Programmable double traveling waves in living liquid crystals

Jiaqi Wu, Mengge Liu, Zeyang Mou, Yuan Li, Ruijie Wang, Zhawure Asilehan, Qingtian Shi, Yanjie Cheng, Zhihong You (), Rui Zhang (), Jinghua Jiang () and Chenhui Peng ()
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Jiaqi Wu: University of Science and Technology of China, Department of Physics
Mengge Liu: University of Science and Technology of China, Department of Physics
Zeyang Mou: Clear Water Bay, Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Yuan Li: Xiamen University, Department of Physics
Ruijie Wang: University of Science and Technology of China, Department of Physics
Zhawure Asilehan: University of Science and Technology of China, Department of Physics
Qingtian Shi: University of Science and Technology of China, Department of Physics
Yanjie Cheng: Xiamen University, Department of Physics
Zhihong You: Xiamen University, Department of Physics
Rui Zhang: Clear Water Bay, Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Jinghua Jiang: University of Science and Technology of China, Department of Physics
Chenhui Peng: University of Science and Technology of China, Department of Physics

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Traveling patterns are ubiquitous in nature. Controlling the traveling waves in living active matter systems remains elusive due to their intrinsic chaotic nonequilibrium nature. Here, we show how to control the traveling waves in living liquid crystals (LLCs) which represent a unique class of materials where motile bacteria interact with the anisotropic environment of LCs. The concentrated bacteria form waves propagating along the predefined trajectories, showcasing a dual nature of propagation where both the bacteria and the waves themselves move in concert. The interaction between active bacterial waves and passive LCs triggers a secondary LC wave which runs after the bacterial wave with a constant phase lag, generating double traveling waves. Our experimental and theoretical investigations have unveiled the underlying mechanisms of parity and time-reversal (PT) symmetry breaking in these active-passive wave duets. The interactions between the undulating waves and the director reoriented by the waves, coupled with the symmetry broken in the designed patterns, are key to initiating wave propagation. Capitalizing on this understanding, we have successfully demonstrated the creation of single ring and even multiple rings of traveling waves with same or opposite chirality. These waves can be further programmed into letter shapes. This work opens up new avenues for the design of smart living materials and micromachines.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-66572-4

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