A Drop of Active Matter

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework for the hydrodynamics of active matter droplets, revealing how active stresses influence wetting, spreading, and shape, with potential applications in biological and synthetic systems.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical model for active matter droplets, predicting altered wetting behavior and static shapes due to active stresses, extending understanding of active fluid dynamics.

Findings

Active stresses change wetting properties

New spreading laws for active droplets

Prediction of novel static droplet shapes

Abstract

We study theoretically the hydrodynamics of a fluid drop containing oriented filaments endowed with active contractile or extensile stresses and placed on a solid surface. The active stresses alter qualitatively the wetting properties of the drop, leading to new spreading laws and novel static drop shapes. Candidate systems for testing our predictions include cytoskeletal extracts with motors and ATP, suspensions of bacteria or pulsatile cells, or fluids laden with artificial self-propelled colloids.