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Emergent dynamics due to chemo-hydrodynamic self-interactions in active polymers

Published 19 Mar 2023 in cond-mat.soft | (2303.10742v3)

Abstract: The field of synthetic active matter has, thus far, been led by efforts to create point-like, isolated (yet interacting) self-propelled objects (\emph{e.g.} colloids, droplets, microrobots) and understanding their collective dynamics. The design of flexible, freely jointed active assemblies from autonomously powered components remains a challenge. Here, we report freely-jointed active polymers created using self-propelled droplets as monomeric units. Our experiments reveal that the self-shaping chemo-hydrodynamic interactions between the monomeric droplets give rise to an emergent rigidity (the acquisition of a stereotypical asymmetric C-shape) and associated ballistic propulsion of the active polymers. The rigidity and propulsion of the chains vary systematically with their lengths. Using simulations of a minimal model, we establish that the emergent polymer dynamics are a generic consequence of quasi two-dimensional confinement and auto-repulsive trail-mediated chemical interactions between the freely jointed active droplets. Finally, we tune the interplay between the chemical and hydrodynamic fields to experimentally demonstrate oscillatory dynamics of the rigid polymer propulsion. Altogether, our work highlights the possible first steps towards synthetic self-morphic active matter.

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Summary

  • The paper introduces a minimal chemical-interaction model that explains emergent rigidity and ballistic motion in active polymers.
  • Experimental results reveal that longer, freely jointed chains form stable C-shapes and exhibit faster propulsion under quasi-2D confinement.
  • Simulations confirm that trail-mediated chemical interactions and controlled hydrodynamic effects are crucial for dynamic self-organization.

Emergent Dynamics in Active Polymers Through Chemo-Hydrodynamic Interactions

The study of active matter, particularly synthetic analogs of biological systems, has seen significant advancements with the exploration of emergent dynamics and self-organization of chemo-hydrodynamically active systems. The paper "Emergent dynamics due to chemo-hydrodynamic self-interactions in active polymers" by Kumar et al. contributes to this domain by introducing freely jointed polymers comprised of self-propelled emulsion droplets as monomeric units. This research elucidates how chemical and hydrodynamic fields generated by these droplets result in emergent polymer rigidity and dynamic behaviors, such as ballistic propulsion in confined environments.

Overview and Methodology

The authors utilize self-propelled emulsion droplets, specifically oil droplets dissolving in a micellar solution of ionic surfactants, which propel themselves via Marangoni stresses. These droplets, acting as monomeric units, are linked into linear polymers through biotin-streptavidin chemistry, allowing freely jointed configurations. The propulsion dynamics within these chains arise from trail-mediated chemical interactions, facilitated by the chemical fields formed by the dissolution process. The paper combines experimental approaches with a minimal model that emphasizes chemical interactions to understand the complex interplay and resultant self-organizing behavior of these active polymers in quasi two-dimensional confinement.

Results and Analysis

Experimental Findings: The study highlights that, under strong quasi two-dimensional confinement, these polymers exhibit rigid, stereotypical C-shapes, resulting in ballistic propulsion orthogonal to their length. This emergent rigidity and propulsion are primarily attributed to auto-repulsive trail-mediated chemical interactions and are less influenced by hydrodynamic interactions. The experimental data revealed that longer chains displayed greater rigidity and faster propulsion, indicative of more pronounced self-organization effects as a function of polymer length.

Minimal Model and Simulations: The simulations, based on a chemical interaction-focused model, align well with experimental observations, capturing the emergent C-shape and its associated dynamics. The model demonstrated that the trail-mediated chemical interactions and the quasi two-dimensional confinement are key factors in the observed dynamics. The simulations further allowed the exploration of metastable configurations, through which polymers transition from transient S-shapes to stable C-shapes, highlighting the nuanced interplay between monomer orientation and chain dynamics.

Chemo-Hydrodynamic Interactions: The paper identifies the potential for hydrodynamic effects to modulate dynamics. By manipulating the chemical environment, notably the concentration of filled micelles, the study shows that the character of the hydrodynamic fields can significantly alter the propulsion and dynamic behavior of the polymers. Such tuning resulted in novel time-dependent oscillatory dynamics, particularly highlighted in trimer configurations, implicating hydrodynamic feedback as a mechanism for complex time-evolutionary behavior.

Implications and Future Directions

The findings provide foundational insights into the design and control of synthetic active polymer systems. They underscore the potential to engineer multifunctional, morphing synthetic systems by careful manipulation of chemo-hydrodynamic interactions. While the current study is confined to quasi two-dimensional environments, future explorations could extend these observations to fully three-dimensional settings, potentially unveiling deeper complexities in emergent behaviors.

Moreover, the proposal of a minimal chemical model as sufficient for capturing the essential dynamics suggests new avenues for developing simplified predictive frameworks for complex active matter systems. Subsequent research may seek to integrate more nuanced hydrodynamic effects or explore the dynamics of active sheets or networks, enhancing the repertoire of dynamic behaviors accessible to synthetic designs.

In conclusion, the study by Kumar et al. marks a significant step towards understanding the emergent properties of chemo-hydrodynamically active polymers and sets the stage for future innovations in the field of active matter and materials science.

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