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Programmable double traveling waves in living liquid crystals.
Jiaqi Wu1, Mengge Liu1, Zeyang Mou2
1Department of Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
Nature Communications
|November 26, 2025
Summary
Researchers controlled traveling waves in living liquid crystals (LLCs) by integrating motile bacteria. This breakthrough enables programmable wave patterns, opening doors for smart living materials and micromachines.
Area of Science:
- Active Matter Physics
- Soft Matter Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Controlling traveling waves in living active matter is challenging due to chaotic, nonequilibrium dynamics.
- Living liquid crystals (LLCs) offer a unique platform where motile bacteria interact with anisotropic liquid crystal environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate control over traveling wave propagation in LLCs.
- To investigate the mechanisms behind wave generation and interaction in active-passive systems.
- To engineer programmable wave patterns for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Experimental observation of bacterial wave propagation in LLCs.
- Theoretical modeling to understand wave dynamics and symmetry breaking.
- Pattern design to initiate and guide wave formation.
Main Results:
- Concentrated bacteria formed waves propagating along predefined trajectories.
- A secondary passive liquid crystal (LC) wave was generated, creating double traveling waves.
- Parity and time-reversal (PT) symmetry breaking mechanisms were identified.
- Programmable single and multiple chiral ring waves, and letter shapes were successfully created.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully demonstrates control over traveling waves in LLCs.
- Understanding PT symmetry breaking is key to initiating and controlling wave propagation.
- This research paves the way for designing smart living materials and advanced micromachines.
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