1
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Ubertini MA, Locatelli E, Rosa A. Universal Time and Length Scales of Polar Active Polymer Melts. ACS Macro Lett 2024:1204-1210. [PMID: 39213658 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.4c00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
We present an in-depth multiscale analysis of the conformations and dynamics of polar active polymers, comparing very dilute and very dense conditions. We unveil characteristic length and time scales, common to both dilute and dense systems, that recapitulate the conformational and dynamical properties of these active polymers upon varying both the polymer size and the strength of the activity. Specifically, we find that a correlation (or looping) length characterizes the polymer conformations and the monomer dynamics. Instead, the dynamics of the center of mass can be fully characterized by the end-to-end mean-square distance and by the associated relaxation time. As such, we show that the dynamics of individual chains in melts of polar active polymers is not controlled by entanglements, but only by the strength of the self-propulsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Alberto Ubertini
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Locatelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Rosa
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati (SISSA), Via Bonomea 265, 34136 Trieste, Italy
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2
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Dhand AP, Davidson MD, Zlotnick HM, Kolibaba TJ, Killgore JP, Burdick JA. Additive manufacturing of highly entangled polymer networks. Science 2024; 385:566-572. [PMID: 39088628 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn6925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Incorporation of polymer chain entanglements within a single network can synergistically improve stiffness and toughness, yet attaining such dense entanglements through vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing [e.g., digital light processing (DLP)] remains elusive. We report a facile strategy that combines light and dark polymerization to allow constituent polymer chains to densely entangle as they form within printed structures. This generalizable approach reaches high monomer conversion at room temperature without the need for additional stimuli, such as light or heat after printing, and enables additive manufacturing of highly entangled hydrogels and elastomers that exhibit fourfold- to sevenfold-higher extension energies in comparison to that of traditional DLP. We used this method to print high-resolution and multimaterial structures with features such as spatially programmed adhesion to wet tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek P Dhand
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew D Davidson
- BioFrontiers Institute & Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Hannah M Zlotnick
- BioFrontiers Institute & Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Thomas J Kolibaba
- Applied Chemicals and Materials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Jason P Killgore
- Applied Chemicals and Materials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO 80305, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute & Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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3
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Ming L, Wu H, Fan Q, Dong Z, Huang J, Xiao Z, Xiao N, Huang H, Liu H, Li Z. Bio-inspired drug delivery systems: A new attempt from bioinspiration to biomedical applications. Int J Pharm 2024; 658:124221. [PMID: 38750980 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124221] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural organisms have evolved sophisticated and multiscale hierarchical structures over time to enable survival. Currently, bionic design is revolutionizing drug delivery systems (DDS), drawing inspiration from the structure and properties of natural organisms that offer new possibilities to overcome the challenges of traditional drug delivery systems. Bionic drug delivery has contributed to a significant improvement in therapeutic outcomes, providing personalized regimens for patients with various diseases and enhancing both their quality of life and drug efficacy. Therefore, it is important to summarize the progress made so far and to discuss the challenges and opportunities for future development. Herein, we review the recent advances in bio-inspired materials, bio-inspired drug vehicles, and drug-loading platforms of biomimetic structures and properties, emphasizing the importance of adapting the structure and function of organisms to meet the needs of drug delivery systems. Finally, we highlight the delivery strategies of bionics in DDS to provide new perspectives and insights into the research and exploration of bionics in DDS. Hopefully, this review will provide future insights into utilizing biologically active vehicles, bio-structures, and bio-functions, leading to better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangshan Ming
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Hailian Wu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Qimeng Fan
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Zishu Dong
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Jia Huang
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Zijian Xiao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Nan Xiao
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Hao Huang
- National Engineering Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine-Hakka Medical Resources Branch, College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical, University, Jiangxi, Ganzhou 341000, China.
| | - Hongning Liu
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China.
| | - Zhe Li
- Institute for Advanced Study, Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi, Nanchang 330004, China.
