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Possible mechanism for aligning microscopic flexible filaments predicted using "caterpillar" hydrodynamics
1Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
Physical Review. E
|January 20, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a new model for calculating hydrodynamic friction on microscopic filaments. The research demonstrates a practical method for aligning filaments like microtubules using experimentally accessible electric fields.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Biophysics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microscopic filaments exhibit complex motion influenced by hydrodynamic forces.
- Accurate calculation of inhomogeneous hydrodynamic friction is crucial for understanding filament dynamics.
- Existing models may not fully capture the behavior of slender cylindrical filaments in external fields.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a "caterpillar" model for calculating inhomogeneous hydrodynamic friction on microscopic slender cylindrical filaments.
- To investigate the motion and alignment of flexible filaments in circularly polarized fields.
- To determine experimentally accessible parameters for aligning filaments using electric fields.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the "caterpillar" model based on Oseen level hydrodynamics.
- Simulating the motion of a flexible filament in a circularly polarized field.
- Analyzing the predicted alignment behavior in dilute solutions.
Main Results:
- The "caterpillar" model accurately calculates inhomogeneous hydrodynamic friction.
- Filaments align along the axis of the circularly polarized field in dilute solutions.
- Specific electric field strengths and frequencies for alignment were deduced and found to be experimentally accessible.
Conclusions:
- The proposed "caterpillar" model offers a practical approach for filament alignment.
- This method is suitable for aligning biological filaments such as microtubules and functionalized carbon nanotubes.
- The findings pave the way for experimental manipulation and application of filament alignment.
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