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Area of Science:

  • Physics
  • Materials Science
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Cluster formation in microscopic swimmers is vital for processes like biofilm development and nutrient uptake.
  • Typically, significant swimmer concentrations are needed for clustering in the absence of other interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how anisotropic swimmer shape influences cluster formation.
  • To identify optimal shapes for enhanced self-organization in microswimmer systems.

Main Methods:

  • Experimental and numerical analysis of model microswimmers with tunable shapes (spherical to rods).
  • Characterization of clustering dynamics using Michaelis-Menten kinetics.
  • Analysis of the interplay between interlocking probability and cluster stability.

Main Results:

  • Anisotropic shapes, especially bent rods, dramatically enhance cluster formation.
  • Clustering dynamics are governed by a single scaling parameter dependent on particle density and shape.
  • A semicircle shape was identified as the most efficient for promoting assembly.

Conclusions:

  • Swimmer shape is a critical factor for designing out-of-equilibrium self-organization.
  • Bent rod shapes facilitate interlocking assembly even at very low particle densities.
  • This research offers insights for creating active functional materials through controlled self-assembly.