1
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Chan CW, Yang Z, Gan Z, Zhang R. Interplay of chemotactic force, Péclet number, and dimensionality dictates the dynamics of auto-chemotactic chiral active droplets. J Chem Phys 2024; 161:014904. [PMID: 38953449 DOI: 10.1063/5.0207355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In living and synthetic active matter systems, the constituents can self-propel and interact with each other and with the environment through various physicochemical mechanisms. Among these mechanisms, chemotactic and auto-chemotactic effects are widely observed. The impact of (auto-)chemotactic effects on achiral active matter has been a recent research focus. However, the influence of these effects on chiral active matter remains elusive. Here, we develop a Brownian dynamics model coupled with a diffusion equation to examine the dynamics of auto-chemotactic chiral active droplets in both quasi-two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) systems. By quantifying the droplet trajectory as a function of the dimensionless Péclet number and chemotactic strength, our simulations well reproduce the curling and helical trajectories of nematic droplets in a surfactant-rich solution reported by Krüger et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 048003 (2016)]. The modeled curling trajectory in 2D exhibits an emergent chirality, also consistent with the experiment. We further show that the geometry of the chiral droplet trajectories, characterized by the pitch and diameter, can be used to infer the velocities of the droplet. Interestingly, we find that, unlike the achiral case, the velocities of chiral active droplets show dimensionality dependence: its mean instantaneous velocity is higher in 3D than in 2D, whereas its mean migration velocity is lower in 3D than in 2D. Taken together, our particle-based simulations provide new insights into the dynamics of auto-chemotactic chiral active droplets, reveal the effects of dimensionality, and pave the way toward their applications, such as drug delivery, sensors, and micro-reactors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Wing Chan
- Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
- Thrust of Advanced Materials, and Guangzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Materials Informatics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangdong, China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Thrust of Advanced Materials, and Guangzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Materials Informatics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangdong, China
- Interdisciplinary Programs Office, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Zecheng Gan
- Thrust of Advanced Materials, and Guangzhou Municipal Key Laboratory of Materials Informatics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), Guangdong, China
- Department of Mathematics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR
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2
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Cao Y, Huang Y, Zheng J, Chen J, Zeng B, Cheng X, Wu C, Wang J, Tang J. Bipolar Photoelectrochemistry for Phase-Modulated Optoelectronic Hybrid Nanomotor. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17931-17939. [PMID: 38877992 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Complex micro/nanorobots may be constructed by integrating several independent, controlled nanomotors for high degrees of freedom of maneuvering and manipulation. However, designing nanomotors with distinctive responses to the same global stimuli is challenging due to the nanomotors' simple structure and limited material composition. In this work, we demonstrate that a nanomotor can be designed with the same principles of electronic circuits, where the motion of semiconductor particles can be controlled with synchronized electric and optical signals. This technique relies on transient bipolar photoelectrochemistry in semiconductor microparticles, where the reaction site selectivity is realized by modulating the light pulse in the time domain. Due to the microparticles' intrinsic resistance and surface capacitance, the nanomotors can be designed as an electronic circuit, enabling distinctive responses to the global electric/optical field and achieving the desired movement or deflection/rotation. This work gives new insight into the manipulation technique for independent and untethered nanomotor control. Ultimately, it exploits the potential for particle sorting based on geometry in time and frequency domain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Cao
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yaxin Huang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Jingyuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Binglin Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Changjin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jizhuang Wang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jinyao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- HKU-CAS Joint Laboratory on New Materials and Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong 999077, China
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3
