Scientific Achievement
Researchers in the Structured Liquids program developed a reconfigurable nanoparticle-surfactant membrane that, driven by encapsulated active nanoparticle, evolved in shape, reminiscent of living cells.
Significance and Impact
A new class of biomimetic, reconfigurable, and responsive materials was produced that paves the way for autonomous synthetic machines and neuromorphic systems.
Research Details
- Spherical Ni active particles were encapsulated in a water droplet ladened with nanoparticle surfactants (NPSs) with exceptionally low interfacial tension
- In a uniform magnetic field, active Ni particles rolled randomly, striking the droplets walls causing shape fluctuations that are locked-in by the interfacial jamming of the NPSs
- Droplet shape evolved producing tendrils, similar to that seen in living cells
Publication Details
P.Y. Kim, S. Zhu, J. Forth, G. Xie, D.A. King, B.A. Helms, P.D. Ashby, A.K. Omar, T.P. Russell, Advanced Materials (2025).
Work was performed in the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and Molecular Foundry.
