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Command of active matter by topological defects and patterns.

Chenhui Peng1, Taras Turiv1, Yubing Guo1

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Scientists controlled self-propelled bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, using liquid crystals. Bacteria navigated complex patterns and topological defects, offering new ways to command active matter for future technologies.

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Area of Science:

  • Active matter physics
  • Soft matter science
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Self-propelled bacteria, like Bacillus subtilis, offer potential for powering micro-robotic systems and dynamic materials.
  • Controlling the collective behavior of microorganisms in complex environments remains a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the control of bacterial concentration and trajectory patterns using liquid crystalline environments.
  • To explore bacterial responses to topological defects and orientational patterns within liquid crystals.

Main Methods:

  • Dispersing swimming Bacillus subtilis in a liquid crystal with spatially varying anisotropy.
  • Observing bacterial navigation and concentration distribution in response to liquid crystal deformations and topological defects.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated control over bacterial concentration distribution and trajectory geometry and polarity.
  • Observed bacteria engaging in bipolar swimming in splay/bend regions and unipolar swimming in mixed splay-bend regions.
  • Showcased bacteria differentiating topological defects, attracted to positive charges and repelled by negative ones.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteria exhibit sensitivity to pre-imposed orientational patterns in liquid crystals, a novel aspect of active matter hydrodynamics and topology.
  • This study reveals a new method for commanding bacterial behavior through engineered soft matter environments.
  • Findings pave the way for utilizing bacteria in responsive materials and micro-devices.