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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines

Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines

Published on: January 27, 2016

Propagating density spikes in light-powered motility-ratchets.

Celia Lozano¹, Benno Liebchen², Borge Ten Hagen³

¹Fachbereich Physik, Universität Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany.

|June 7, 2019

Summary

Active colloids self-organize into shock-wave-like patterns using a flashing light field. This controlled, pulsating transport could advance drug delivery and particle segregation applications.

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Spatiotemporal Mapping of Motility in Ex Vivo Preparations of the Intestines

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Area of Science:

Physics, Soft Matter
Chemical Engineering

Background:

Phototactic active colloids exhibit self-propulsion and respond to light.
Controlling the collective motion of active matter is crucial for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the directed motion and self-organization of phototactic active colloids using a spatially periodic and flashing light field.
To understand the underlying synchronization mechanism responsible for pattern formation.

Main Methods:

Combined experimental approaches with computer simulations.
Utilized a spatially periodic and flashing light field to guide colloid movement.
Analyzed particle synchronization with the light field and pulsating transport dynamics.

Main Results:

Active colloids self-organized into density spike patterns resembling shock waves.
These patterns propagated over long distances with minimal dispersion.
Demonstrated control over transport strength and direction via light field protocols and colloid self-propulsion speed.

Conclusions:

Synchronization with a flashing light field enables controlled, non-dispersive transport of active colloids.
The findings offer potential for applications in targeted drug delivery and selective segregation of active colloids based on speed.