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Cao C, Mou F, Yang M, Zhang S, Zhang D, Li L, Lan T, Xiao D, Luo W, Ma H, Guan J. Harnessing Disparities in Magnetic Microswarms: From Construction to Collaborative Tasks. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401711. [PMID: 38868929 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Individual differences in size, experience, and task specialization in natural swarms often result in heterogeneity and hierarchy, facilitating efficient and coordinated task accomplishment. Drawing inspiration from this phenomenon, a general strategy is proposed for organizing magnetic micro/nanorobots (MNRs) with apparent differences in size, shape, and properties into cohesive microswarms with tunable heterogeneity, controlled spatial hierarchy, and collaborative tasking capability. In this strategy, disparate magnetic MNRs can be manipulated to show reversible transitions between synchronization and desynchronization by elaborately regulating parameter sets of the rotating magnetic field. Utilizing these transitions, alongside local robust hydrodynamic interactions, diverse heterospecific pairings of disparate magnetic MNRs can be organized into heterogeneous microswarms, and their spatial organization can be dynamically adjusted from egalitarian to leader-follower-like hierarchies on the fly, both in open space and complex microchannels. Furthermore, when specializing the disparate MNRs with distinct functions ("division of labor") such as sensing and drug carrying, they can execute precise drug delivery targeting unknown sites in a collaborative sensing-navigating-cargo dropping sequence, demonstrating significant potential for precise tumor treatment. These findings highlight the critical roles of attribute differences and hierarchical organization in designing efficient swarming micro/nanorobots for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nanomedicine for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Manyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Shuming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Luolin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Tong Lan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Dunyi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Wei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan, 430083, P. R. China
| | - Huiru Ma
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan, 430083, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Science, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road, Wuhan, 430070, P. R. China
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4
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Zhang Y, Dou Y, Ye Z, Xue W, Liu F, Yan M, Wang W, Yin Y. Visible-Light-Responsive Photoreversible Multi-Color Switching for Rewritable Light-Printing and Information Display. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2310962. [PMID: 38149522 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Photoreversible color switching systems (PCSSs) exhibiting multi-color responses to visible light are favored for sustainable societal development over those relying on ultraviolet light due to safer operation and better penetration depth. Here, a PCSS capable of multi-color switching responsive to visible light based on highly photoreductive rutile-phase Sn-doped TiO2-x nanoparticles is reported. The Sn-doping significantly red-shifts the absorption band of the nanoparticles to the visible region, improving charge separation and transfer efficiencies and introducing Ti3+ species and oxygen vacancies as internal sacrificial electron donors for scavenging photogenerated holes. The resulting Sn-doped TiO2-x nanoparticles feature exceptional photoreduction ability and activity, thereby enabling photoreversible color switching of various redox dyes operational under visible light illumination. Furthermore, multi-color switching can be achieved via the color overlay effect by combining different redox dyes in one system, opening the door to many advanced applications, as demonstrated in their successful uses for developing visible-light-driven rewritable multi-color light-printing systems and visual information displays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250024, P. R. China
| | - Yao Dou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250024, P. R. China
| | - Zuyang Ye
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA
| | - Wenzhao Xue
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250024, P. R. China
| | - Feng Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250024, P. R. China
| | - Mei Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250024, P. R. China
| | - Wenshou Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Jinan, Jinan, 250024, P. R. China
| | - Yadong Yin
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Riverside, California, 92521, USA
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5
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Cao D, Yan Z, Cui D, Khan MY, Duan S, Xie G, He Z, Xing DY, Wang W. A Conceptual Framework to Understand the Self-Assembly of Chemically Active Colloids. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:10884-10894. [PMID: 38756056 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Colloids that generate chemicals, or "chemically active colloids", can interact with their neighbors and generate patterns via forces arising from such chemical gradients. Examples of such assemblies of chemically active colloids are abundant in the literature, but a unified theoretical framework is needed to rationalize the scattered results. Combining experiments, theory, Brownian dynamics, and finite element simulations, we present here a conceptual framework for understanding how immotile, yet chemically active, colloids assemble. This framework is based on the principle of ionic diffusiophoresis and diffusioosmosis and predicts that a chemically active colloid interacts with its neighbors through short- and long-range interactions that can be either repulsive or attractive, depending on the relative diffusivity of the released cations and anions, and the relative zeta potential of a colloidal particle and the planar surface on which it resides. As a result, 4 types of pairwise interactions arise, leading to 4 different types of colloidal assemblies with distinct patterns. Using short-range attraction and long-range attraction (SALR) systems as an example, we show quantitative agreement between the framework and experiments. The framework is then applied to rationalize a wide range of patterns assembled from chemically active colloids in the literature exhibiting other types of pairwise interactions. In addition, the framework can predict what the assembly looks like with minimal experimental information and help infer ionic diffusivity and zeta potential values in systems where these values are inaccessible. Our results represent a solid step toward building a complete theory for understanding and controlling chemically active colloids, from the molecular level to their mesoscopic superstructures and ultimately to the macroscopic properties of the assembled materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhou Cao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zuyao Yan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Donghao Cui
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Mohd Yasir Khan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Shifang Duan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Guoqiang Xie
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Zikai He
- School of Science, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Ding Yu Xing
- School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
| | - Wei Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, China
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6
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Zhang S, Mou F, Yu Z, Li L, Yang M, Zhang D, Ma H, Luo W, Li T, Guan J. Heterogeneous Sensor-Carrier Microswarms for Collaborative Precise Drug Delivery toward Unknown Targets with Localized Acidosis. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:5958-5967. [PMID: 38738749 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanorobots hold the potential to revolutionize biomedicine by executing diverse tasks in hard-to-reach biological environments. Nevertheless, achieving precise drug delivery to unknown disease sites using swarming micro/nanorobots remains a significant challenge. Here we develop a heterogeneous swarm comprising sensing microrobots (sensor-bots) and drug-carrying microrobots (carrier-bots) with collaborative tasking capabilities for precise drug delivery toward unknown sites. Leveraging robust interspecific hydrodynamic interactions, the sensor-bots and carrier-bots spontaneously synchronize and self-organize into stable heterogeneous microswarms. Given that the sensor-bots can create real-time pH maps employing pH-responsive structural-color changes and the doxorubicin-loaded carrier-bots exhibit selective adhesion to acidic targets via pH-responsive charge reversal, the sensor-carrier microswarm, when exploring unknown environments, can detect and localize uncharted acidic targets, guide itself to cover the area, and finally deploy therapeutic carrier-bots precisely there. This versatile platform holds promise for treating diseases with localized acidosis and inspires future theranostic microsystems with expandability, task flexibility, and high efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Fangzhi Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Luolin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Manyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiru Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan 430083, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan 430083, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianlong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics and System, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianguo Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, International School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, People's Republic of China
- Wuhan Institute of Photochemistry and Technology, 7 North Bingang Road, Wuhan 430083, People's Republic of China
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7
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Qin L, Wang H, Zhang Z. Synthesis and Assembly of Photoresponsive Colloidal Tubes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2402389. [PMID: 38757548 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202402389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Inspired by the sophisticated multicomponent and multistage assembly of proteins and their mixtures in living cells, this study rationally designs and fabricates photoresponsive colloidal tubes that can self-assemble and hybrid-assemble when mixed with colloidal spheres and rods. Time-resolved observation and computer simulation reveal that the assembly is driven by phoretic attraction originating from osmotic pressures. These pressures are induced by the chemical concentration gradients generated by the photochemical reaction caused by colloidal tubes in a H2O2 solution under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The assembled structure is dictated by the size and shape of the constituent colloids as well as the intensity of the UV irradiation. Additionally, the resulting assembly can undergo self-propelled motion originating from the broken symmetry of the surrounding concentration gradients. This motion can be steered by a magnetic field and used for microscale cargo delivery. The study demonstrates a facile synthesis method for colloidal tubes and highlights their unique potential for controlled, hierarchical self-assembly and hybrid-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Qin
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Huaguang Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
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8
