A mathematical model for micro-and nano-swimmers

Yuan Qing Xu, Fang Bao Tian*, Xiao Ying Tang, Yu Hua Peng

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to explore the kinetic characteristics of planktonic microorganisms and nanometer biological motors, a mathematical model is developed to estimate the hydrodynamic force in the migration of micro-and nano-swimmers by using the Laplace transformation and linear superposition. Based on the model, it is found that a micro-and nano-swimmer will enjoy a positive propulsive force by improving frequencies or generating traveling waves along its body if it is not time reversible. The results obtained in this study provide a physical insight into the behaviors of the micro-and nano-swimmer at low Reynolds numbers, and the corresponding quantitative basis can also be potentially used in the design of nanorobot and nanosized biomaterials.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1340013
JournalJournal of Mechanics in Medicine and Biology
Volume13
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

Keywords

  • Mathematical model
  • biomaterials
  • micro-and nano-swimmers
  • nanosized

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