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Jin C, Sengupta A. Microbes in porous environments: from active interactions to emergent feedback. Biophys Rev 2024; 16:173-188. [PMID: 38737203 PMCID: PMC11078916 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-024-01185-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Microbes thrive in diverse porous environments-from soil and riverbeds to human lungs and cancer tissues-spanning multiple scales and conditions. Short- to long-term fluctuations in local factors induce spatio-temporal heterogeneities, often leading to physiologically stressful settings. How microbes respond and adapt to such biophysical constraints is an active field of research where considerable insight has been gained over the last decades. With a focus on bacteria, here we review recent advances in self-organization and dispersal in inorganic and organic porous settings, highlighting the role of active interactions and feedback that mediates microbial survival and fitness. We discuss open questions and opportunities for using integrative approaches to advance our understanding of the biophysical strategies which microbes employ at various scales to make porous settings habitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Jin
- Physics of Living Matter Group, Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, 162 A, Avenue de la Faïencerie, Luxembourg City, L-1511 Luxembourg
| | - Anupam Sengupta
- Physics of Living Matter Group, Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, 162 A, Avenue de la Faïencerie, Luxembourg City, L-1511 Luxembourg
- Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Luxembourg, 2 Avenue de l’Université, Esch-sur-Alzette, L-4365 Luxembourg
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2
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Ugolini GS, Wang M, Secchi E, Pioli R, Ackermann M, Stocker R. Microfluidic approaches in microbial ecology. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1394-1418. [PMID: 38344937 PMCID: PMC10898419 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00784g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Microbial life is at the heart of many diverse environments and regulates most natural processes, from the functioning of animal organs to the cycling of global carbon. Yet, the study of microbial ecology is often limited by challenges in visualizing microbial processes and replicating the environmental conditions under which they unfold. Microfluidics operates at the characteristic scale at which microorganisms live and perform their functions, thus allowing for the observation and quantification of behaviors such as growth, motility, and responses to external cues, often with greater detail than classical techniques. By enabling a high degree of control in space and time of environmental conditions such as nutrient gradients, pH levels, and fluid flow patterns, microfluidics further provides the opportunity to study microbial processes in conditions that mimic the natural settings harboring microbial life. In this review, we describe how recent applications of microfluidic systems to microbial ecology have enriched our understanding of microbial life and microbial communities. We highlight discoveries enabled by microfluidic approaches ranging from single-cell behaviors to the functioning of multi-cellular communities, and we indicate potential future opportunities to use microfluidics to further advance our understanding of microbial processes and their implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Stefano Ugolini
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Miaoxiao Wang
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - Eleonora Secchi
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Roberto Pioli
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Martin Ackermann
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, Department of Environmental Systems Science, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Environmental Microbiology, Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Duebendorf, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Microbial Systems Ecology, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédéral de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Roman Stocker
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zurich, Laura-Hezner-Weg 7, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Zhou T, Wan X, Huang DZ, Li Z, Peng Z, Anandkumar A, Brady JF, Sternberg PW, Daraio C. AI-aided geometric design of anti-infection catheters. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj1741. [PMID: 38170782 PMCID: PMC10776022 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj1741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Bacteria can swim upstream in a narrow tube and pose a clinical threat of urinary tract infection to patients implanted with catheters. Coatings and structured surfaces have been proposed to repel bacteria, but no such approach thoroughly addresses the contamination problem in catheters. Here, on the basis of the physical mechanism of upstream swimming, we propose a novel geometric design, optimized by an artificial intelligence model. Using Escherichia coli, we demonstrate the anti-infection mechanism in microfluidic experiments and evaluate the effectiveness of the design in three-dimensionally printed prototype catheters under clinical flow rates. Our catheter design shows that one to two orders of magnitude improved suppression of bacterial contamination at the upstream end, potentially prolonging the in-dwelling time for catheter use and reducing the overall risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingtao Zhou
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Xuan Wan
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Daniel Zhengyu Huang
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Beijing International Center for Mathematical Research, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zongyi Li
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Zhiwei Peng
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Anima Anandkumar
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - John F. Brady
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Paul W. Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Chiara Daraio
- Division of Engineering and Applied Science, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
- Meta Platforms Inc., Reality Labs, 322 Airport Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010, USA
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4
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Senevirathne SWMAI, Mathew A, Toh YC, Yarlagadda PKDV. Preferential adhesion of bacterial cells onto top- and bottom-mounted nanostructured surfaces under flow conditions. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2023; 5:6458-6472. [PMID: 38024307 PMCID: PMC10662052 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00581j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The bactericidal effect of biomimetic nanostructured surfaces has been known for a long time, with recent data suggesting an enhanced efficiency of the nanostructured surfaces under fluid shear. While some of the influential factors on the bactericidal effect of nanostructured surfaces under fluid shear are understood, there are numerous important factors yet to be studied, which is essential for the successful implementation of this technology in industrial applications. Among those influential factors, the orientation of the nanostructured surface can play an important role in bacterial cell adhesion onto surfaces. Gravitational effects can become dominant under low flow velocities, making the diffusive transport of bacterial cells more prominent than the advective transport. However, the role of nanostructure orientation in determining its bactericidal efficiency under flow conditions is still not clear. In this study, we analysed the effect of surface orientation of nanostructured surfaces, along with bacterial cell concentration, fluid flow rate, and the duration of time which the surface is exposed to flow, on bacterial adhesion and viability on these surfaces. Two surface orientations, with one on the top and the other on the bottom of a flow channel, were studied. Under flow conditions, the bactericidal efficacy of the nanostructured surface is both orientation and bacterial species dependent. The effects of cell concentration, fluid flow rate, and exposure time on cell adhesion are independent of the nanostructured surface orientation. Fluid shear showed a species-dependent effect on bacterial adhesion, while the effects of concentration and exposure time on bacterial cell adhesion are independent of the bacterial species. Moreover, bacterial cells demonstrate preferential adhesion onto surfaces based on the surface orientation, and these effects are species dependent. These results outline the capabilities and limitations of nanostructures under flow conditions. This provides valuable insights into the applications of nanostructures in medical or industrial sectors, which are associated with overlaying fluid flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W M A Ishantha Senevirathne
- Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical, and Process Engineering Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Biomedical Technologies Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
| | - Asha Mathew
- Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical, and Process Engineering Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Biomedical Technologies Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- Queensland University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, School of Mechanical, Medical, and Process Engineering Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Biomedical Technologies Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia
| | - Prasad K D V Yarlagadda
- School of Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, Springfield Campus Springfield Central QLD 4300 Australia
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5
