Activity induced dynamic wetting

We combine equilibrium liquid-liquid phase separation with a microtubule-based active fluid. The microtubules strongly partition into one of the two phases where they generate autonomous flows. The interaction between the autonomous flows and the soft and deformable interfaces generates diverse structures that are not accessible in conventional equilibrium systems. Extensile forces generated by microtubule bundles control the wetting angle of the interface. We explore active wetting in different dimensionalities and geometries. In bulk phase separation geometry, active phase climbs along the confining walls working against gravitational forces. For active droplets on flat substrate, we relate the active wetting to the structure of the confined active fluid. Active wetting can generate controllable directional movements, thus opening a route for out-of-equilibrium soft materials with life-like functionalities.