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Feng K, Shen W, Chen L, Gong J, Palberg T, Qu J, Niu R. Weak Ion-Exchange Based Magnetic Swarm for Targeted Drug Delivery and Chemotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306798. [PMID: 38059804 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Swimming microrobots that are actuated by multiple stimuli/fields display various intriguing collective behaviors, ranging from phase separation to clustering and giant number fluctuation; however, it is still chanllenging to achieve multiple responses and functionalities within one colloidal system to emulate high environmental adaptability and improved tasking capability of natural swarms. In this work, a weak ion-exchange based swarm is presented that can self-organize and reconfigure by chemical, light, and magnetic fields, showing living crystal, amorphous glass, liquid, chain, and wheel-like structures. By changing the frequency and strength of the rotating magnetic field, various well-controlled and fast transformations are obtained. Experiments show the high adaptability and functionality of the microrobot swarm in delivering drugs in confined spaces, such as narrow channels with turns or obstacles. The drug-carrying swarm exhibits excellent chemtherapy for Hela and CT26 cells due to the pH-enhanced drug release and locomotion. This reconfigurable microswarm provides a new platform for biomedical and environmental applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Feng
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Wenqi Shen
- Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Jiang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Thomas Palberg
- Institut für physics, Johannes Gutenberg-Universtät Mainz, Staudingerweg 7, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jinping Qu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing, School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China
| | - Ran Niu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, China
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9
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Wang Y, Chen H, Xie L, Liu J, Zhang L, Yu J. Swarm Autonomy: From Agent Functionalization to Machine Intelligence. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2312956. [PMID: 38653192 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Swarm behaviors are common in nature, where individual organisms collaborate via perception, communication, and adaptation. Emulating these dynamics, large groups of active agents can self-organize through localized interactions, giving rise to complex swarm behaviors, which exhibit potential for applications across various domains. This review presents a comprehensive summary and perspective of synthetic swarms, to bridge the gap between the microscale individual agents and potential applications of synthetic swarms. It is begun by examining active agents, the fundamental units of synthetic swarms, to understand the origins of their motility and functionality in the presence of external stimuli. Then inter-agent communications and agent-environment communications that contribute to the swarm generation are summarized. Furthermore, the swarm behaviors reported to date and the emergence of machine intelligence within these behaviors are reviewed. Eventually, the applications enabled by distinct synthetic swarms are summarized. By discussing the emergent machine intelligence in swarm behaviors, insights are offered into the design and deployment of autonomous synthetic swarms for real-world applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Wang
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Leiming Xie
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jiangfan Yu
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society, Shenzhen, 518172, China
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10
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Norikane Y, Ohnuma M, Kwaria D, Kikkawa Y, Ohzono T, Mizokuro T, Abe K, Manabe K, Saito K. Photo-controllable azobenzene microdroplets on an open surface and their application as transporters. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:1495-1501. [PMID: 38226904 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01774e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The control of droplet motion is a significant challenge, as there has been no simple method for effective manipulation. Utilizing light for the control of droplets offers a promising solution due to its non-contact nature and high degree of controllability. In this study, we present our findings on the translational motion of pre-photomelted droplets composed of azobenzene derivatives on a glass surface when exposed to UV and visible light sources from different directions. These droplets exhibited directional and continuous motion upon light irradiation and this motion was size-dependent. Only droplets with diameters less than 10 μm moved with a maximum velocity of 300 μm min-1. In addition, the direction of the movement was controllable by the direction of the light. The motion is driven by a change in contact angle, where UV or visible light switched the contact angle to approximately 50° or 35°, respectively. In addition, these droplets were also found to be capable carriers for fluorescent quantum dots. As such, droplets composed of photoresponsive molecules offer unique opportunities for designing novel light-driven open-surface microfluidic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuo Norikane
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8571, Japan
| | - Mio Ohnuma
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
| | - Dennis Kwaria
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
| | - Yoshihiro Kikkawa
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
| | - Takuya Ohzono
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
| | - Toshiko Mizokuro
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
| | - Koji Abe
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
| | - Kengo Manabe
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
| | - Koichiro Saito
- Research Institute for Advanced Electronics and Photonics, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8565, Japan.