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Zöttl A, Tesser F, Matsunaga D, Laurent J, du Roure O, Lindner A. Asymmetric bistability of chiral particle orientation in viscous shear flows. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2310939120. [PMID: 37906645 PMCID: PMC10636314 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2310939120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The migration of helical particles in viscous shear flows plays a crucial role in chiral particle sorting. Attaching a nonchiral head to a helical particle leads to a rheotactic torque inducing particle reorientation. This phenomenon is responsible for bacterial rheotaxis observed for flagellated bacteria as Escherichia coli in shear flows. Here, we use a high-resolution microprinting technique to fabricate microparticles with controlled and tunable chiral shape consisting of a spherical head and helical tails of various pitch and handedness. By observing the fully time-resolved dynamics of these microparticles in microfluidic channel flow, we gain valuable insights into chirality-induced orientation dynamics. Our experimental model system allows us to examine the effects of particle elongation, chirality, and head heaviness for different flow rates on the orientation dynamics, while minimizing the influence of Brownian noise. Through our model experiments, we demonstrate the existence of asymmetric bistability of the particle orientation perpendicular to the flow direction. We quantitatively explain the particle equilibrium orientations as a function of particle properties, initial conditions and flow rates, as well as the time-dependence of the reorientation dynamics through a theoretical model. The model parameters are determined using boundary element simulations, and excellent agreement with experiments is obtained without any adjustable parameters. Our findings lead to a better understanding of chiral particle transport and bacterial rheotaxis and might allow the development of targeted delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Zöttl
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la ville de Paris, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
- Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Wien1090, Austria
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technische Universität Wien, Wien1040, Austria
| | - Francesca Tesser
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la ville de Paris, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
- Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
| | - Daiki Matsunaga
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Osaka5608531, Japan
| | - Justine Laurent
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la ville de Paris, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
- Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
| | - Olivia du Roure
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la ville de Paris, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
- Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
| | - Anke Lindner
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, CNRS, École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles de la ville de Paris, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
- Sorbonne Université, Université Paris Cité, Paris75005, France
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6
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Nakane D. Rheotaxis in Mycoplasma gliding. Microbiol Immunol 2023; 67:389-395. [PMID: 37430383 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.13090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
This review describes the upstream-directed movement in the small parasitic bacterium Mycoplasma. Many Mycoplasma species exhibit gliding motility, a form of biological motion over surfaces without the aid of general surface appendages such as flagella. The gliding motility is characterized by a constant unidirectional movement without changes in direction or backward motion. Unlike flagellated bacteria, Mycoplasma lacks the general chemotactic signaling system to control their moving direction. Therefore, the physiological role of directionless travel in Mycoplasma gliding remains unclear. Recently, high-precision measurements under an optical microscope have revealed that three species of Mycoplasma exhibited rheotaxis, that is, the direction of gliding motility is lead upstream by the water flow. This intriguing response appears to be optimized for the flow patterns encountered at host surfaces. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the morphology, behavior, and habitat of Mycoplasma gliding, and discusses the possibility that the rheotaxis is ubiquitous among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Nakane
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Zheng H, Yan N, Feng W, Liu Y, Luo H, Jing G. Swimming of Buoyant Bacteria in Quiescent Medium and Shear Flows. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:4224-4232. [PMID: 36926901 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c03088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Gravity has an unavoidable effect on all living organisms inhabiting fluidic surroundings. To investigate the spatial distribution of bacteria in quiescent fluids and their rheotactic behavior in shear flows under buoyancy, we adjust the buoyant force to regulate bacterial swimming in a microfluidic channel. It is found that swimming bacteria of Escherichia coli exhibit an obvious vertical separation when exposed to a medium with high density and gradually gather close to the up wall within minutes. The bacterial population presents a net upward number flux, which enhances the trapping of motile bacteria onto the up surface as a result of buoyancy force apart from the hydrodynamic and kinematic interactions in quiescent fluids. When flow is imposed into the channel, the buoyancy effect is however significantly suppressed. Additionally, the drift velocity perpendicular to the buoyancy vector as a result of chirality-induced transverse swimming decreases with buoyancy force. However, this transverse drift capability is recovered after excluding the intrinsic swimming motility in a quiescent medium. Failing to escape from the trapping as a result of buoyant force allows for a facile separation of bacteria along the vertical direction. The findings also offer a controllable way to redisperse and homogenize the bacteria distribution close to walls by imposing a weak shear flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zheng
- School of Physics, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, People's Republic of China
| | - Ningzhe Yan
- School of Physics, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Feng
- School of Physics, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Liu
- School of Physics, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Luo
- School of Physics, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyin Jing
- School of Physics, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710069, People's Republic of China
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8
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Ji F, Wu Y, Pumera M, Zhang L. Collective Behaviors of Active Matter Learning from Natural Taxes Across Scales. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2203959. [PMID: 35986637 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202203959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Taxis orientation is common in microorganisms, and it provides feasible strategies to operate active colloids as small-scale robots. Collective taxes involve numerous units that collectively perform taxis motion, whereby the collective cooperation between individuals enables the group to perform efficiently, adaptively, and robustly. Hence, analyzing and designing collectives is crucial for developing and advancing microswarm toward practical or clinical applications. In this review, natural taxis behaviors are categorized and synthetic microrobotic collectives are discussed as bio-inspired realizations, aiming at closing the gap between taxis strategies of living creatures and those of functional active microswarms. As collective behaviors emerge within a group, the global taxis to external stimuli guides the group to conduct overall tasks, whereas the local taxis between individuals induces synchronization and global patterns. By encoding the local orientations and programming the global stimuli, various paradigms can be introduced for coordinating and controlling such collective microrobots, from the viewpoints of fundamental science and practical applications. Therefore, by discussing the key points and difficulties associated with collective taxes of different paradigms, this review potentially offers insights into mimicking natural collective behaviors and constructing intelligent microrobotic systems for on-demand control and preassigned tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengtong Ji
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Yilin Wu
- Department of Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Martin Pumera
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB - Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 70800, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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9
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Rasheed A, Hegde O, Chatterjee R, Sampathirao SR, Chakravortty D, Basu S. Physics of self-assembly and morpho-topological changes of Klebsiella pneumoniae in desiccating sessile droplets. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 629:620-631. [PMID: 36183643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.09.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS The bacteria suspended in pure water self-assemble into unique patterns depending on bacteria-bacteria, bacteria-substrate and bacteria-liquid interactions. The physical forces acting on bacteria vary based on their respective spatial location inside the droplet cause an assorted magnitude of physical stress. The shear and dehydration induced stress on pathogens(bacteria) in drying bio-fluid droplets alters the viability and infectivity. EXPERIMENTS We have investigated the flow and desiccation-driven self-assembly of Klebsiella pneumoniae in the naturally evaporating sessile droplets. Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibits extensive changes in its morphology and forms unique patterns as the droplet dries, revealing hitherto unexplored rich physics governing its survival and infection strategies. Self-assembly of bacteria at the droplet contact line is characterized by order-to-disorder packing transitions with high packing densities and excessive deformations (analysed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy). In contrast, thin-film instability-led hole formation at the center of the droplet engenders spatial packing of bacteria analogous to honeycomb weathering. FINDINGS Self-assembly favors the bacteria at the rim of the droplet, leading to enhanced viability and pathogenesis on the famously known "coffee ring" of the droplet compared to the bacteria present at the center of the droplet residue. Mechanistic insights gained via our study can have far-reaching implications for bacterial infection through droplets, e.g., through open wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rasheed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Omkar Hegde
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ritika Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Dipshikha Chakravortty
- Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; School of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695551, India.
