A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR MICRO- AND NANO-SWIMMERS

作者:Xu, Yuan-Qing; Tian, Fang-Bao*; Tang, Xiao-Ying; Peng, Yu-Hua
来源:Journal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology, 2013, 13(6): UNSP 1340013.
DOI:10.1142/S0219519413400137

摘要

In order to explore the kinetic characteristics of planktonic microorganisms and nanometer biological motors, a mathematical model is developed to estimate the hydrodynamic force in the migration of micro- and nano-swimmers by using the Laplace transformation and linear superposition. Based on the model, it is found that a micro- and nano-swimmer will enjoy a positive propulsive force by improving frequencies or generating traveling waves along its body if it is not time reversible. The results obtained in this study provide a physical insight into the behaviors of the micro- and nano-swimmer at low Reynolds numbers, and the corresponding quantitative basis can also be potentially used in the design of nanorobot and nanosized biomaterials.