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11
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Chen S, Prado-Morales C, Sánchez-deAlcázar D, Sánchez S. Enzymatic micro/nanomotors in biomedicine: from single motors to swarms. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:2711-2719. [PMID: 38239179 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02457a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors (MNMs) have evolved from single self-propelled entities to versatile systems capable of performing one or multiple biomedical tasks. When single MNMs self-assemble into coordinated swarms, either under external control or triggered by chemical reactions, they offer advantages that individual MNMs cannot achieve. These benefits include intelligent multitasking and adaptability to changes in the surrounding environment. Here, we provide our perspective on the evolution of MNMs, beginning with the development of enzymatic MNMs since the first theoretical model was proposed in 2005. These enzymatic MNMs hold immense promise in biomedicine due to their advantages in biocompatibility and fuel availability. Subsequently, we introduce the design and application of single motors in biomedicine, followed by the control of MNM swarms and their biomedical applications. In the end, we propose viable solutions for advancing the development of MNM swarms and anticipate valuable insights into the creation of more intelligent and controllable MNM swarms for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqin Chen
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Carles Prado-Morales
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Daniel Sánchez-deAlcázar
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 10-12, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Psg. Lluís Companys, 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
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12
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Huang Y, Wu C, Chen J, Tang J. Colloidal Self-Assembly: From Passive to Active Systems. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202313885. [PMID: 38059754 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202313885] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly fundamentally implies the organization of small sub-units into large structures or patterns without the intervention of specific local interactions. This process is commonly observed in nature, occurring at various scales ranging from atomic/molecular assembly to the formation of complex biological structures. Colloidal particles may serve as micrometer-scale surrogates for studying assembly, particularly for the poorly understood kinetic and dynamic processes at the atomic scale. Recent advances in colloidal self-assembly have enabled the programmable creation of novel materials with tailored properties. We here provide an overview and comparison of both passive and active colloidal self-assembly, with a discussion on the energy landscape and interactions governing both types. In the realm of passive colloidal assembly, many impressive and important structures have been realized, including colloidal molecules, one-dimensional chains, two-dimensional lattices, and three-dimensional crystals. In contrast, active colloidal self-assembly, driven by optical, electric, chemical, or other fields, involves more intricate dynamic processes, offering more flexibility and potential new applications. A comparative analysis underscores the critical distinctions between passive and active colloidal assemblies, highlighting the unique collective behaviors emerging in active systems. These behaviors encompass collective motion, motility-induced phase segregation, and exotic properties arising from out-of-equilibrium thermodynamics. Through this comparison, we aim to identify the future opportunities in active assembly research, which may suggest new application domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Huang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Changjin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jingyuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
| | - Jinyao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, China
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13
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Tan QW, Li D, Li LY, Wang ZL, Wang XL, Wang YZ, Song F. A Rule for Response Sensitivity of Structural-Color Photonic Colloids. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:9841-9850. [PMID: 37737087 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
To mimic natural photonic crystals having color regulation capacities dynamically responsive to the surrounding environment, periodic assembly structures have been widely constructed with response materials. Beyond monocomponent materials with stimulus responses, binary and multiphase systems generally offer extended color space and complex functionality. Constructing a rule for predicting response sensitivity can provide great benefits for the tailored design of intelligently responsive photonic materials. Here, we elucidate mathematical relationships between the response sensitivity of dynamically structural-color changes and the location distances of photonic co-phases in three-dimensional Hansen space that can empirically express the strength of their interaction forces, including dispersion force, polarity force, and hydrogen bonding. Such an empirical rule is proven to be applicable for some typical alcohols, acetone, and acetic acid regardless of their molecular structures, as verified by angle resolution spectroscopy, in situ infrared spectroscopy, and molecular simulation. The theoretical method we demonstrate provides rational access to custom-designed responsive structural coloration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang-Wu Tan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Dong Li
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Lin-Yue Li
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Zi-Li Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Xiu-Li Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Yu-Zhong Wang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Fei Song