| | - Saptarshi Basu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
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10
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Menzel AM. Circular motion subject to external alignment under active driving: Nonlinear dynamics and the circle map. Phys Rev E 2022; 106:064603. [PMID: 36671092 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.106.064603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hardly any real self-propelling or actively driven object is perfect. Thus, undisturbed motion will generally not follow straight lines but rather bent or circular trajectories. We here address self-propelled or actively driven objects that move in discrete steps and additionally tend to migrate towards a certain direction by discrete angular adjustment. Overreaction in the angular alignment is possible. This competition implies pronounced nonlinear dynamics including period doubling and chaotic behavior in a broad parameter regime. Such behavior directly affects the appearance of the trajectories. Furthermore, we address collective motion and effects of spatial self-concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M Menzel
- Institut für Physik, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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11
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Chepizhko O, Franosch T. Resonant Diffusion of a Gravitactic Circle Swimmer. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:228003. [PMID: 36493425 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.228003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We investigate the dynamics of a single chiral active particle subject to an external torque due to the presence of a gravitational field. Our computer simulations reveal an arbitrarily strong increase of the long-time diffusivity of the gravitactic agent when the external torque approaches the intrinsic angular drift. We provide analytic expressions for the mean-square displacement in terms of eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of the noisy-driven-pendulum problem. The pronounced maximum in the diffusivity is then rationalized by the vanishing of the lowest eigenvalues of the Fokker-Planck equation for the angular motion as the rotational diffusion decreases and the underlying classical bifurcation is approached. A simple harmonic-oscillator picture for the barrier-dominated motion provides a quantitative description for the onset of the resonance while its range of validity is determined by the crossover to a critical-fluctuation-dominated regime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Chepizhko
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 21A, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Franosch
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 21A, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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13
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Menzel AM. Statistics for an object actively driven by spontaneous symmetry breaking into reversible directions. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:011102. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0093598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Propulsion of otherwise passive objects is achieved by mechanisms of active driving. We concentrate on cases in which the direction of active drive is subject to spontaneous symmetry breaking. In our case, this direction will be maintained until a large enough impulse by an additional stochastic force reverses it. Examples may be provided by self-propelled droplets, gliding bacteria stochastically reversing their propulsion direction, or nonpolar vibrated hoppers. The magnitude of active forcing is regarded as constant, and we include the effect of inertial contributions. Interestingly, this situation can formally be mapped to stochastic motion under (dry, solid) Coulomb friction, however, with a negative friction parameter. Diffusion coefficients are calculated by formal mapping to the situation of a quantum-mechanical harmonic oscillator exposed to an additional repulsive delta-potential. Results comprise a ditched or double-peaked velocity distribution and spatial statistics showing outward propagating maxima when starting from initially concentrated arrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M. Menzel
- Institut für Physik, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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14
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Nakane D, Kabata Y, Nishizaka T. Cell shape controls rheotaxis in small parasitic bacteria. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010648. [PMID: 35834494 PMCID: PMC9282661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasmas, a group of small parasitic bacteria, adhere to and move across host cell surfaces. The role of motility across host cell surfaces in pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we used optical microscopy to visualize rheotactic behavior in three phylogenetically distant species of Mycoplasma using a microfluidic chamber that enabled the application of precisely controlled fluid flow. We show that directional movements against fluid flow occur synchronously with the polarized cell orienting itself to be parallel against the direction of flow. Analysis of depolarized cells revealed that morphology itself functions as a sensor to recognize rheological properties that mimic those found on host-cell surfaces. These results demonstrate the vital role of cell morphology and motility in responding to mechanical forces encountered in the native environment. The small, parasitic bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae attaches to, and moves over, host cell surfaces. Adherence to host surfaces and motility are critical for the pathogenicity of M. pneumoniae. The role of motility by M. pneumoniae in vivo, however, is poorly understood. Host airways generate constant fluid flow toward the mouth as part of their defense against pathogens and irritants. Consequently, pulmonary invaders must counter the rheological forces found in host airways in order to successfully colonize the host. Here, we demonstrate that M. pneumoniae exhibits directional movement against fluid flow. These findings suggest there is a vital role for rheotactic motility that has evolved in order to overcome host defense mechanisms such as mucociliary clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Nakane
- Department of Engineering Science, Graduate School of Informatics and Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (DN); (TN)
| | - Yoshiki Kabata
- Department of Physics, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nishizaka
- Department of Physics, Gakushuin University, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail: (DN); (TN)
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15
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Wang W, Wu Z, Yang L, Si T, He Q. Rational Design of Polymer Conical Nanoswimmers with Upstream Motility. ACS NANO 2022; 16:9317-9328. [PMID: 35576530 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c01979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Utilizing bottom-up controllable molecular assembly, the bio-inspired polyelectrolyte multilayer conical nanoswimmers with gold-nanoshell functionalization on different segments are presented to achieve the optimal upstream propulsion performance. The experimental investigation reveals that the presence of the gold nanoshells on the big openings of the nanoswimmers could not only bestow efficient directional propulsion but could also minimize the impact from the external flow. The gold nanoshells at the big openings of nanoswimmers facilitate the acoustically powered propulsion against a flow velocity of up to 2.00 mm s-1, which is higher than the blood velocity in capillaries and thus provides a proof-of-concept design for upstream nanoswimmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Jinlian Street, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhiguang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-structures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Jinlian Street, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Tieyan Si
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-structures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
| | - Qiang He
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Jinlian Street, Wenzhou 325000, China
- Key Laboratory of Micro-systems and Micro-structures Manufacturing (Ministry of Education), Harbin Institute of Technology, 92 West Dazhi Street, Harbin 150080, China
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16
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Lazzini G, Romoli L, Fuso F. Fluid-driven bacterial accumulation in proximity of laser-textured surfaces. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 217:112654. [PMID: 35816878 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In this work we investigated the role of fluid in the initial phase of bacterial adhesion on textured surfaces, focusing onto the approach of the bacterial cells towards the surface. In particular, stainless steel surfaces textured via femtosecond laser interaction have been considered. The method combined a simulation routine, based on the numerical solution of Navier-Stokes equations, and the use of a theoretical model, based on the Smoluchowski's equation. Results highlighted a slowdown of the fluid velocity field in correspondence of the surface dales. In addition, a shear induced accumulation on the top of the surface protrusions was predicted for motile bacterial species, E. coli. In particular, we observed a role of the surface protrusions in increasing the range over which motile bacterial species are attracted towards the surface through a rheotactic mechanism. In other words, we found that, in certain conditions of fluid flow and textured surface morphology, surface protrusions act as a sort of "rheotactic antennas".
