Dipolar Extensile Dynamics in Microtubule-Based 2D Active Nematics

ORAL

Abstract

Theories describe 2D active nematics in terms of liquid crystals, hydrodynamics and chaotic fluids. However, the experimental system is inherently hierarchical and connecting the microscopic forces to the macroscopic flows remains an open challenge. Using an in vitro 2D active nematic composed of microtubules and kinesin motors, we probe the microscopic dynamics under varying active stresses. We find that locally, flows are dipolar extensile whose strain rate can be tuned by ATP concentration. Additionally, we uncover a velocity distribution of microtubules along the director which indicates the importance of many body interactions in bridging the length scales of the system.

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Presenters

  • Linnea Lemma

    Physics, Brandeis, University of California Santa Barbara, Physics Department, Brandeis University

Authors

  • Linnea Lemma

    Physics, Brandeis, University of California Santa Barbara, Physics Department, Brandeis University

  • Zvonimir Dogic

    Physics, UC Santa Barbara, University of California Santa Barbara, University of California, Santa Barbara, Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Physics Department, University of Caifornia Santa Barbara, Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara