Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 17, 2025
07:56
Preparation of Liquid Crystal Networks for Macroscopic Oscillatory Motion Induced by Light
Published on: September 20, 2017
11.9K
Spatiotemporal control of liquid crystal structure and dynamics through activity patterning.
Rui Zhang1,2, Steven A Redford3,4, Paul V Ruijgrok5
1Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Nature Materials
|February 19, 2021
Summary
Researchers control movement in active liquid crystals using structured light. This allows for the precise manipulation of topological defects, paving the way for reconfigurable microfluidic devices.
Area of Science:
- Soft Matter Physics
- Active Matter Systems
- Biophysics
Background:
- Active materials convert energy into motion, crucial for biological functions.
- Controlling dynamics and transport in synthetic active materials remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and demonstrate spatially structured activity for controlling transport in active nematic liquid crystals.
- To show that topological defects can be generated and directed using local stresses.
Main Methods:
- Utilized simulations and experimental approaches.
- Employed active nematic liquid crystals composed of actin filaments and light-sensitive myosin motors.
- Induced local stresses to manipulate topological defects.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the ability to generate topological defects at will.
- Showed that these defects can be constrained to move along specified trajectories.
- Successfully controlled transport by modulating activity with light.
Conclusions:
- Spatially structured activity offers a novel method for controlling transport in active materials.
- This approach enables the design of autonomous and reconfigurable microfluidic systems.
- Light-mediated control provides a versatile tool for dynamic manipulation.
