Journal of Bionic Engineering (2025) 22:1352–1363https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-025-00681-0

A Biomimetic Magnetic-Responsive Surface With the Dynamic Antifouling Property Inspired by Calliphora Vicina Wing

You Chen1  · Zijing Quan1  · Xiaofeng Jiang1  · Hanliang Ding1  · Bo Li1,2,3  · Jie Zhao1,2 · Shichao Niu1,2,4 · Zhiwu Han1,2,3,4 · Luquan Ren1,2,3,4

1 Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering (Ministry of Education), Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China 

2 National Key Laboratory of Automotive Chassis Integration and Bionics, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, China 

3 Weihai Institute for Bionics, Jilin University, Weihai 264207, China 

4 Institute of Structured and Architected Materials, Liaoning Academy of Materials, Shenyang 110167, China

Abstract 

Superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic antifouling materials are widely used to solve the severe water pollution and bioadhesion of marine equipment. However, conventional antifouling materials rely on the static superwettability of surfaces, which suffer from poorly sustained antifouling effects. Inspired by the unique dynamic antifouling strategies of Calliphora Vicina wing surface based on the hydrophobic micro-cilia arrays, a Biomimetic Magnetic-Responsive Antifouling Surface (BMRAS) is designed and fabricated using a method combining UV lithography and an inverse molding. The BMRAS is coated by high-aspect-ratio micro-cilia, which are filled with synthesized magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The bioinspired hydrophobic micro-cilia arrays endow the BMRAS with excellent intrinsic superhydrophobicity, benefiting from the high-aspect-ratio feature and roughness effect. Remarkably, the static contact angle is more than 156.9±1.6° and the rolling angle is less than 2.3±0.3°. The synthesized magnetic nanomaterials play a key role in implementing dynamic antifouling strategies. On the one hand, the surface tension can be adjusted as required under magnetically controlled oscillations. On the other hand, the doping of magnetic nanomaterials can enhance mechanical properties and reduce capillary force-induced aggregation of high-aspect-ratio micro-cilia. The antifouling tests demonstrate that the chemically modified micro-cilia can effectively expel gravels under the stimulation of an external magnetic field and enable the BMRAS to achieve dynamic self-cleaning. Specifically, 0.17 g gravel distributed on BMRAS can be completely cleaned up within 0.296 s, which improved by 14.2% compared with the flat materials. This work provides a brief and effective strategy for designing dynamic antifouling surfaces with excellent physicochemical durability and great potential value in the applications of marine fouling. 

Keywords Calliphora Vicina wing · High-aspect-ratio micro-cilia · Biomimetic surface · Magnetic response · Dynamic antifouling