Dynamic self-assembly of microscale rotors and swimmers. Issue 20 (28th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies Wykes, Megan S.; Palacci, Jérémie; Adachi, Takuji; Ristroph, Leif; Zhong, Xiao; Ward, Michael D.; Zhang, Jun; Shelley, Michael J.
• Is Part Of: Soft matter. Volume 12:Issue 20(2016)
• Page Start: 4584
• Page End: 4589
• Publication Date: 2016-04-28
• Subjects: Soft condensed matter -- Periodicals; 530.413
• DOI: 10.1039/c5sm03127c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-683X

Abstract

Abstract : Tripartite metallic active particles self-assemble into motile structures in the presence of a chemical fuel. Abstract : Biological systems often involve the self-assembly of basic components into complex and functioning structures. Artificial systems that mimic such processes can provide a well-controlled setting to explore the principles involved and also synthesize useful micromachines. Our experiments show that immotile, but active, components self-assemble into two types of structure that exhibit the fundamental forms of motility: translation and rotation. Specifically, micron-scale metallic rods are designed to induce extensile surface flows in the presence of a chemical fuel; these rods interact with each other and pair up to form either a swimmer or a rotor. Such pairs can transition reversibly between these two configurations, leading to kinetics reminiscent of bacterial run-and-tumble motion.