Probing and Leveraging the Collective Effects of Flexible Biomimetic Microswimmers

• Applicant: Joseph Tavacoli Khalkhali, Ph.D.
• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics ; Biophysics ; Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 469165435

This proposal aims to fabricate and study populations of custom-made flexible biomimetic magnetic microswimmers and leverage them for application. The swimmers will consist of a magnetic particle ‘body’ and a DNA origami ‘flagellum’ with both of these structural elements being prepared to order. Because both architectures contribute to hydrodynamic interactions, their controlled production, tallied with systematic changes in swimmer density, will allow a connection of these design features to the nature of collective swimming. This connection will yield a deeper understanding of the universality of cooperative effects at the micron scale, new insights into the interplay of hydrodynamic and magnetic forces between microswimmers and how these can be leveraged for application.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professor Dr. Tim Liedl