Extremal microstructured surfaces

A device having a microstructure surface comprising:

• a first surface having at least a first distinct region and a second distinct region disposed about the surface, the first distinct region comprising a first microstructure having a first surface energy, the second distinct region comprising a second microstructure having a second surface energy;
• the first and second distinct regions configured to contact a liquid disposed on a target surface, such that upon contact at least one interface region between at least the first surface or second surface and the target surface is formed and at least one spatially varying energy gradient develops in the interface region;
• and
• the at least one interface region includes at least two regions selected from the group comprising:
• i) a Wenzel-Cassie region;
• ii) a Schallamach trapping region;
• iii) a contact angle confusion region;
• and iv) an anchoring region.