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Lazzini
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Luca Romoli
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Fuso
- Dipartimento di Fisica "Enrico Fermi", Universitá di Pisa, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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17
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Aranson IS. Bacterial active matter. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2022; 85:076601. [PMID: 35605446 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/ac723d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Bacteria are among the oldest and most abundant species on Earth. Bacteria successfully colonize diverse habitats and play a significant role in the oxygen, carbon, and nitrogen cycles. They also form human and animal microbiota and may become sources of pathogens and a cause of many infectious diseases. Suspensions of motile bacteria constitute one of the most studied examples of active matter: a broad class of non-equilibrium systems converting energy from the environment (e.g., chemical energy of the nutrient) into mechanical motion. Concentrated bacterial suspensions, often termed active fluids, exhibit complex collective behavior, such as large-scale turbulent-like motion (so-called bacterial turbulence) and swarming. The activity of bacteria also affects the effective viscosity and diffusivity of the suspension. This work reports on the progress in bacterial active matter from the physics viewpoint. It covers the key experimental results, provides a critical assessment of major theoretical approaches, and addresses the effects of visco-elasticity, liquid crystallinity, and external confinement on collective behavior in bacterial suspensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor S Aranson
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Mathematics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
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18
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Oscillatory rheotaxis of artificial swimmers in microchannels. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2952. [PMID: 35618708 PMCID: PMC9135748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological microswimmers navigate upstream of an external flow with trajectories ranging from linear to spiralling and oscillatory. Such a rheotactic response primarily stems from the hydrodynamic interactions triggered by the complex shapes of the microswimmers, such as flagellar chirality. We show here that a self-propelling droplet exhibits oscillatory rheotaxis in a microchannel, despite its simple spherical geometry. Such behaviour has been previously unobserved in artificial swimmers. Comparing our experiments to a purely hydrodynamic theory model, we demonstrate that the oscillatory rheotaxis of the droplet is primarily governed by both the shear flow characteristics and the interaction of the finite-sized microswimmer with all four microchannel walls. The dynamics can be controlled by varying the external flow strength, even leading to the rheotactic trapping of the oscillating droplet. Our results provide a realistic understanding of the behaviour of active particles navigating in confined microflows relevant in many biotechnology applications.
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19
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Sharan P, Xiao Z, Mancuso V, Uspal WE, Simmchen J. Upstream Rheotaxis of Catalytic Janus Spheres. ACS NANO 2022; 16:4599-4608. [PMID: 35230094 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c11204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Fluid flow is ubiquitous in many environments that form habitats for microorganisms. Therefore, it is not surprising that both biological and artificial microswimmers show responses to flows that are determined by the interplay of chemical and physical factors. In particular, to deepen the understanding of how different systems respond to flows, it is crucial to comprehend the influence played by swimming pattern. The tendency of organisms to navigate up or down the flow is termed rheotaxis. Early theoretical studies predicted a positive rheotactic response for puller-type spherical Janus micromotors. However, recent experimental studies have focused on pusher-type Janus particles, finding that they exhibit cross-stream migration in externally applied flows. To study the response to the flow of swimmers with a qualitatively different flow pattern, we introduce Cu@SiO2 micromotors that swim toward their catalytic cap. On the basis of experimental observations, and supported by flow field calculations using a model for self-electrophoresis, we hypothesize that they behave effectively as a puller-type system. We investigate the effect of externally imposed flow on these spherically symmetrical Cu@SiO2 active Janus colloids, and we indeed observe a steady upstream directional response. Through a simple squirmer model for a puller, we recover the major experimental observations. Additionally, the model predicts a "jumping" behavior for puller-type micromotors at high flow speeds. Performing additional experiments at high flow speeds, we capture this phenomenon, in which the particles "roll" with their swimming axes aligned to the shear plane, in addition to being dragged downstream by the fluid flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sharan
- Physical Chemistry, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Zuyao Xiao
- Physical Chemistry, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, Dresden 01069, Germany
| | - Viviana Mancuso
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Ma̅noa, Honolulu 96822, Hawaii, United States
| | - William E Uspal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Ma̅noa, Honolulu 96822, Hawaii, United States
| | - Juliane Simmchen
- Physical Chemistry, TU Dresden, Zellescher Weg 19, Dresden 01069, Germany
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20
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Ohmura T, Nishigami Y, Ichikawa M. Simple dynamics underlying the survival behaviors of ciliates. Biophys Physicobiol 2022; 19:e190026. [PMID: 36160323 PMCID: PMC9465405 DOI: 10.2142/biophysico.bppb-v19.0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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21
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Choudhary A, Stark H. On the cross-streamline lift of microswimmers in viscoelastic flows. SOFT MATTER 2021; 18:48-52. [PMID: 34878484 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01339d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The current work studies the dynamics of a microswimmer in pressure-driven flow of a weakly viscoelastic fluid. Employing a second-order fluid model, we show that a self-propelling swimmer experiences a viscoelastic swimming lift in addition to the well-known passive lift that arises from its resistance to shear flow. Using the reciprocal theorem, we evaluate analytical expressions for the swimming lift experienced by neutral and pusher/puller-type swimmers and show that they depend on the hydrodynamic signature associated with the swimming mechanism. We find that, in comparison to passive particles, the focusing of neutral swimmers towards the centerline can be significantly accelerated, while for force-dipole swimmers no net modification in cross-streamline migration occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akash Choudhary
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Theoretical Physics, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany.
