An engineered coccolith-based hybrid that transforms light into swarming motion

Cell Reports Physical Science, vol. 2, pp. 100373

Abstract

Translating energy into swarming motion for miniature entities remains a challenge. This translation requires simultaneously breaking the symmetry of the system to enable locomotion and a coupling effect between the objects that are part of the population to induce the collective motion. Here, we report on Robocoliths, engineered Emiliania huxleyi (EHUX) coccolith-based miniature hybrid entities capable of swarming behavior. EHUX coccoliths are characterized by an asymmetric morphology that allows breaking symmetry, playing a central role in generating a net force and directed motion. Their activation with the bioinspired material polydopamine not only endows the asymmetric coccoliths with advanced functionalities, such as thermal- and energy-harvesting responsiveness under visible light exposure to display a collective behavior (i.e., swarming), but it also provides a functional surface from which antifouling polymer brushes are grown. In this context, Robocoliths pave the way for the next generation of multifunctional swarming bio-micromachines.

Authors 7

1. Mihai Lomora corresponding

   Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway

   Affiliation as printed

   CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland

   School of Chemistry, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland

2. Aitor Larrañaga

   University of the Basque Country · Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway · Polymat

   Affiliation as printed

   CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland

   Department of Mining-Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, Faculty of Engineering Bilbao, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain

3. César Rodriguez‐Emmenegger Aachen DWI - Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry

   DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials · RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials and Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52074 Aachen, Germany

4. Brian J. Rodriguez

   University College Dublin

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Physics and Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland

5. Ionel Adrian Dinu

   University of Basel · Institutul de Chimie Macromoleculară Petru Poni

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, 4058 Basel, Switzerland

   Department of Functional Polymers, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania

   Department of Functional Polymers, "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania

6. José-Ramon Sarasua

   University of the Basque Country · Polymat

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Mining-Metallurgy Engineering and Materials Science, POLYMAT, Faculty of Engineering Bilbao, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Plaza Torres Quevedo 1, 48013 Bilbao, Spain

7. Abhay S. Pandit corresponding

   Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway

   Affiliation as printed

   CÚRAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 W2TY Galway, Ireland