Title: Spontaneous shape transformations of active surfaces
Abstract: Biological matter has the fascinating ability to autonomously generate material deformations via intrinsic active forces, where the latter are often present within effectively two-dimensional structures. The dynamics of such “active surfaces” inevitably entails a complex, self-organized interplay between the geometry of a surface and its mechanical interactions with the surrounding. In this talk, I will first discuss general numerical challenges in analyzing self-organizing active surfaces and the bifurcation structure of emergent shape spaces. I will then focus on two scenarios: active surfaces with broken up-down symmetry, of which the eukaryotic cell cortex and epithelial tissues are key biological examples, as well as active surfaces under confinement, as provided for example by rigid shells in which many organisms initially develop. Each of these scenarios gives naturally rise to a comprehensive library of spontaneous shape transformations that resemble stereotypical morphogenetic processes. These include cell-division-like invaginations, polar symmetry breaking, surface oscillations and the autonomous formation of tubular surfaces.
Note: This seminar will be happening in-person only.
Location: Huxley 145, 15.00-16.00.