Density Modulations in Active Colloidal Systems through Orthogonal Propulsion Control and Sensory Delays.

ABSTRACT: Recent advancements in active colloidal systems aim to mimic key characteristics of biological microswimmers, particularly their adaptive motility in response to environmental changes. While many approaches rely on externally imposing a variable propulsive force, achieving true autonomous and self-regulating adaptation to the environment remains limited. In this study, we take a step in this direction and develop Janus microswimmers driven by electrohydrodynamic flows that autonomously adjust their propulsion dynamics in response to varying illumination and exposure to chemical agents. Our Janus particles are silica colloids partially coated with titania, which self-propel via induced-charge electrophoresis under uniform AC electric fields. Since titania is photoconductive, it increases it

SUBMITTER: Topfer U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12632167 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature