Adaptation of Patterns of Motile Filaments under Dynamic Boundary Conditions

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics

Background:

• Pattern formation in active matter is crucial but poorly understood under dynamic boundary conditions.
• Investigating how changing boundary conditions affect self-organization in active systems is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the impact of dynamic boundary conditions on pattern formation in active matter.
• To explore microtubule self-organization on a deformable soft substrate under mechanical stress.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an in vitro gliding assay of microtubules on a deformable soft substrate.
• Applied dynamic boundary conditions by stretching and compressing the substrate during the assay.
• Developed a model to analyze microtubule orientation and collective behavior.

Main Results:

• A single stretch-and-compression cycle induced perpendicular alignment of microtubules relative to the stretch axis.
• Repeated cycles of substrate deformation led to the formation of zigzag microtubule patterns.
• Microtubule orientation angles were found to align with directions minimizing buckling during collective migration.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic boundary conditions significantly alter pattern formation in active matter systems.
• The study provides insights into the self-organization dynamics of active matter under time-dependent boundary conditions.
• Findings contribute to understanding microtubule behavior and collective dynamics in response to mechanical stimuli.