Tunable dynamics of microtubule-based active isotropic gels

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Cellular Dynamics

Background:

• Active gels are complex materials exhibiting self-organization and emergent behaviors.
• Microtubules (MTs) and kinesin motors are key components in cellular transport and structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the dynamics of active gels formed by bundled microtubules (MTs) and kinesin molecular motors.
• To understand how molecular parameters influence the emergent macroscopic flows and activity of these systems.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a system of bundled microtubules (MTs) driven by kinesin motor clusters.
• Analyzed the dynamics and structural properties under varying concentrations of ATP, kinesin, depletants, and MT volume fraction.

Main Results:

• Addition of ATP triggers a persistent, turbulent-like dynamical state in the active gel.
• Macroscopic flows and transport are enhanced and depend significantly on molecular parameters.
• An optimal kinesin motor concentration was identified that maximizes the far-from-equilibrium activity.

Conclusions:

• The dynamical and structural properties of MT-based active gels are highly tunable.
• These findings highlight the potential for controlling active matter systems through molecular parameter optimization.
• The study provides insights into the fundamental principles governing active gels and their applications.