Dynamic self-assembly of microscale rotors and swimmers

作者：Wykes, Megan S Davies^*; Palacci, Jeremie^*; Adachi, Takuji; Ristroph, Leif; Zhong, Xiao; Ward, Michael D; Zhang, Jun; Shelley, Michael J

来源：Soft Matter, 2016, 12(20): 4584-4589.

DOI：10.1039/c5sm03127c

• Artificial systems
• Dynamic self assembly
• Metallic rods
• Micro-scale
• Micron scale
• Self-assemble
• Surface flow
• Tumble motion

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.

• 出版日期2016
• 单位华东师范大学