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22
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Anand SK, Singh SP. Migration of active filaments under Poiseuille flow in a microcapillary tube. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2021; 44:150. [PMID: 34910263 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-021-00153-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We present a comprehensive study of active filaments confined in a cylindrical channel under Poiseuille flow. The activity drives the filament towards the channel boundary, whereas external fluid flow migrates the filament away from the boundary. This migration further shifts towards the centre for higher flow strength. The migration behaviour of the filaments is presented in terms of the alignment order parameter that shows the alignment grows with shear and activity. Further, we have also addressed the role of length of filament on the migration behaviour, which suggests higher migration for larger filaments. Moreover, we discuss the polar ordering of filaments as a function of distance from the centre of channel that displays upstream motion near the boundary and downstream motion at the centre of the tube.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shalabh K Anand
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462066, India
| | - Sunil P Singh
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, 462066, India.
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23
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Ohmura T, Nishigami Y, Taniguchi A, Nonaka S, Ishikawa T, Ichikawa M. Near-wall rheotaxis of the ciliate Tetrahymena induced by the kinesthetic sensing of cilia. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabi5878. [PMID: 34669467 PMCID: PMC8528427 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi5878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
To survive in harsh environments, single-celled microorganisms autonomously respond to external stimuli, such as light, heat, and flow. Here, we elucidate the flow response of Tetrahymena, a well-known single-celled freshwater microorganism. Tetrahymena moves upstream against an external flow via a behavior called rheotaxis. While micrometer-sized particles are swept away downstream in a viscous flow, what dynamics underlie the rheotaxis of the ciliate? Our experiments reveal that Tetrahymena slides along walls during upstream movement, which indicates that the cells receive rotational torque from shear flow to control cell orientation. To evaluate the effects of the shear torque and propelling speed, we perform a numerical simulation with a hydrodynamic model swimmer adopting cilia dynamics in a shear flow. The swimmer orientations converge to an upstream alignment, and the swimmer slides upstream along a boundary wall. The results suggest that Tetrahymena automatically responds to shear flow by performing rheotaxis using cilia-stalling mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Ohmura
- Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Marburg 35043, Germany
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel 4056, Switzerland
- Corresponding author. (T.O.); (Y.N.); (M.I.)
| | - Yukinori Nishigami
- Research Center of Mathematics for Social Creativity, Research Institute for Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0020, Japan
- Global Station for Soft Matter, Global Institution for Collaborative Research and Education, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- Corresponding author. (T.O.); (Y.N.); (M.I.)
| | - Atsushi Taniguchi
- Laboratory for Spatiotemporal Regulations, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Spatiotemporal Regulations Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Shigenori Nonaka
- Laboratory for Spatiotemporal Regulations, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
- Spatiotemporal Regulations Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Takuji Ishikawa
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Ichikawa
- Department of Physics, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
- Corresponding author. (T.O.); (Y.N.); (M.I.)
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24
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Liu G, Liu Z, Zhu L, Zhang R, Yuan J. Upcoming flow promotes the bundle formation of bacterial flagella. Biophys J 2021; 120:4391-4398. [PMID: 34509505 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Flagellated bacteria swim by rotating a bundle of helical flagella and commonly explore the surrounding environment in a "run-and-tumble" motility mode. Here, we show that the upcoming flow could impact the bacterial run-and-tumble behavior by affecting the formation and dispersal of the flagellar bundle. Using a dual optical tweezers setup to trap individual bacteria, we characterized the effects of the imposed fluid flow and cell body rotation on the run-and-tumble behavior. We found that the two factors affect the behavior differently, with the imposed fluid flow increasing the running time and decreasing the tumbling time and the cell body rotation decreasing the tumbling time only. Using numerical simulations, we computed the flagellar bundling time as a function of flow velocity, which agrees well with our experimental observations. The mechanical effects we characterized here provide novel, to our knowledge, ingredients for further studies of bacterial chemotaxis in complex environments such as dynamic fluid environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangzhe Liu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Physics, Hefei, China
| | - Zhaorong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lailai Zhu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rongjing Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Physics, Hefei, China.
| | - Junhua Yuan
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Physics, Hefei, China.
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25
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Alvarez L, Fernandez-Rodriguez MA, Alegria A, Arrese-Igor S, Zhao K, Kröger M, Isa L. Reconfigurable artificial microswimmers with internal feedback. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4762. [PMID: 34362934 PMCID: PMC8346629 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25108-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-propelling microparticles are often proposed as synthetic models for biological microswimmers, yet they lack the internally regulated adaptation of their biological counterparts. Conversely, adaptation can be encoded in larger-scale soft-robotic devices but remains elusive to transfer to the colloidal scale. Here, we create responsive microswimmers, powered by electro-hydrodynamic flows, which can adapt their motility via internal reconfiguration. Using sequential capillary assembly, we fabricate deterministic colloidal clusters comprising soft thermo-responsive microgels and light-absorbing particles. Light absorption induces preferential local heating and triggers the volume phase transition of the microgels, leading to an adaptation of the clusters' motility, which is orthogonal to their propulsion scheme. We rationalize this response via the coupling between self-propulsion and variations of particle shape and dielectric properties upon heating. Harnessing such coupling allows for strategies to achieve local dynamical control with simple illumination patterns, revealing exciting opportunities for developing tactic active materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Alvarez
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - M A Fernandez-Rodriguez
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Biocolloid and Fluid Physics Group, Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - A Alegria
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU), Materials Physics Center, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - S Arrese-Igor
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC-UPV/EHU), Materials Physics Center, San Sebastián, Spain
| | - K Zhao
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M Kröger
- Polymer Physics, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lucio Isa
- Laboratory for Soft Materials and Interfaces, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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26
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Biochip with multi-planar electrodes geometry for differentiation of non-spherical bioparticles in a microchannel. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11880. [PMID: 34088942 PMCID: PMC8178319 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
A biosensor capable of differentiating cells or other microparticles based on morphology finds significant biomedical applications. Examples may include morphological determination in the cellular division process, differentiation of bacterial cells, and cellular morphological variation in inflammation and cancer etc. Here, we present a novel integrated multi-planar microelectrodes geometry design that can distinguish a non-spherical individual particle flowing along a microchannel based on its electrical signature. We simulated multi-planar electrodes design in COMSOL Multiphysics and have shown that the changes in electrical field intensity corresponding to multiple particle morphologies can be distinguished. Our initial investigation has shown that top-bottom electrodes configuration produces significantly enhanced signal strength for a spherical particle as compared to co-planar configuration. Next, we integrated the co-planar and top-bottom configurations to develop a multi-planar microelectrode design capable of electrical impedance measurement at different spatial planes inside a microchannel by collecting multiple output signatures. We tested our integrated multi-planar electrode design with particles of different elliptical morphologies by gradually changing spherical particle dimensions to the non-spherical. The computed electrical signal ratio of non-spherical to spherical particle shows a very good correlation to predict the particle morphology. The biochip sensitivity is also found be independent of orientation of the particle flowing in the microchannel. Our integrated design will help develop the technology that will allow morphological analysis of various bioparticles in a microfluidic channel in the future.
