Microrheology-informed control of flow and transport in chiral active fluids

This project explores how tiny self-propelled particles, known as active matter, can be used to control motion and transport at very small scales, such as in microfluidic devices or biomedical systems. A special type of active matter called chiral active matter moves in circular patterns and shows unusual behaviors, including producing flows or currents that do not exist in ordinary fluids. Our research focuses on understanding how these unique behaviors can be measured and harnessed by studying how small tracer particles move through such systems. Using computer simulations, we will examine how the properties of chiral active matter—such as its ability to cause sideways motion or unusual diffusion—can be controlled by changing the shape of the environment. This work will benefit the participating institutions by advancing fundamental knowledge of active materials and developing new tools for designing smart microscale transport systems, with potential applications in biophysics, nanotechnology, and materials engineering.

Faculty Supervisor:

Zhiwei Peng

Student:

Partner:

Indian Institute of Technology Dhanbad

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Environmental Science and Technology; Health and Related Sciences and Technology

University:

University of Alberta

Program: