Topological Stabilization and Dynamics of Self-propelling Nematic Shells

TL;DR

This paper introduces a method to stabilize self-propelling liquid shells using nematic topological constraints, enabling controlled motion and preventing rupture through anisotropic elasticity and symmetry-breaking mechanisms.

Contribution

The study demonstrates how topological and chemical factors can be harnessed to stabilize and control the dynamics of self-propelling liquid shells, a novel approach in soft matter physics.

Findings

Nematic topological constraints stabilize liquid shells against rupture.

Anisotropic elasticity counteracts viscous destabilization during propulsion.

Identified symmetry-breaking mechanisms driving shell meandering behavior.

Abstract

Liquid shells (e.g. double emulsions, vesicles etc.) are susceptible to interfacial instability and rupturing when driven out of mechanical equilibrium. This poses a significant challenge for the design of liquid shell based micro-machines, where the goal is to maintain stability and dynamical control in combination with motility. Here we present our solution to this problem with controllable self-propelling liquid shells, which we have stabilized using the soft topological constraints imposed by a nematogen oil. We demonstrate, through experiments and simulations, that anisotropic elasticity can counterbalance the destabilizing effect of viscous drag induced by shell motility, and inhibit rupturing. We analyze their propulsion dynamics, and identify a peculiar meandering behavior driven by a combination of topological and chemical spontaneously broken symmetries. Based on our understanding of these symmetry breaking mechanisms, we provide routes to control shell motion via topology, chemical signaling and hydrodynamic interactions.