Probing active nematics with in situ microfabricated elastic inclusions

In this work, we report a direct measurement of the forces exerted by a tubulin/kinesin active nematic gel as well as its complete rheological characterization, including the quantification of its shear viscosity, η, and its activity parameter, α. For this, we develop a method that allows us to rapidly photo-polymerize compliant elastic inclusions in the continuously remodeling active system. Moreover, we quantitatively settle long-standing theoretical predictions, such as a postulated relationship encoding the intrinsic time scale of the active nematic in terms of η and α. In parallel, we infer a value for the nematic elasticity constant, K, by combining our measurements with the theorized scaling of the active length scale. On top of the microrheology capabilities, we demonstrate strategies for defect encapsulation, quantification of defect mechanics, and defect interactions, enabled by the versatility of the microfabrication strategy that allows to combine elastic motifs of different shapes and stiffnesses that are fabricated in situ.