Active Filaments on Curved Surfaces: From Single Filaments to Dilute Suspensions

Abstract

Curvature plays a central organizational role in active polymer dynamics. Using large‑scale Langevin‑dynamics simulations, we study active semiflexible filaments confined to smooth curved surfaces and map how curvature, bending rigidity, and activity interact. We find geodesic alignment, curvature lensing, and curvature‑induced trapping. In particular, regions of negative Gaussian curvature localize filaments and hinder global surface exploration. These results show how surface geometry can be used to control the organization and transport of active matter on curved substrates.

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
01 Sep 2025
Accepted
09 Nov 2025
First published
18 Nov 2025

Soft Matter, 2025, Accepted Manuscript

Active Filaments on Curved Surfaces: From Single Filaments to Dilute Suspensions

G. Janzen, E. D. Mackay, R. Sknepnek and D. A. Matoz-Fernandez, Soft Matter, 2025, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D5SM00884K

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