Webinário Física Biológica - Active carpets in floating viscous films

Microswimmers accumulate close to fluid interfaces, where the fluid properties change drastically, in aquatic environments this accumulation occurs close to pycnoclines, viscosity interfaces, and thermoclines among others. Here we will focus on microorganisms forming a biological floating film, above a viscosity interface. Using the formulated theory for “active carpets” in the case of an infinite carpet, we investigate the hydrodynamic impact of such a large persistent accumulation in biogenic transport, and their ability to shape their environment. Our results shed light on how these natural formations might help sustain life in aquatic and biological systems, especially in a changing world.
Profa. Francisca Guzmán-Lastra - Universidad de Chile