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Eco-Friendly and Fire-Safety Polymeric Materials (MoE), National Engineering Laboratory of Eco-Friendly Polymeric Materials (Sichuan), State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
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14
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Feng K, Chen L, Zhang X, Gong J, Qu J, Niu R. Collective Behaviors of Isotropic Micromotors: From Assembly to Reconstruction and Motion Control under External Fields. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:2900. [PMID: 37947744 PMCID: PMC10650937 DOI: 10.3390/nano13212900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Swarms of self-propelled micromotors can mimic the processes of natural systems and construct artificial intelligent materials to perform complex collective behaviors. Compared to self-propelled Janus micromotors, the isotropic colloid motors, also called micromotors or microswimmers, have advantages in self-assembly to form micromotor swarms, which are efficient in resistance to external disturbance and the delivery of large quantity of cargos. In this minireview, we summarize the fundamental principles and interactions for the assembly of isotropic active particles to generate micromotor swarms. Recent discoveries based on either catalytic or external physical field-stimulated micromotor swarms are also presented. Then, the strategy for the reconstruction and motion control of micromotor swarms in complex environments, including narrow channels, maze, raised obstacles, and high steps/low gaps, is summarized. Finally, we outline the future directions of micromotor swarms and the remaining challenges and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Feng
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Xinle Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jiang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
| | - Jinping Qu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Ran Niu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Wuhan 430074, China; (K.F.); (L.C.); (X.Z.); (J.Q.)
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15
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Huang Y, Wu C, Dai J, Liu B, Cheng X, Li X, Cao Y, Chen J, Li Z, Tang J. Tunable Self-Thermophoretic Nanomotors with Polymeric Coating. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:19945-19952. [PMID: 37641545 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Thermophoretic micro/nanomotors (MNMs) generate self-propulsion without a chemical reaction. Intrinsically, this promises excellent biocompatibility and is thus suitable for biomedical applications. However, their propulsion efficiency is severely limited due to the poor understanding of the thermophoretic process, which dominates the conversion from thermal energy into mechanical movement. We here developed a series of self-thermophoresis light-powered MNMs with variable surface coatings and discovered obvious self-thermophoresis propulsion enhancement of the polymeric layer. An intrinsically negative self-thermophoretic movement is also observed for the first time in the MNM system. We propose that enthalpic contributions from polymer-solvent interactions should play a fundamental role in the self-thermophoretic MNMs. Quantitative microcalorimetry and molecular dynamics simulations are performed to support our hypothesis. The polymer solvation enthalpy and coating thickness influences on self-thermophoresis are investigated, further highlighting the essential enthalpy contributions to thermophoresis. Our work indicates that surface grafting would be important in designing high-efficiency thermally driven nanorobotic systems for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Huang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Changjin Wu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jia Dai
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Biyuan Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Yingnan Cao
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jingyuan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jinyao Tang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- State Key Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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16
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Fu Y, Wu Z, Zhan S, Yang J, Gardi G, Kishore V, Malgaretti P, Wang W. Entropy by Neighbor Distance as a New Measure for Characterizing Spatiotemporal Orders in Microscopic Collective Systems. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1503. [PMID: 37630039 PMCID: PMC10456758 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Collective systems self-organize to form globally ordered spatiotemporal patterns. Finding appropriate measures to characterize the order in these patterns will contribute to our understanding of the principles of self-organization in all collective systems. Here we examine a new measure based on the entropy of the neighbor distance distributions in the characterization of collective patterns. We study three types of systems: a simulated self-propelled boid system, two active colloidal systems, and one centimeter-scale robotic swarm system. In all these systems, the new measure proves sensitive in revealing active phase transitions and in distinguishing steady states. We envision that the entropy by neighbor distance could be useful for characterizing biological swarms such as bird flocks and for designing robotic swarms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Fu
- University of Michigan—Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zongyuan Wu
- University of Michigan—Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sirui Zhan
- University of Michigan—Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- College of Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jiacheng Yang
- The Academy for Engineering and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Gaurav Gardi
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Stuttgart, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Vimal Kishore
- Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Paolo Malgaretti
- Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (IEK-11), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Wendong Wang
- University of Michigan—Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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