Anomalous dynamics of an elastic membrane in an active fluid

TL;DR

This study uses numerical simulations to explore how elastic membranes behave in active fluids, revealing complex folding dynamics influenced by membrane flexibility and active particle propulsion.

Contribution

It demonstrates the interplay between membrane elasticity and active particle activity in determining membrane conformations, providing insights into micro-scale mechanical work.

Findings

Flexible membranes tend to collapse into multi-folded states.

Stiff membranes oscillate between extended and singly folded states.

Active particle motion can be exploited for micro-scale mechanical work.

Abstract

Using numerical simulations, we characterized the behavior of an elastic membrane immersed in an active fluid. Our findings reveal a nontrivial folding and re-expansion of the membrane that is controlled by the interplay of its resistance to bending and the self-propulsion strength of the active components in solution. We show how flexible membranes tend to collapse into multi-folded states, whereas stiff membranes oscillates between an extended configuration and a singly folded state. This study provides a simple example of how to exploit the random motion of active particles to perform mechanical work at the micro-scale.