Active matter systems exhibit unique behaviors, such as collective self-assembly structures and collective migration. However, it is challenging to achieve collective entities in spaces without wall-adhered support, in order to enable three-dimensional locomotion without dispersion.
In a recent study published in Science Advances, Mengmeng Sun and a research team in mechanical engineering and physical intelligence from China and Germany were inspired by the migration mechanisms of plankton. They proposed a bimodal actuation strategy that combines magnetic and optical fields.
The magnetic field triggers the self-assembly of magnetic colloidal particles, maintaining numerous colloids as a dynamically stable entity. On the other hand, the optical fields allow the colloidal collectives to generate convective flow through photothermal effects, enabling three-dimensional drifting. These collectives demonstrate underwater locomotion, providing insights into the design of smart devices and intelligent materials for synthetic active matter that can regulate collective movement in three-dimensional space.
Active living matter is abundant in nature, with self-assembled collectives capable of accomplishing complex tasks that surpass individual capabilities, such as bird flocks and colonies of bacteria.
By drawing inspiration from natural collectives, colloids can be examined as building blocks for materials, similar to atoms forming the building blocks of molecules and crystals. Colloidal self-assembly can be studied as a method to fabricate nanostructures with technical implications in nanoscale electronics, energy conversion or storage, drug delivery, and catalysts.
2023-11-24 03:41:03
Post from phys.org