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27
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Tung CK, Suarez SS. Co-Adaptation of Physical Attributes of the Mammalian Female Reproductive Tract and Sperm to Facilitate Fertilization. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061297. [PMID: 34073739 PMCID: PMC8225031 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The functions of the female reproductive tract not only encompass sperm migration, storage, and fertilization, but also support the transport and development of the fertilized egg through to the birth of offspring. Further, because the tract is open to the external environment, it must also provide protection against invasive pathogens. In biophysics, sperm are considered “pusher microswimmers”, because they are propelled by pushing fluid behind them. This type of swimming by motile microorganisms promotes the tendency to swim along walls and upstream in gentle fluid flows. Thus, the architecture of the walls of the female tract, and the gentle flows created by cilia, can guide sperm migration. The viscoelasticity of the fluids in the tract, such as mucus secretions, also promotes the cooperative swimming of sperm that can improve fertilization success; at the same time, the mucus can also impede the invasion of pathogens. This review is focused on how the mammalian female reproductive tract and sperm interact physically to facilitate the movement of sperm to the site of fertilization. Knowledge of female/sperm interactions can not only explain how the female tract can physically guide sperm to the fertilization site, but can also be applied for the improvement of in vitro fertilization devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Kuan Tung
- Department of Physics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Susan S. Suarez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;
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28
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Otte S, Ipiña EP, Pontier-Bres R, Czerucka D, Peruani F. Statistics of pathogenic bacteria in the search of host cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1990. [PMID: 33790272 PMCID: PMC8012381 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22156-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial phase in the infection process, which remains poorly understood, is the localization of suitable host cells by bacteria. It is often assumed that chemotaxis plays a key role during this phase. Here, we report a quantitative study on how Salmonella Typhimurium search for T84 human colonic epithelial cells. Combining time-lapse microscopy and mathematical modeling, we show that bacteria can be described as chiral active particles with strong active speed fluctuations, which are of biological, as opposed to thermal, origin. We observe that there exists a giant range of inter-individual variability of the bacterial exploring capacity. Furthermore, we find Salmonella Typhimurium does not exhibit biased motion towards the cells and show that the search time statistics is consistent with a random search strategy. Our results indicate that in vitro localization of host cells, and also cell infection, are random processes, not involving chemotaxis, that strongly depend on bacterial motility parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Otte
- Université Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire J.A. Dieudonné, UMR 7351 CNRS, Nice, France
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Emiliano Perez Ipiña
- Université Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire J.A. Dieudonné, UMR 7351 CNRS, Nice, France
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rodolphe Pontier-Bres
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), Monaco, Monaco
| | - Dorota Czerucka
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM), Monaco, Monaco.
| | - Fernando Peruani
- Université Côte d'Azur, Laboratoire J.A. Dieudonné, UMR 7351 CNRS, Nice, France.
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco.
- Laboratoire de Pysique Théorique et Modélisation, UMR 8089, CY Cergy Paris Université, Cergy-Pontoise, France.
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29
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Zhang J, Chinappi M, Biferale L. Base flow decomposition for complex moving objects in linear hydrodynamics: Application to helix-shaped flagellated microswimmers. Phys Rev E 2021; 103:023109. [PMID: 33736027 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.103.023109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The motion of microswimmers in complex flows is ruled by the interplay between swimmer propulsion and the dynamics induced by the fluid velocity field. Here we study the motion of a chiral microswimmer whose propulsion is provided by the spinning of a helical tail with respect to its body in a simple shear flow. Thanks to an efficient computational strategy that allowed us to simulate thousands of different trajectories, we show that the tail shape dramatically affects the swimmer's motion. In the shear dominated regime, the swimmers carrying an elliptical helical tail show several different Jeffery-like (tumbling) trajectories depending on their initial configuration. As the propulsion torque increases, a progressive regularization of the motion is observed until, in the propulsion dominated regime, the swimmers converge to the same final trajectory independently on the initial configuration. Overall, our results show that elliptical helix swimmer presents a much richer variety of trajectories with respect to the usually studied circular helix tails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Zhang
- Beijing Computational Science Research Center, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Mauro Chinappi
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Biferale
- Department of Physics, INFN, University of Rome, Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Roma, Italy
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30
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Impact of mixed biofilm formation with environmental microorganisms on E. coli O157:H7 survival against sanitization. NPJ Sci Food 2020; 4:16. [PMID: 33083548 PMCID: PMC7560865 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-020-00076-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation by foodborne pathogens is a serious threat to food safety and public health. Meat processing plants may harbor various microorganisms and occasional foodborne pathogens; thus, the environmental microbial community might impact pathogen survival via mixed biofilm formation. We collected floor drain samples from two beef plants with different E. coli O157:H7 prevalence history and investigated the effects of the environmental microorganisms on pathogen sanitizer tolerance. The results showed that biofilm forming ability and bacterial species composition varied considerably based on the plants and drain locations. E. coli O157:H7 cells obtained significantly higher sanitizer tolerance in mixed biofilms by samples from the plant with recurrent E. coli O157:H7 prevalence than those mixed with samples from the other plant. The mixed biofilm that best protected E. coli O157:H7 also had the highest species diversity. The percentages of the species were altered significantly after sanitization, suggesting that the community composition affects the role and tolerance level of each individual species. Therefore, the unique environmental microbial community, their ability to form biofilms on contact surfaces and the interspecies interactions all play roles in E. coli O157:H7 persistence by either enhancing or reducing pathogen survival within the biofilm community.
