Work

Engineering stability, longevity, and miscibility of microtubule-based active fluids

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Microtubule-based active matter provides insight into the self-organization of motile interacting constituents. We describe several formulations of microtubule-based 3D active isotropic fluids. Dynamics of these fluids is powered by three types of kinesin motors: a processive motor, a non-processive motor, and a motor which is permanently linked to a microtubule backbone. Another modification uses a specific microtubule crosslinker to induce bundle formation instead of a non-specific polymer depletant. In comparison to the already established system, each formulation exhibits distinct properties. These developments reveal the temporal stability of microtubule-based active fluids while extending their reach and the applicability.

Source: Soft Matter

Authors: Pooja Chandrakar, John Berezney, Bezia Lemma, Bernard Hishamunda, Angela Berry, Kun-Ta Wu, Radhika Subramanian, Johnson Chung, Daniel Needleman, Jeff Gelles, Zvonimir Dogic

Institutions: University of California, Santa Barbara, Brandeis University, Harvard University, Hampton University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Flatiron Institute

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, U.S. Department of Energy, Brandeis University, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University, Basic Energy Sciences

Awards: Bioinspired Soft Materials, MICROTUBULE-BASED THREE DIMENSIONAL ACTIVE MATTER, G8088400230

OpenAlex ID: W4205554666

FWCI: 2.004

Cites: 61

Cited by: 23

Related to: 10