arXiv subjects

Soumyadeep Mondal

Publications and source records attributed to Soumyadeep Mondal.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Symmetry-protected phases in a 1D active solid with mechanochemical feedback

We present a framework for mechanochemical self-organization in active solids where elasticity is reciprocally coupled to Hopf oscillators. Our model reveals a rich landscape of symmetry-protected phases, identified through amplitude equations and group-theoretic analysis. We uncover a universal transition to compression-driven oscillation death (COD), providing a physical basis for localized signaling dampening in biological tissues that resolves inconsistencies in previous models. Our work demonstrates that complex self-organization in active solids can be classified purely through symmetry arguments.

cond-mat.soft↗

arXiv2026

Glassy dynamics in active epithelia emerge from an interplay of mechanochemical feedback and crowding

Glassy dynamics in active biological cells remain a subject of debate, as cellular activity rarely slows enough for true glassy features to emerge. In this study, we address this paradox of glassy dynamics in epithelial cells by integrating experimental observations with an active vertex model. We demonstrate that while crowding is essential, it is not sufficient for glassy dynamics to emerge. A mechanochemical feedback loop (MCFL), mediated by cell shape changes through the contractile actomyosin network, is required to drive glass transition in dense epithelial tissues, as revealed via a crosstalk between actin-based cell clustering and dynamic heterogeneity in experiments. Incorporating MCFL into the vertex model reveals contrasting results from those previously predicted by theories -- we show that the MCFL can counteract cell division-induced fluidisation and enable glassy dynamics to emerge through active cell-to-cell communication. Furthermore, our analysis reveals, for the first time, the existence of novel collective mechanochemical oscillations that arise from the crosstalk of two MCFLs. Together, we demonstrate that an interplay between crowding and active mechanochemical feedback enables the emergence of glass-like traits and collective biochemical oscillations in epithelial tissues with active cell-cell contacts.

physics.bio-ph↗

arXiv2023

Coarsening of topological defects in 2D polar active matter

We numerically study the coarsening of topological defects in 2D polar active matter and make several interesting observations and predictions. (i) The long time state is characterized by nonzero density of defects, in stark contrast to theoretical expectations. (ii) The kinetics of defect coarsening shows power law decay to steady state, as opposed to exponential decay in thermal equilibrium. (iii) Observations (i) and (ii) together suggest emergent screening of topological charges due to activity. (iv) Nontrivial defect coarsening in the active model leads to nontrivial steady state patterns. We investigate, characterize, and validate these patterns and discuss their biological significance.

cond-mat.soft↗