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31
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Krishnamurthy D, Li H, Benoit du Rey F, Cambournac P, Larson AG, Li E, Prakash M. Scale-free vertical tracking microscopy. Nat Methods 2020; 17:1040-1051. [PMID: 32807956 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-020-0924-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The behavior and microscale processes associated with freely suspended organisms, along with sinking particles underlie key ecological processes in the ocean. Mechanistically studying such multiscale processes in the laboratory presents a considerable challenge for microscopy: how to measure single cells at microscale resolution, while allowing them to freely move hundreds of meters in the vertical direction? Here we present a solution in the form of a scale-free, vertical tracking microscope, based on a 'hydrodynamic treadmill' with no bounds for motion along the axis of gravity. Using this method to bridge spatial scales, we assembled a multiscale behavioral dataset of nonadherent planktonic cells and organisms. Furthermore, we demonstrate a 'virtual-reality system for single cells', wherein cell behavior directly controls its ambient environmental parameters, enabling quantitative behavioral assays. Our method and results exemplify a new paradigm of multiscale measurement, wherein one can observe and probe macroscale and ecologically relevant phenomena at microscale resolution. Beyond the marine context, we foresee that our method will allow biological measurements of cells and organisms in a suspended state by freeing them from the confines of the coverslip.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Krishnamurthy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Hongquan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Electrical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Pierre Cambournac
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Adam G Larson
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ethan Li
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Manu Prakash
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Jing G, Zöttl A, Clément É, Lindner A. Chirality-induced bacterial rheotaxis in bulk shear flows. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb2012. [PMID: 32695880 PMCID: PMC7351478 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Interaction of swimming bacteria with flows controls their ability to explore complex environments, crucial to many societal and environmental challenges and relevant for microfluidic applications such as cell sorting. Combining experimental, numerical, and theoretical analysis, we present a comprehensive study of the transport of motile bacteria in shear flows. Experimentally, we obtain with high accuracy and, for a large range of flow rates, the spatially resolved velocity and orientation distributions. They are in excellent agreement with the simulations of a kinematic model accounting for stochastic and microhydrodynamic properties and, in particular, the flagella chirality. Theoretical analysis reveals the scaling laws behind the average rheotactic velocity at moderate shear rates using a chirality parameter and explains the reorientation dynamics leading to saturation at large shear rates from the marginal stability of a fixed point. Our findings constitute a full understanding of the physical mechanisms and relevant parameters of bacteria bulk rheotaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyin Jing
- School of Physics, Northwest University, Xi’an 710127, China
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétèrogènes, PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 10, rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Andreas Zöttl
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétèrogènes, PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 10, rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, TU Wien, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10, 1040 Wien, Austria
| | - Éric Clément
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétèrogènes, PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 10, rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anke Lindner
- Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétèrogènes, PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 10, rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
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The effect of flow on swimming bacteria controls the initial colonization of curved surfaces. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2851. [PMID: 32503979 PMCID: PMC7275075 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The colonization of surfaces by bacteria is a widespread phenomenon with consequences on environmental processes and human health. While much is known about the molecular mechanisms of surface colonization, the influence of the physical environment remains poorly understood. Here we show that the colonization of non-planar surfaces by motile bacteria is largely controlled by flow. Using microfluidic experiments with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, we demonstrate that the velocity gradients created by a curved surface drive preferential attachment to specific regions of the collecting surface, namely the leeward side of cylinders and immediately downstream of apexes on corrugated surfaces, in stark contrast to where nonmotile cells attach. Attachment location and rate depend on the local hydrodynamics and, as revealed by a mathematical model benchmarked on the observations, on cell morphology and swimming traits. These results highlight the importance of flow on the magnitude and location of bacterial colonization of surfaces. Bacterial colonization of surfaces has a profound environmental, technological and medical impact. Here, Secchi et al. show how fluid flow affects the magnitude and location of bacterial colonization on curved surfaces through its coupling with cell morphology and motility.
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Shabanniya MR, Naji A. Active dipolar spheroids in shear flow and transverse field: Population splitting, cross-stream migration, and orientational pinning. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:204903. [PMID: 32486664 DOI: 10.1063/5.0002757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We study the steady-state behavior of active, dipolar, Brownian spheroids in a planar channel subjected to an imposed Couette flow and an external transverse field, applied in the "downward" normal-to-flow direction. The field-induced torque on active spheroids (swimmers) is taken to be of magnetic form by assuming that they have a permanent magnetic dipole moment, pointing along their self-propulsion (swim) direction. Using a continuum approach, we show that a host of behaviors emerges over the parameter space spanned by the particle aspect ratio, self-propulsion and shear/field strengths, and the channel width. The cross-stream migration of the model swimmers is shown to involve a regime of linear response (quantified by a linear-response factor) in weak fields. For prolate swimmers, the weak-field behavior crosses over to a regime of full swimmer migration to the bottom half of the channel in strong fields. For oblate swimmers, a counterintuitive regime of reverse migration arises in intermediate fields, where a macroscopic fraction of swimmers reorient and swim to the top channel half at an acute "upward" angle relative to the field axis. The diverse behaviors reported here are analyzed based on the shear-induced population splitting (bimodality) of the swim orientation, giving two distinct, oppositely polarized, swimmer subpopulations (albeit very differently for prolate/oblate swimmers) in each channel half. In strong fields, swimmers of both types exhibit net upstream currents relative to the laboratory frame. The onsets of full migration and net upstream current depend on the aspect ratio, enabling efficient particle separation strategies in microfluidic setups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Reza Shabanniya
- School of Physics, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 19395-5531, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Naji
- School of Physics, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), P.O. Box 19395-5531, Tehran, Iran
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Mousavi SM, Gompper G, Winkler RG. Wall entrapment of peritrichous bacteria: a mesoscale hydrodynamics simulation study. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:4866-4875. [PMID: 32424390 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm00571a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Microswimmers such as E. coli bacteria accumulate and exhibit an intriguing dynamics near walls, governed by hydrodynamic and steric interactions. Insight into the underlying mechanisms and predominant interactions demand a detailed characterization of the entrapment process. We employ a mesoscale hydrodynamics simulation approach to study entrapment of an E. coli-type cell at a no-slip wall. The cell is modeled by a spherocylindrical body with several explicit helical flagella. Three stages of the entrapment process can be distinguished: the approaching regime, where a cell swims toward a wall on a nearly straight trajectory; a scattering regime, where the cell touches the wall and reorients; and a surface-swimming regime. Our simulations show that steric interactions may dominate the entrapment process, yet, hydrodynamic interactions slow down the adsorption dynamics close to the boundary and imply a circular motion on the wall. The locomotion of the cell is characterized by a strong wobbling dynamics, with cells preferentially pointing toward the wall during surface swimming.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mahdiyeh Mousavi
- Theoretical Soft Matter and Biophysics, Institute of Complex Systems and Institute for Advanced Simulation, Forschungszentrum Jülich and JARA, D-52425 Jülich, Germany.
