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Author Raux, P.S.; Gravelle, S.; Dumais, J.
Title Design of a unidirectional water valve in Tillandsia Type
Year 2020 Publication Nature Communications Abbreviated Journal Nat. Commun.
Volume 11 Issue 1 Pages 7 pp
Keywords
Abstract The bromeliad Tillandsia landbeckii thrives in the Atacama desert of Chile using the fog captured by specialized leaf trichomes to satisfy its water needs. However, it is still unclear how the trichome of T. landbeckii and other Tillandsia species is able to absorb fine water droplets during intermittent fog events while also preventing evaporation when the plant is exposed to the desert's hyperarid conditions. Here, we explain how a 5800-fold asymmetry in water conductance arises from a clever juxtaposition of a thick hygroscopic wall and a semipermeable membrane. While absorption is achieved by osmosis of liquid water, evaporation under dry external conditions shifts the liquid-gas interface forcing water to diffuse through the thick trichome wall in the vapor phase. We confirm this mechanism by fabricating artificial composite membranes mimicking the trichome structure. The reliance on intrinsic material properties instead of moving parts makes the trichome a promising basis for the development of microfluidics valves.
Address [Raux, Pascal S.; Gravelle, Simon; Dumais, Jacques] Univ Adolfo Ibanez, Fac Ingn & Ciencias, Vina Del Mar, Chile, Email: jacques.dumais@uai.cl
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Nature Publishing Group Place of Publication Editor
Language English Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Medium
Area (up) Expedition Conference
Notes WOS:000512537400017 Approved
Call Number UAI @ eduardo.moreno @ Serial 1101
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