Active colloids can accumulate at fluid interfaces and move in manners strongly influenced by this complex 2D fluid environment. We seek to understand their motions and their consequences to develop building blocks for 2D materials that are truly surface <i>active</i>. Bacteria are important examples of active or self-propelled colloids. Because of their directed motion, they can become trapped and swim adjacent to the interface via hydrodynamic interactions, or they can adsorb directly and swim in an adhered state. We study <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> PAO1 on or near hexadecane-water interfaces as a model system. In addition to characterizing the ensemble behavior of the bacteria, we have observed a gallery of distinct trajectories of individual swimmers on and near fluid interfaces. These include Brownian diffusive paths, curvilinear trajectories including curly paths with radii of curvatures larger than the cell body length and rapid pirouette motions with radii of curvature comparable to the cell body length. Finally, we see interfacial visitors that come and go from the interfacial plane. We characterize these individual swimmer motions and propose the relevant implications on microrobots and interfacial transportation.

Gallery of trajectories for motile bacteria at fluid interfaces

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.