Work

Dynamic self-assembly of microscale rotors and swimmers.

Year: 2016

Type: article

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.

Source: Apollo (University of Cambridge)

DOI: 10.17863/cam.34101

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

Institutions: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, University of California San Diego, New York University Shanghai

Language: English

Topic: Micro and Nano Robotics

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2994975991

FWCI: 0.198

Cites:

Cited by: 2

Related to: 10