Magnetotactic bacteria in a droplet self-assemble into a rotary motor

Nat Commun. 2019 Nov 8;10(1):5082. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-13031-6.

Abstract

From intracellular protein trafficking to large-scale motion of animal groups, the physical concepts driving the self-organization of living systems are still largely unraveled. Self-organization of active entities, leading to novel phases and emergent macroscopic properties, recently shed new light on these complex dynamical processes. Here we show that under the application of a constant magnetic field, motile magnetotactic bacteria confined in water-in-oil droplets self-assemble into a rotary motor exerting a torque on the external oil phase. A collective motion in the form of a large-scale vortex, reversable by inverting the field direction, builds up in the droplet with a vorticity perpendicular to the magnetic field. We study this collective organization at different concentrations, magnetic fields and droplet radii and reveal the formation of two torque-generating areas close to the droplet interface. We characterize quantitatively the mechanical energy extractable from this new biological and self-assembled motor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes
  • Emulsions
  • Hydrodynamics*
  • Magnetic Fields*
  • Magnetospirillum / physiology*
  • Oils*
  • Rotation*
  • Taxis Response / physiology*
  • Torque*
  • Water*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Emulsions
  • Oils
  • Water
  • n-hexadecane

Supplementary concepts

  • Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense