Proceedings of the International scientific and practical conference ―Science at the Frontier of Civilizations: Challenges and Perspectives‖ (December 27-29, 2025) / Publisher website: www.naukainfo.com. – Helsinki, Finland, 2026. – 252 p.

9 that, through evolution, have acquired the ability to efficiently collect and direct water. These examples serve as the basis for creating digital CAD models with predefined wettability gradients and microrelief features. Subsequent fabrication of polymer matrices is carried out using material-extrusion 3D printing (FDM) with biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA). During the printing process, alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic zones are formed, which determine the direction of droplet motion and promote efficient water collection. The resulting 3D-printed matrices can be used as molds for producing replicas from elastomers, in particular polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which is characterized by high chemical inertness, mechanical stability, and durability. This approach enables a transition from laboratory experiments to the fabrication of full-scale prototypes of autonomous water-harvesting devices. Thus, 3D printing not only significantly simplifies the production of biomimetic surfaces but also accelerates the entire development life cycle—from concept and computer modeling to the creation of a finished device. Its flexibility, precision, environmental friendliness, and relative cost-effectiveness open new opportunities for materials science, environmental engineering, and sustainable development, making this technology highly promising. REFERENCES: 1. Han S, Sung J, So H. Simple fabrication of water harvesting surfaces using threedimensional printing technology. Int. J. Precis. Eng. Manuf. - Green Technol. 2021; 8:1449–59. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40684-020-00263-x 2. Choi, Y., Baek, K. & So, H. 3D-printing-assisted fabrication of hierarchically structured biomimetic surfaces with dual-wettability for water harvesting. Sci Rep 13, 10691 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37461-x 3. Xi J, Jiang L. Biomimic superhydrophobic surface with high adhesive forces. Ind Eng Chem Res 2008;47:6354–7. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie071603n