Research Projects

This project aims to study the dynamics of microswimmers in anisotropic fluid mediums using theoretical modelling and computer simulations. Microswimmers are micron-sized particles that can move in fluid mediums using internal or external energy. They need to navigate complex fibrous environments with anisotropic microstructures, such as eukaryotic cell cytoplasm, gels, and polymer networks. Controlling the microswimmer trajectory in these complex environments is a major challenge in bioengineering. The study will focus on nematic liquid crystals (LCs) with anisotropic viscosity and elasticity. The main objective is to understand the physics governing microswimmer locomotion and transport in an anisotropic environment. A toolbox for simulating liquid crystals via multiparticle collision dynamics (MPCD) will be used to explore factors such as thermal fluctuations, viscous anisotropy, elasticity, non-Newtonian fluid rheology, and topological defects. This study will not only explore microscale swimming in anisotropic mediums but also lead to new technological applications, such as sorting and separation of motile cells using fluid anisotropy.