Active Filaments on Curved Surfaces: From Single Filaments to Dilute Suspensions

TL;DR

This study uses large-scale simulations to explore how curvature influences the behavior and organization of active semiflexible filaments on curved surfaces, revealing effects like geodesic alignment and curvature trapping.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the interplay between surface curvature and active filament dynamics, highlighting mechanisms like curvature lensing and localization.

Findings

Negative Gaussian curvature localizes filaments

Curvature affects global surface exploration

Surface geometry controls active matter organization

Abstract

Curvature plays a central organizational role in active polymer dynamics. Using large-scale Langevin-dynamics simulations, we study active semiflexible filaments confined to smooth curved surfaces and map how curvature, bending rigidity, and activity interact. We find geodesic alignment, curvature lensing, and curvature-induced trapping. In particular, regions of negative Gaussian curvature localize filaments and hinder global surface exploration. These results show how surface geometry can be used to control the organization and transport of active matter on curved substrates