Work

Hydrodynamic Attraction of Swimming Microorganisms by Surfaces

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Cells swimming in confined environments are attracted by surfaces. We measure the steady-state distribution of smooth-swimming bacteria (Escherichia coli) between two glass plates. In agreement with earlier studies, we find a strong increase of the cell concentration at the boundaries. We demonstrate theoretically that hydrodynamic interactions of the swimming cells with solid surfaces lead to their reorientation in the direction parallel to the surfaces, as well as their attraction by the closest wall. A model is derived for the steady-state distribution of swimming cells, which compares favorably with our measurements. We exploit our data to estimate the flagellar propulsive force in swimming E. coli.

Source: Physical Review Letters

DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.101.038102

Authors: Allison P. Berke, Linda Turner, Howard C. Berg, Eric Lauga

Institutions: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Rowland Institute at Harvard, University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Awards: Life at the Interface: Biolocomotion Near Boundaries, G7942258699, G9000204843