Field-theoretic model for chemotaxis in run and tumble particles

Area of Science:

• Theoretical Physics
• Soft Matter Physics
• Biophysics

Background:

• Chemotaxis, the directed movement of cells in response to chemical gradients, is fundamental to many biological processes.
• Existing models often struggle to capture both continuum collective behavior and particle-level resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel field-theoretic framework for run and tumble chemotaxis.
• To incorporate multiparticle interactions, repulsion, and elasticity for enhanced realism.
• To simulate and understand particle aggregation mechanisms.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a density-functional approach inspired by crystalline materials.
• Modified the framework to include orientational ordering.
• Integrated multiparticle interactions, soft-core repulsion, and elasticity.

Main Results:

• The model successfully describes continuum collective phases with particle resolution on diffusive timescales.
• Demonstrated particle aggregation in response to external attractant fields.
• Captured particle aggregation via self-chemotaxis, crucial for quorum sensing.

Conclusions:

• The developed field-theoretic model provides a powerful tool for studying collective cell behaviors.
• The framework effectively bridges continuum and particle-based descriptions of chemotaxis.
• It offers insights into aggregation mechanisms relevant to biological systems.