Dynamic Pattern Formation of Active Matters Triggered by Mechanical Stimuli

Abstract

In vitro gliding assay of the filamentous protein microtubule (MT) on a kinesin motor protein coated surface has appeared as a classic platform for studying active matters. At high densities, the gliding MTs spontaneously align and self-organize into fascinating large-scale patterns. Application of mechanical stimuli e.g., stretching stimuli to the MTs gliding on a kinesin-coated surface can modulate their self-organization and patterns according to the boundary conditions. Depending on the mode of stretching, MT at high densities change their moving direction and exhibit various kinds of patterns such as stream, zigzag and vortex pattern. In this chapter, we discuss detail procedures on how to apply mechanical stimuli to the moving MTs on a kinesin coated substrate.

Keywords: Active matter; Compression; Deformation; Elastomer; Mechanical stimuli; Microtubule; Self-organization; Substrates.