Droplet Contact Line Dynamics after Impact on Solid Surface: Future Perspectives in Healthcare and Medicine

Abstract

The physics of the moving contact line of an impacting droplet is widely applied in a variety of domains in rapidly advancing healthcare technology and medicine. The behavior of the dynamic contact line after impact of a biologically active droplet on a complex material surface involves complicated solid–liquid and liquid–gas interfacial interactions. Therefore, a deep understanding of such complex droplet contact line dynamics by applying the current physical models and state-of-the-art nanotechnology and artificial neural networks can be one of the ongoing promising interests in the field of interfacial physics. This review provides an overview of several scientific aspects of contact line dynamics of an impacting droplet and its influence on the current developed healthcare technology and medicine. Firstly, the potential applications in modern healthcare and personalized medicine are listed and discussed. Secondly, the theory of the moving contact line and the fundamental physical parameters related to the motion of impacting droplets are introduced. Afterwards, the current physical models of moving contact line dynamics are critically explained by emphasizing their limitations. Finally, current concerns and obstacles are summarized, and future perspectives and research directions are outlined to address poorly understood and conflicting issues.

Keywords

• droplet
• contact line
• contact angle
• bioprinting
• biosensor
• personalized medicine