Dynamic self-assembly of microscale rotors and swimmers

Megan S. Davies Wykes, Jérémie Palacci, Takuji Adachi, Leif Ristroph, Xiao Zhong, Michael D. Ward, Jun Zhang, Michael J. Shelley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Biological systems often involve the self-assembly of basic components into complex and functioning structures. Artificial systems that mimic such processes can provide a well-controlled setting to explore the principles involved and also synthesize useful micromachines. Our experiments show that immotile, but active, components self-assemble into two types of structure that exhibit the fundamental forms of motility: translation and rotation. Specifically, micron-scale metallic rods are designed to induce extensile surface flows in the presence of a chemical fuel; these rods interact with each other and pair up to form either a swimmer or a rotor. Such pairs can transition reversibly between these two configurations, leading to kinetics reminiscent of bacterial run-and-tumble motion.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)4584-4589
Number of pages6
JournalSoft Matter
Volume12
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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