlestars, and sea cucumbers. Patterned surface chemistry is used by the Namib dessert beetle for water collection and by the lotus leaf to fend off raindrops. Taking inspiration from natural organisms, structural and chemical patterning is used to achieve extended functionality and better control over the properties of self-assembled colloidal crystals and anti-icing water-repellent surfaces.