Super-Gaussian, super-diffusive transport of multi-mode active matter

TL;DR

This paper introduces an exactly solvable model explaining super-Gaussian, super-diffusive transport in multi-mode active matter, linking cellular decision-making to anomalous transport behaviors observed experimentally.

Contribution

It presents a novel, exactly solvable theoretical model for multi-mode active matter, capturing the stochastic switching between passive and active states and their impact on transport dynamics.

Findings

Reversible mode switching causes super-Gaussian transport.

Model explains experimentally observed anomalous diffusion.

Generalized model includes complex internal chemical dynamics.

Abstract

Living cells exhibit multi-mode transport that switches between an active, self-propelled motion and a seemingly passive, random motion. Cellular decision-making over transport mode switching is a stochastic process that depends on the dynamics of the intracellular chemical network regulating the cell migration process. Here, we propose a theory and an exactly solvable model of multi-mode active matter. Our exact model study shows that the reversible transition between a passive mode and an active mode is the origin of the anomalous, super-Gaussian transport dynamics, which has been observed in various experiments for multi-mode active matter. We also present the generalization of our model to encompass complex multi-mode matter with arbitrary internal state chemical dynamics and internal state dependent transport dynamics.