Self-propulsion of a calcium alginate surfer

Abstract

Osmosis-induced Marangoni-driven self-propulsion of hydrogel surfers develops when sodium alginate solution is dropped into the pool of calcium chloride solution.

Self-propelled motion controlled by ionic liquids

“…5–13 The other one is the difference in the interfacial tension around the object. 14–20 Most inanimate self-propelled objects exhibit random or uni-directional motion depending on the initial internal or external conditions, and the direction and speed of motion are controlled by the external field, e.g. , electro-magnetic field.…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] The other one is the difference in the interfacial tension around the object. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] Most inanimate self-propelled objects exhibit random or uni-directional motion depending on the initial internal or external conditions, and the direction and speed of motion are controlled by the external field, e.g., electro-magnetic field. 10,[20][21][22][23] In contrast, animate selfpropelled objects, such as bacteria, exhibit characteristic features of motion while responding to the environment.…”