Nepenthes, Laser-induced graphene, Piezoresistive sensor, Two-level microstructure, Self-cleaning properties
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Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2026, Vol. 23 ›› Issue (4): 2376-2388.doi: 10.1007/s42235-026-00912-y

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Nepenthes-inspired Two-stage Structure for Laser-induced Graphene Piezoresistive Sensors with High Sensitivity and Wide Pressure Range

Wentao Wang1; Junhao Hu1; Baixuan Gao1; Wenbo Cong1; Bo Zhang1; Zhuming Bi2; Kaikai Li3; Shudong Yu4   

  1. 1 School of Mechanical and Transportation Engineering,Changsha University of Science and Technology,Changsha 410114, China 2 School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, PurdueUniversity Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, USA
    3 School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, SouthChina University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China 4 School of Advanced Manufacturing, Sun Yat-sen University,Shenzhen 518107, China
  • Online:2026-08-15 Published:2026-10-27
  • Contact: Kaikai Li3; Shudong Yu4 E-mail:mekaikai@scut.edu.cn; yushd6@mail.sysu.edu.cn
  • About author:Wentao Wang1; Junhao Hu1; Baixuan Gao1; Wenbo Cong1; Bo Zhang1; Zhuming Bi2; Kaikai Li3; Shudong Yu4

Abstract: Typical tactile properties possessed by carnivorous plants like Nepenthes enable them to hunt and survive with the superlubricity traps. Inspired by the two-stage structure of the unique peristome in Nepenthes, we propose a bionic manufacturing method includes UV laser patterning, CO2 laser-induced formation, lubricating oil infusion, and face-to-face encapsulation steps, to fabricate high-performance Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) piezoresistive sensors. It was found that the Nepenthes-inspired electrode has a Water Sliding Angle (WSA) of 9.45° and shows self-cleaning properties for milk, cola, artificial plasma, and chemical solvents. The LIG-based electrode exhibits two-stage topological features, the microgrooves could provide efficient conductive paths, while the numerous micropores in graphene undergoes reversible compression and rebound under external pressure, thereby synergistically enhancing the resistance changes. Experimentally, the Nepenthes-inspired piezoresistive sensor demonstrates excellent sensitivities of 275.83, 93.23, and 4.28 kPa- 1 in linear pressure ranges of 0.15-36, 36–70, and 70–160 kPa, and keeps excellent signal repeatability and stability even after 6000 cycles under the pressure of 100 kPa. After integrating the self-developed wireless sensing system, this Nepenthesinspired sensor could realize real-time monitoring of human respiratory status and joint movements, providing a green, low-cost, and easy-to-operate tech-route for the fabrication of wide-range, high-reliability wearable electronics.

Key words: Nepenthes')">Nepenthes, Laser-induced graphene, Piezoresistive sensor, Two-level microstructure, Self-cleaning properties