Three-Dimensional Chiral Active Ornstein-Uhlenbeck Model for Helical Motion of Microorganisms

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biophysics
• Theoretical Physics

Background:

• Microorganisms exhibit active movement for survival, often in helical trajectories.
• Malaria parasites glide through 3D hydrogels using helical paths.
• Internal noise correlation time is crucial for understanding microorganism propulsion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically analyze microorganisms with helical trajectories and finite internal correlation time.
• To investigate the role of chirality and rotation in active particle motion.
• To compare theoretical predictions with experimental data for malaria parasites.

Main Methods:

• Developed a theoretical model for chiral active particles with Ornstein-Uhlenbeck torque.
• Derived an analytical solution for helical trajectories with finite internal correlation time.
• Validated the analytical solution using computer simulations and experimental data.

Main Results:

• Analytical solution for helical trajectories shows good agreement with simulations.
• Chirality and rotation increase motion persistence and long-time mean squared displacement.
• Helical trajectories yield greater displacement than straight ones at equal speeds.

Conclusions:

• Finite internal correlation time in chiral active particles leads to enhanced motion persistence.
• Helical trajectories are more efficient for long-time displacement compared to straight paths.
• Experimental evidence supports the theoretical predictions for malaria parasite gliding.