Locomotion on small scales is dominated by the effects of viscous forces and, as a result, is
subject to strong physical and mathematical constraints. Following Purcell's statement of the …

It has been known for some time that some microorganisms can swim faster in high-viscosity
gel-forming polymer solutions. These gel-like media come to mimic highly viscous …

Fluid dynamics plays a crucial role in many cellular processes, including the locomotion of
cells such as bacteria and spermatozoa. These organisms possess flagella, slender …

Cell motility in viscous fluids is ubiquitous and affects many biological processes, including
reproduction, infection and the marine life ecosystem. Here we review the biophysical and …

Driving synthetic materials out of equilibrium via dissipative mechanisms paves the way
towards autonomous, self-sustained robotic motions. However, obtaining agile movement in …

Cells migrate by applying rearward forces against extracellular media. It is unclear how this
is achieved in amoeboid migration, which lacks adhesions typical of lamellipodia-driven …

We report studies of novel self-assembled magnetic surface swimmers (magnetic snakes)
formed from a dispersion of magnetic microparticles at a liquid-air interface and energized …

The well-known Purcell's toroidal swimmer can translate in low Reynolds number fluid, by
periodically changing its own shape in a nonreciprocal way to overcome the scallop …

The energy dissipation and entropy production by self-propelled microswimmers differ
profoundly from passive particles pulled by external forces. The difference extends both to …

Through billions of years of evolution, microorganisms mastered unique swimming
behaviors to thrive in complex fluid environments. Limitations in nanofabrication have thus …