Active chiral processes in thin films

Abstract

We develop a generic description of thin active films that captures key features of flow and rotation patterns emerging from the activity of chiral motors which introduce torque dipoles. We highlight the role of the spin rotation field and show that fluid flows can occur in two ways: by coupling of the spin rotation rate to the velocity field via a surface or by spatial gradients of the spin rotation rate. We discuss our results in the context of patches of bacteria on solid surfaces and groups of rotating cilia. Our theory could apply to active chiral processes in the cell cytoskeleton and in epithelia.

Sebastian Fürthauer

Principal Investigator, WWTF VRG Young Investigator

Researching the Physics of life.