Nucleation and shape dynamics of model nematic tactoids around adhesive colloids

TL;DR

This paper investigates how equilibrium interactions with model colloids can induce nucleation, shape changes, and division in nematic tactoid droplets, mimicking biological reorganization processes.

Contribution

It introduces a combined simulation and phenomenological approach to understand tactoid reorganization driven by colloid interactions under equilibrium conditions.

Findings

Colloid interactions can stabilize tactoid reorganization.

Nucleation and shape dynamics are controllable via colloid properties.

Equilibrium conditions can mimic biological tactoid division.

Abstract

Recent experiments have shown how nematically-ordered tactoid shaped actin droplets can be reorganized and divided by the action of myosin molecular motors. In this paper, we consider how similar morphological changes can potentially be achieved under equilibrium conditions. Using simulations, both atomistic and continuum, and a phenomenological model, we explore how the nucleation dynamics, shape changes, and the final steady state of a nematic tactoid droplet can be modified by interactions with model adhesive colloids that mimic a myosin motor cluster. Our results provide a prescription for the minimal conditions required to stabilize tactoid reorganization and division in an equilibrium colloidal-nematic setting.