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Pöhnl R, Popescu MN, Uspal WE. Axisymmetric spheroidal squirmers and self-diffusiophoretic particles. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2020; 32:164001. [PMID: 31801127 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/ab5edd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We study, by means of an exact analytical solution, the motion of a spheroidal, axisymmetric squirmer in an unbounded fluid, as well as the low Reynolds number hydrodynamic flow associated to it. In contrast to the case of a spherical squirmer-for which, e.g. the velocity of the squirmer and the magnitude of the stresslet associated with the flow induced by the squirmer are respectively determined by the amplitudes of the first two slip ('squirming') modes-for the spheroidal squirmer each squirming mode either contributes to the velocity, or contributes to the stresslet. The results are straightforwardly extended to the self-phoresis of axisymmetric, spheroidal, chemically active particles in the case when the phoretic slip approximation holds.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Pöhnl
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- IVth Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2540 Dole Street Holmes 302 Honolulu, HI 96822, United States of America
| | - M N Popescu
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - W E Uspal
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstr. 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- IVth Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of Stuttgart, Pfaffenwaldring 57, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, 2540 Dole Street Holmes 302 Honolulu, HI 96822, United States of America
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Figueroa-Morales N, Rivera A, Soto R, Lindner A, Altshuler E, Clément É. E. coli "super-contaminates" narrow ducts fostered by broad run-time distribution. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaay0155. [PMID: 32201716 PMCID: PMC7069694 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aay0155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
One notable feature of bacterial motion is their ability to swim upstream along corners and crevices, by leveraging hydrodynamic interactions. This motion through anatomic ducts or medical devices might be at the origin of serious infections. However, it remains unclear how bacteria can maintain persistent upstream motion while exhibiting run-and-tumble dynamics. Here, we demonstrate that Escherichia coli can travel upstream in microfluidic devices over distances of 15 mm in times as short as 15 min. Using a stochastic model relating the run times to the time that bacteria spend on surfaces, we quantitatively reproduce the evolution of the contamination profiles when considering a broad distribution of run times. The experimental data cannot be reproduced using the usually accepted exponential distribution of run times. Our study demonstrates that the run-and-tumble statistics determine macroscopic bacterial transport properties. This effect, which we name "super-contamination," could explain the fast onset of some life-threatening medical emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuris Figueroa-Morales
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, PA 16802, USA
| | - Aramis Rivera
- Zeolites Engineering Lab, IMRE, University of Havana, 10400 Havana, Cuba
| | - Rodrigo Soto
- Departamento de Física, FCFM, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Anke Lindner
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ernesto Altshuler
- Group of Complex Systems and Statistical Physics, Physics Faculty, University of Havana, 10400 Havana, Cuba
| | - Éric Clément
- Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique des Milieux Hétérogènes, PMMH, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, 75005 Paris, France
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38
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Brosseau Q, Usabiaga FB, Lushi E, Wu Y, Ristroph L, Zhang J, Ward M, Shelley MJ. Relating Rheotaxis and Hydrodynamic Actuation using Asymmetric Gold-Platinum Phoretic Rods. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2019; 123:178004. [PMID: 31702241 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.123.178004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We explore the behavior of micron-scale autophoretic Janus (Au/Pt) rods, having various Au/Pt length ratios, swimming near a wall in an imposed background flow. We find that their ability to robustly orient and move upstream, i.e., to rheotax, depends strongly on the Au/Pt ratio, which is easily tunable in synthesis. Numerical simulations of swimming rods actuated by a surface slip show a similar rheotactic tunability when varying the location of the surface slip versus surface drag. The slip location determines whether swimmers are pushers (rear actuated), pullers (front actuated), or in between. Our simulations and modeling show that pullers rheotax most robustly due to their larger tilt angle to the wall, which makes them responsive to flow gradients. Thus, rheotactic response infers the nature of difficult to measure flow fields of an active particle, establishes its dependence on swimmer type, and shows how Janus rods can be tuned for flow responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Brosseau
- Courant Institute, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
| | | | - Enkeleida Lushi
- Department of Mathematics, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey 07102, USA
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
| | - Leif Ristroph
- Courant Institute, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Courant Institute, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
- Department of Physics, New York University, New York, New York 10003, USA
- New York University-East China Normal University Institute of Physics, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Michael Ward
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
| | - Michael J Shelley
- Courant Institute, New York University, New York, New York 10012, USA
- Center for Computational Biology, Flatiron Institute, New York, New York 10010, USA
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Daddi-Moussa-Ider A, Kurzthaler C, Hoell C, Zöttl A, Mirzakhanloo M, Alam MR, Menzel AM, Löwen H, Gekle S. Frequency-dependent higher-order Stokes singularities near a planar elastic boundary: Implications for the hydrodynamics of an active microswimmer near an elastic interface. Phys Rev E 2019; 100:032610. [PMID: 31639990 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.100.032610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The emerging field of self-driven active particles in fluid environments has recently created significant interest in the biophysics and bioengineering communities owing to their promising future for biomedical and technological applications. These microswimmers move autonomously through aqueous media, where under realistic situations they encounter a plethora of external stimuli and confining surfaces with peculiar elastic properties. Based on a far-field hydrodynamic model, we present an analytical theory to describe the physical interaction and hydrodynamic couplings between a self-propelled active microswimmer and an elastic interface that features resistance toward shear and bending. We model the active agent as a superposition of higher-order Stokes singularities and elucidate the associated translational and rotational velocities induced by the nearby elastic boundary. Our results show that the velocities can be decomposed in shear and bending related contributions which approach the velocities of active agents close to a no-slip rigid wall in the steady limit. The transient dynamics predict that contributions to the velocities of the microswimmer due to bending resistance are generally more pronounced than those due to shear resistance. Bending can enhance (suppress) the velocities resulting from higher-order singularities whereas the shear related contribution decreases (increases) the velocities. Most prominently, we find that near an elastic interface of only energetic resistance toward shear deformation, such as that of an elastic capsule designed for drug delivery, a swimming bacterium undergoes rotation of the same sense as observed near a no-slip wall. In contrast to that, near an interface of only energetic resistance toward bending, such as that of a fluid vesicle or liposome, we find a reversed sense of rotation. Our results provide insight into the control and guidance of artificial and synthetic self-propelling active microswimmers near elastic confinements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Daddi-Moussa-Ider
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christina Kurzthaler
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Christian Hoell
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Zöttl
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technische Universität Wien, Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10, 1040 Wien, Austria
| | - Mehdi Mirzakhanloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Mohammad-Reza Alam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Andreas M Menzel
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hartmut Löwen
- Institut für Theoretische Physik II: Weiche Materie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephan Gekle
- Biofluid Simulation and Modeling, Theoretische Physik VI, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany
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