SynthAct3D: Pioneering 3D Real-Space Studies of Synthetic Active Matter

Projektbeschreibung

Synthetische aktive Materie in 3D formen

Die autonome Bewegung von Mikroorganismen in Fluiden ist ein Schlüsselmerkmal der aktiven Materie, die wiederum ein zentrales Konzept der Physik der weichen Materie bildet. Während mikrometerkleine synthetische selbstangetriebene Partikel zwar interne Energie in gerichtete Bewegung umwandeln können, sind aber die meisten experimentellen Systeme nicht geeignet, um kollektives Verhalten wie Schwärmen und aktive Turbulenz im dreidimensionalen (3D) Raum zu erforschen, da sie normalerweise auf zweidimensionale (2D) Systeme beschränkt sind. Die Arbeit des ERC-finanzierten Projekts SynthAct3D zielt darauf ab, die Forschung im Bereich der synthetischen aktiven Materie voranzutreiben, wobei von 2D-Experimenten zu innovativen 3D-Materialien mit lebensähnlichen Funktionalitäten übergegangen wird. Es werden Kernmechanismen untersucht, wobei im Mittelpunkt steht, wie Dimensionalität und Partikelform die hierarchische Selbstorganisation steuern, und die Auswirkungen von Antrieb und mikroskopischer Dynamik auf das Verhalten selbstangetriebener Partikel im 3D-Raum geklärt wird.

Ziel

Autonomous motion and adaptability of microorganisms in fluids are hallmark features of living systems, fueling the emergence of active matter within the realm of soft matter physics. Notably, micron-sized synthetic self-propelled particles (SPPs) have emerged as a distinct class within this domain due to their unique ability to convert internal energy into directed motion, making them ideal models for studying inherently out-of-equilibrium systems. However, a significant challenge persists: the majority of existing synthetic SPPs are ill-suited for probing the governing principles of emergent collective behaviors observed in living systems, such as swarming, active turbulence, and living clusters, particularly in 3D real space.

The ultimate aim of SynthAct3D is to pioneer a paradigm shift, transitioning synthetic active matter from the familiar territory of 2D experiments towards the uncharted terrain of 3D materials with advanced functionalities.
This fundamentally driven, experiment-centric proposal seeks to unravel the core mechanisms behind emergent phenomena observed in living systems, employing entirely synthetic units.

SynthAct3D focuses on two complementary goals, anchored in a novel experimental framework that combines innovative SPP designs, rigorous characterization, and high-speed confocal imaging:
I. Phase behavior
a. Investigate the influences of dimensionality (2D Vs 3D) and particle shape on the emergence of self-organization, both structurally and dynamically.
b. Elucidate the role of particle propulsion and the microscopic nonequilibrium dynamics in dictating the macroscopic behavior of SPPs in 3D.
II. Active materials
a. Design reconfigurable 3D active materials (e.g. shape-shifting, and glasses)

This research is expected to yield unprecedented insights into internally powered systems in 3D, paving the way for a new class of internally driven materials with applications in reconfigurable soft materials.