Bio-inspired “fluidic diode” for large-area unidirectional passive water transport even against gravity

•Bio-inspired “fluidic diode” for unidirectional water transport (transport velocity ≈ 1 mm/s).•Unidirectional water transport even against gravity.•Large-area, passive, based on disposable polymer, i.e. laser-engraved in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA).•Possible applications: biomedical microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, micro-analysis devices, lubrication, cooling etc.