To generalize simple bead-linker models of swimmers to higher dimensions and to demonstrate the chemotaxis ability of such swimmers, we introduce a low-Reynolds predator, using a two-dimensional star model. Two-state linkers as mechanochemical enzymes expand as a result of interaction with particular activator substances in the environment, causing the whole body to translate and rotate.

The concentration of the chemical stimulator controls expansion versus the contraction rate of each arm and so affects the ability of the body for diffusive movements; also the variation of activator substance’s concentration in the environment breaks the symmetry of linkers’ preferred state, resulting in the drift of the random walker along the gradient of the density of activators.

External food or danger sources may attract or repel the body by producing or consuming the chemical activators of the organism’s enzymes, inducing chemotaxis behavior.

The presentation will take place online: https://meet.google.com/gov-mxko-aph