2024/09/16 by Pyae Hein Htet, Htet, Pyae Hein, Debasish Das +3
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Biological Physics (physics.bio-ph) #FOS: Physical sciences #Innovative Microfluidic and Catalytic Techniques Innovation #Micro and Nano Robotics #Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies #Soft Condensed Matter (cond-mat.soft)
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2409.10447
openalex publication_date 2024/09/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Flagellated bacteria are hydrodynamically attracted to rigid walls, yet past work shows a 'hovering' state where they swim stably at a finite height above surfaces. We use numerics and theory to reveal the physical origin of hovering. Simulations first show that hovering requires an elongated cell body and results from a tilt away from the wall. Theoretical models then identify two essential asymmetries: the response of width-asymmetric cells to active flows created by length-asymmetric cells. A minimal model reconciles near and far-field hydrodynamics, capturing all key features of hovering.