Dynamic Pattern Formation of Active Matters Triggered by Mechanical Stimuli

Area of Science:

• Active matter physics
• Biophysics
• Soft matter science

Background:

• The in vitro gliding assay using microtubules (MTs) on kinesin-coated surfaces is a foundational model for studying active matter systems.
• At high densities, gliding MTs exhibit spontaneous self-organization into complex, large-scale patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how mechanical stimuli, specifically stretching, modulate the self-organization and pattern formation of gliding microtubules.
• To provide detailed procedures for applying mechanical stimuli to MTs in a gliding assay.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an in vitro gliding assay with microtubules on a kinesin-motor-protein-coated surface.
• Applying controlled mechanical stretching stimuli to the gliding MTs.
• Observing and analyzing pattern formation under varying boundary conditions and stretching modes.

Main Results:

• Mechanical stretching significantly alters MT self-organization and pattern dynamics.
• Different stretching modes induce diverse patterns, including streams, zigzags, and vortices.
• MTs change their collective moving direction in response to applied mechanical forces.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical stimuli are effective tools for controlling and understanding the emergent behavior of active matter systems like gliding MTs.
• The study provides a methodological framework for exploring stimulus-responsive pattern formation in biological active matter.