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4
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Tuazon H, David S, Ma K, Bhamla MS. Leeches Predate on Fast-Escaping and Entangling Blackworms by Spiral Entombment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594257. [PMID: 38798328 PMCID: PMC11118295 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
We investigate how the Helobdella spp. freshwater leeches capture and consume Lumbriculus variegatus blackworms despite the blackworm's ultrafast helical swimming escape reflex and ability to form large tangled 'blobs'. We describe our discovery of a unique spiral 'entombment' strategy used by these leeches to overcome the blackworms' active and collective defenses. Unlike their approach to less reactive and solitary prey like mollusks, where leeches simply attach and suck, Helobdella leeches employ this spiral entombment strategy specifically adapted for blackworms. Our findings highlight the complex interactions between predator and prey in freshwater ecosystems, providing insights into ecological adaptability and predator-prey dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Tuazon
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Samuel David
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Kenneth Ma
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - M. Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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5
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Miranda JP, Locatelli E, Valeriani C. Self-Organized States from Solutions of Active Ring Polymers in Bulk and under Confinement. J Chem Theory Comput 2024; 20:1636-1645. [PMID: 38153343 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.3c00818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
In the present work, we study, by means of numerical simulations, the structural and dynamical behavior of a suspension of active ring polymers in bulk and under lateral confinement. At high activity, when changing the distance between the confining planes and the polymers' density, we identify the emergence of a self-organized dynamical state, characterized by the coexistence of slowly diffusing clusters of rotating disks and faster rings moving in between them. We further assess that self-organization is robust in a range of polymer sizes, and we identify a critical value of the activity, necessary to trigger cluster formation. This system has distinctive features resembling at the same time polymers, liquid crystals, and active systems, where the interplay between activity, topology, and confinement leads to a spontaneous segregation in an initially one-component solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pablo Miranda
- Dep. Est. de la Materia, Física Térmica y Electrónica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- GISC - Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Emanuele Locatelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Padova, via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Chantal Valeriani
- Dep. Est. de la Materia, Física Térmica y Electrónica, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- GISC - Grupo Interdisciplinar de Sistemas Complejos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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6
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Vatin M, Kundu S, Locatelli E. Conformation and dynamics of partially active linear polymers. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1892-1904. [PMID: 38323323 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01162c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
We perform numerical simulations of isolated, partially active polymers, driven out-of-equilibrium by a fraction of their monomers. We show that, if the active beads are all gathered in a contiguous block, the position of the section along the chain determines the conformational and dynamical properties of the system. Notably, one can modulate the diffusion coefficient of the polymer from active-like to passive-like just by changing the position of the active block. Further, we show that a slight modification of the self-propulsion rule may give rise to an enhancement of diffusion under certain conditions, despite a decrease of the overall polymer activity. Our findings may help in the modelisation of active biophysical systems, such as filamentous bacteria or worms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marin Vatin
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy.
- INFN, Sezione di Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Sumanta Kundu
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy.
- INFN, Sezione di Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuele Locatelli
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy.
- INFN, Sezione di Padova, Via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova, Italy
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7
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Chopin J, Biswas A, Kudrolli A. Energetics of twisted elastic filament pairs. Phys Rev E 2024; 109:025003. [PMID: 38491703 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.109.025003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
We investigate the elastic energy stored in a filament pair as a function of applied twist by measuring torque under prescribed end-to-end separation conditions. We show that the torque increases rapidly to a peak with applied twist when the filaments are initially separate, then decreases to a minimum as the filaments cross and come into contact. The torque then increases again while the filaments form a double helix with increasing twist. A nonlinear elasto-geometric model that combines the effect of geometrical nonlinearities with large stretching and self-twist is shown to capture the evolution of the helical geometry, torque profile, and stored energy with twist. We find that a large fraction of the total energy is stored in stretching the filaments, which increases with separation distance and applied tension. We find that only a small fraction of energy is stored in the form of bending energy, and that the contribution due to contact energy is negligible. Further, we provide analytical formulas for the torque observed as a function of the applied twist and the inverse relation of the observed angle for a given applied torque in the Hookean limit. Our study highlights the consequences of stretchablility on filament twisting, which is a fundamental topological transformation relevant to making ropes, tying shoelaces, actuating robots, and the physical properties of entangled polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Chopin
- Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador-BA 40170-115, Brazil
| | - Animesh Biswas
- Department of Physics, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts 01610, USA
| | - Arshad Kudrolli
- Department of Physics, Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts 01610, USA
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8
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Abdelrahman MK, Wagner RJ, Kalairaj MS, Zadan M, Kim MH, Jang LK, Wang S, Javed M, Dana A, Singh KA, Hargett SE, Gaharwar AK, Majidi C, Vernerey FJ, Ware TH. Material assembly from collective action of shape-changing polymers. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:281-289. [PMID: 38177377 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Some animals form transient, responsive and solid-like ensembles through dynamic structural interactions. These ensembles demonstrate emergent responses such as spontaneous self-assembly, which are difficult to achieve in synthetic soft matter. Here we use shape-morphing units comprising responsive polymers to create solids that self-assemble, modulate their volume and disassemble on demand. The ensemble is composed of a responsive hydrogel, liquid crystal elastomer or semicrystalline polymer ribbons that reversibly bend or twist. The dispersions of these ribbons mechanically interlock, inducing reversible aggregation. The aggregated liquid crystal elastomer ribbons have a 12-fold increase in the yield stress compared with cooled dispersion and contract by 34% on heating. Ribbon type, concentration and shape dictate the aggregation and govern the global mechanical properties of the solid that forms. Coating liquid crystal elastomer ribbons with a liquid metal begets photoresponsive and electrically conductive aggregates, whereas seeding cells on hydrogel ribbons enables self-assembling three-dimensional scaffolds, providing a versatile platform for the design of dynamic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa K Abdelrahman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Wagner
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Mason Zadan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Min Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lindy K Jang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Suitu Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mahjabeen Javed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Asaf Dana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kanwar Abhay Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sarah E Hargett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Akhilesh K Gaharwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Franck J Vernerey
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Taylor H Ware
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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9
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Rudyak VY, Lopushenko A, Palyulin VV, Chertovich AV. Long-range ordering of velocity-aligned active polymers. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:044905. [PMID: 38275191 DOI: 10.1063/5.0181252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In this work, we study the effect of covalent bonding on the behavior of non-equilibrium systems with the active force acting on particles along their velocity. Self-ordering of single particles does not occur in this model. However, starting from some critical polymerization degree, the ordered state is observed. It is homogeneous and exhibits no phase separation. In the ordered state, the chains prefer a near-two-dimensional configuration and all move in one direction. Importantly, the self-ordering is obtained only at intermediate active force magnitudes. At high magnitudes, the transition from the disordered to ordered state is suppressed by the swelling of the chains during the transition, as we show by the transition kinetics analysis. We demonstrate the bistable behavior of the system in a particular range of polymerization degrees, amplitudes of active force, densities, and thermostat temperatures. Overall, we show that covalent bonding greatly aids the self-ordering in this active particle model, in contrast to active Brownian particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Yu Rudyak
- Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Kosygina, 4, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Lopushenko
- Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Kosygina, 4, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir V Palyulin
- Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Bolshoy Boulevard 30, 121205 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V Chertovich
- Semenov Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Kosygina, 4, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia
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10
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Tuazon H, Nguyen C, Kaufman E, Tiwari I, Bermudez J, Chudasama D, Peleg O, Bhamla MS. Collecting-Gathering Biophysics of the Blackworm Lumbriculus variegatus. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:1474-1484. [PMID: 37370237 PMCID: PMC10755170 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Many organisms exhibit collecting and gathering behaviors as a foraging and survival method. Benthic macroinvertebrates are classified as collector-gatherers due to their collection of particulate matter. Among these, the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (California blackworms) demonstrates the ability to ingest both organic and inorganic materials, including microplastics. However, earlier studies have only qualitatively described their collecting behaviors for such materials. The mechanism by which blackworms consolidate discrete particles into a larger clump remains unexplored quantitatively. In this study, we analyze a group of blackworms in a large arena with an aqueous algae solution (organic particles) and find that their relative collecting efficiency is proportional to population size. We found that doubling the population size (N = 25-N = 50) results in a decrease in time to reach consolidation by more than half. Microscopic examination of individual blackworms reveals that both algae and microplastics physically adhere to the worm's body and form clumps due to external mucus secretions by the worms. Our observations also indicate that this clumping behavior reduces the worm's exploration of its environment, possibly due to thigmotaxis. To validate these observed biophysical mechanisms, we create an active polymer model of a worm moving in a field of particulate debris. We simulate its adhesive nature by implementing a short-range attraction between the worm and the nearest surrounding particles. Our findings indicate an increase in gathering efficiency when we add an attractive force between particles, simulating the worm's mucosal secretions. Our work provides a detailed understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying the collecting-gathering behavior in L. variegatus, informing the design of bioinspired synthetic collector systems, and advances our understanding of the ecological impacts of microplastics on benthic invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Tuazon
