Harnessing the collective motion of the Nematode, T. aceti to generate on demand rotational fluid flows*

We are experimentally investigating the possibility of generating on demand fluid flows through the naturally occurring synchronization of the oscillations of the nematode, Turbatrix aceti. It has previously been discovered that under certain conditions of confinement, (θ<68°) these nematodes can synchronize their oscillations which in turn produce a strong fluid flow. These conditions can be replicated to generate on demand fluid flows, using 3D printed spherical objects with cone pockets that have a variable opening angle to control the degree of synchronization. We use fluorescent tracking particles to measure the parameters of the flows produced by the nematodes. These experiments can contribute to our knowledge on how active matter can be harnessed to generate useful work.