Modular approach to microswimming

TL;DR

This review discusses the recent advances in modular microswimmers, artificial self-propelling systems composed of functional components, highlighting mechanisms, control strategies, challenges, and future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of the modular approach to microswimming, including prototypes, mechanisms, and control methods, summarizing recent developments in the field.

Findings

Identification of bound and dynamic prototypes of modular microswimmers.

Mechanisms for directed motion and control of speed.

Discussion of challenges and future research directions.

Abstract

The field of active matter in general and microswimming in particular has experienced a rapid and ongoing expansion over the last decade. A particular interesting aspect is provided by artificial autonomous microswimmers constructed from individual active and inactive functional components into self-propelling complexes. Such modular microswimmers may exhibit directed motion not seen for each individual component. In this review, we focus on the establishment and recent developments in the modular approach to microswimming. We introduce the bound and dynamic prototypes, show mechanisms and types of modular swimming and discuss approaches to control the direction and speed of modular microswimmers. We conclude by highlighting some challenges faced by researchers as well as promising directions for future research in the realm of modular swimming.