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Chantal Nguyen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Emily Kaufman
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Ishant Tiwari
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Jessica Bermudez
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Darshan Chudasama
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Orit Peleg
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM 87501, USA
| | - M Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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11
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Deblais A, Prathyusha KR, Sinaasappel R, Tuazon H, Tiwari I, Patil VP, Bhamla MS. Worm blobs as entangled living polymers: from topological active matter to flexible soft robot collectives. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7057-7069. [PMID: 37706563 PMCID: PMC10523214 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00542a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the study of long, slender living worms has gained attention due to their unique ability to form highly entangled physical structures, exhibiting emergent behaviors. These organisms can assemble into an active three-dimensional soft entity referred to as the "blob", which exhibits both solid-like and liquid-like properties. This blob can respond to external stimuli such as light, to move or change shape. In this perspective article, we acknowledge the extensive and rich history of polymer physics, while illustrating how these living worms provide a fascinating experimental platform for investigating the physics of active, polymer-like entities. The combination of activity, long aspect ratio, and entanglement in these worms gives rise to a diverse range of emergent behaviors. By understanding the intricate dynamics of the worm blob, we could potentially stimulate further research into the behavior of entangled active polymers, and guide the advancement of synthetic topological active matter and bioinspired tangling soft robot collectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Deblais
- van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - K R Prathyusha
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Rosa Sinaasappel
- van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Harry Tuazon
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Ishant Tiwari
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Vishal P Patil
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - M Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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12
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Tuazon H, Nguyen C, Kaufman E, Tiwari I, Bermudez J, Chudasama D, Peleg O, Bhamla MS. Collecting-Gathering Biophysics of the Blackworm L. variegatus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.28.538726. [PMID: 37162967 PMCID: PMC10168430 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.28.538726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Many organisms exhibit collecting and gathering behaviors as a foraging and survival method. Certain benthic macroinvertebrates are classified as collector-gatherers due to their collection of particulate matter as a food source, such as the aquatic oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (California blackworms). Blackworms demonstrate the ability to ingest organic and inorganic materials, including microplastics, but previous work has only qualitatively described their possible collecting behaviors for such materials. The mechanism through which blackworms consolidate discrete particles into a larger clumps remains unexplored quantitatively. By analyzing a group of blackworms in a large arena with an aqueous algae solution, we discover that their relative collecting efficiency is proportional to population size. Examining individual blackworms under a microscope reveals that both algae and microplastics physically adhere to the worm's body due to external mucus secretions, which cause the materials to clump around the worm. We observe that this clumping reduces the worm's exploration of its environment, potentially due to thigmotaxis. To validate the observed biophysical mechanisms, we create an active polymer model of a worm moving in a field of particulate debris with a short-range attractive force on its body to simulate its adhesive nature. We find that the attractive force increases gathering efficiency. This study offers insights into the mechanisms of collecting-gathering behavior, informing the design of robotic systems, as well as advancing our understanding the ecological impacts of microplastics on benthic invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Tuazon
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Chantal Nguyen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Georgia, United States
| | - Emily Kaufman
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ishant Tiwari
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Jessica Bermudez
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Darshan Chudasama
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Orit Peleg
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Georgia, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
| | - M. Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
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13
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Panagiotou E. Following the entangled state of filaments. Science 2023; 380:340-341. [PMID: 37104575 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh4055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
California blackworms serve as a template for the topological design of active matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Panagiotou
- School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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