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arXiv · 1809.06254

Spontaneous assembly of colloidal vesicles driven by active swimmers

Luca Angelani
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Abstract

We explore the self-assembly process of colloidal structures immersed in active baths. By considering low-valence particles we numerically investigate the irreversible aggregation dynamics originated by the presence of run-and-tumble swimmers. We observe the formation of long closed chains -- vesicles -- densely filled by active swimmers. On the one hand the active bath drives the self-assembly of closed colloidal structures, and on the other hand the vesicles formation fosters the self-trapping of swimmers, suggesting new ways both to build structured nanomaterials and to trap microorganisms.

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Luca Angelani. 2018-09-17. Spontaneous assembly of colloidal vesicles driven by active swimmers. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-648x/aaf516

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