An engineered coccolith-based hybrid that transforms light into swarming motion
Abstract
Summary. Translating energy into swarming motion for miniature entities remains a challenge. This translation requires simultaneously breaking the symmetry of the system to enable locomotion and a coupling effect between the objects that are part of the population to induce the collective motion. Here, we report on Robocoliths, engineered Emiliania huxleyi (EHUX) coccolith-based miniature hybrid entities capable of swarming behavior. EHUX coccoliths are characterized by an asymmetric morphology that allows breaking symmetry, playing a central role in generating a net force and directed motion. Their activation with the bioinspired material polydopamine not only endows the asymmetric coccoliths with advanced functionalities, such as thermal- and energy-harvesting responsiveness under visible light exposure to display a collective behavior (i.e., swarming), but it also provides a functional surface from which antifouling polymer brushes are grown. In this context, Robocoliths pave the way for the next generation of multifunctional swarming bio-micromachines.
- Publication:
-
Cell Reports Physical Science
- Pub Date:
- March 2021
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100373
- Bibcode:
- 2021CRPS....200373L
- Keywords:
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- Robocoliths;
- coccolith;
- polydopamine;
- polydopamine-coccolith hybrids;
- light-driven;
- temperature-generating;
- swarming micro-objects;
- antifouling polymer brushes