Cotton‑based metafabrics with asymmetric wettability for breathable, antibacterial, and directional moisture management

Advanced personal moisture management requires textiles that can rapidly regulate humidity, inhibit microbial growth, and maintain long‑term surface cleanliness. However, traditional cotton fabrics possess inherent hydrophilicity due to their abundant surface hydroxyl groups, leading to capillary hysteresis, moisture accumulation, and uncomfortable skin sensations under perspiration. Humid conditions further accelerate microbial proliferation, limiting their use in high-cleaning or high-comfort environments. Here, we present cotton‑based Metafabrics engineered through in-situ chemistry, patterned plasma etching, and hierarchical micro–nano structuring on common cotton to achieve asymmetric wettability. 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidoxyl (TEMPO) oxidation and in‑situ growth of copper 1,3,5‑benzenetricarboxylate (CuBTC) generate stable anchoring sites and antibacterial functionality, while dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS) modification forms a durable superhydrophobic surface. Patterned etching creates hydrophilic microdomains that establish a through-thickness wetting gradient and the Laplace pressure difference, enabling rapid anti-gravity one-way moisture transport. The Metafabrics exhibit strong self-cleaning performance, nearly complete antibacterial efficiency, and rapid liquid absorption within seconds, retaining these properties even after repeated washing and abrasion. This work presents a scalable strategy for multifunctional Metafabrics that integrate directional moisture regulation, hygiene protection, and durability to develop high-performance functional textiles.