Emergence of macroscopic directed motion in populations of motile colloids

From the formation of animal flocks to the emergence of coordinate motion in bacterial swarms, at all scales populations of motile organisms display coherent collective motion. This consistent behavior strongly contrasts with the difference in communication abilities between the individuals. Guided by this universal feature, physicists have proposed that solely alignment rules at the individual level could account for the emergence of unidirectional motion at the group level. This hypothesis has been supported by agent-based simulations. However, more complex collective behaviors have been systematically found in experiments including the formation of vortices, fluctuating swarms, clustering and swirling. All these model systems predominantly rely on actual collisions to display collective motion. As a result, the potential local alignment rules are entangled with more complex, often unknown, interactions. The large-scale behavior of the populations therefore depends on these uncontrolled microscopic couplings. Here, we demonstrate a new phase of active matter. We reveal that dilute populations of millions of colloidal rollers self-organize to achieve coherent motion along a unique direction, with very few density and velocity fluctuations. Identifying the microscopic interactions between the rollers allows a theoretical description of this polar-liquid state. Comparison of the theory with experiment suggests that hydrodynamic interactions promote the emergence of collective motion either in the form of a single macroscopic flock at low densities, or in that of a homogenous polar phase at higher densities. Furthermore, hydrodynamics protects the polar-liquid state from the giant density fluctuations. Our experiments demonstrate that genuine physical interactions at the individual level are sufficient to set homogeneous active populations into stable directed motion

Emulsions microfluidiques et rouleurs colloïdaux : effets collectifs en matière molle forcée hors-équilibre

Emulsions, colloidal suspensions, polymer solutions, bacterial suspensions, ... The dynamical properties of these disperse systems rely on the interplay between the microscopic structure of the dispersed phase, and the flow of the continuous phase.This thesis is devoted to the collective dynamics of suspensions driven out-of-equilibrium. The driving can take place either at the macroscopic scale (advection, uniform strength, ...) or at the microscopic scale (self-propulsion).Our goal is to understand the large scale dynamics of the suspensions on the basis of the symmetries of the interactions between the particles.Our approach is experimental. It relies on microfluidic tools to perform quantitative model experiments. In the first part of the manuscript, I focus on the dynamics of suspensions of passive particles in rigidly confined thin liquid films. In particular, I present experimental and theoretical results on the propagation of linear density waves in advected emulsions. In the second part of the manuscript, I study the collective dynamics of bidimensional assemblies of self-propelled particles embedded in a fluid at rest at infinity. I present our experimental setup based on a new propulsion mechanism for the particles. It enables us to study and understand the emergence of collective motion on the basis of the interactions between the individuals. Finally, I investigate the propagation of non-linear excitations of these assemblies of self-propelled particles in heterogeneous media.Emulsions, suspensions colloïdales, solutions polymères, suspensions bactériennes, ... Les propriétés dynamiques de ces systèmes dispersés reposent sur l'interaction entre la structure microscopique de la phase dispersée et l'écoulement de la phase continue.Le travail présenté dans cette thèse porte sur la dynamique collective de telles suspensions forcées hors-équilibre. Le forçage peut avoir lieu à l'échelle macroscopique (advection, force uniforme, ...) ou à l'échelle microscopique (auto-propulsion).Le dénominateur commun à toutes mes études est de chercher à comprendre la dynamique grande échelle des suspensions sur la base des symétries des interactions, principalement hydrodynamiques, entre les particules.Notre approche est expérimentale et repose sur l'utilisation d'outils microfluidiques pour réaliser des expériences modèles quantitatives.Dans la première partie du manuscrit, j'étudie la dynamique de suspensions de particules passives rigidement confinées au sein d'un film fluide. En particulier, je présente nos résultats expérimentaux et théoriques sur la propagation d'ondes de densité linéaires au sein de telles suspensions. Dans la seconde partie du manuscrit, je m'intéresse à la dynamique d'assemblées bidimensionnelles de particules auto-propulsées en mouvement dans un fluide globalement au repos. Je présente notre système expérimental, basé sur un mode de propulsion original des particules, et qui permet d'étudier et de comprendre l'émergence du mouvement collectif sur la base des interactions de paires. J'étudie ensuite la propagation des excitations non linéaires de ces assemblées de particules dans des milieux hétérogènes

Microfluidic emulsions and colloidal rollers : collective effects in soft matter systems driven out-of-equilibrium

Emulsions, suspensions colloïdales, solutions polymères, suspensions bactériennes, ... Les propriétés dynamiques de ces systèmes dispersés reposent sur l'interaction entre la structure microscopique de la phase dispersée et l'écoulement de la phase continue.Le travail présenté dans cette thèse porte sur la dynamique collective de telles suspensions forcées hors-équilibre. Le forçage peut avoir lieu à l'échelle macroscopique (advection, force uniforme, ...) ou à l'échelle microscopique (auto-propulsion).Le dénominateur commun à toutes mes études est de chercher à comprendre la dynamique grande échelle des suspensions sur la base des symétries des interactions, principalement hydrodynamiques, entre les particules.Notre approche est expérimentale et repose sur l'utilisation d'outils microfluidiques pour réaliser des expériences modèles quantitatives.Dans la première partie du manuscrit, j'étudie la dynamique de suspensions de particules passives rigidement confinées au sein d'un film fluide. En particulier, je présente nos résultats expérimentaux et théoriques sur la propagation d'ondes de densité linéaires au sein de telles suspensions. Dans la seconde partie du manuscrit, je m'intéresse à la dynamique d'assemblées bidimensionnelles de particules auto-propulsées en mouvement dans un fluide globalement au repos. Je présente notre système expérimental, basé sur un mode de propulsion original des particules, et qui permet d'étudier et de comprendre l'émergence du mouvement collectif sur la base des interactions de paires. J'étudie ensuite la propagation des excitations non linéaires de ces assemblées de particules dans des milieux hétérogènes.Emulsions, colloidal suspensions, polymer solutions, bacterial suspensions, ... The dynamical properties of these disperse systems rely on the interplay between the microscopic structure of the dispersed phase, and the flow of the continuous phase.This thesis is devoted to the collective dynamics of suspensions driven out-of-equilibrium. The driving can take place either at the macroscopic scale (advection, uniform strength, ...) or at the microscopic scale (self-propulsion).Our goal is to understand the large scale dynamics of the suspensions on the basis of the symmetries of the interactions between the particles.Our approach is experimental. It relies on microfluidic tools to perform quantitative model experiments. In the first part of the manuscript, I focus on the dynamics of suspensions of passive particles in rigidly confined thin liquid films. In particular, I present experimental and theoretical results on the propagation of linear density waves in advected emulsions. In the second part of the manuscript, I study the collective dynamics of bidimensional assemblies of self-propelled particles embedded in a fluid at rest at infinity. I present our experimental setup based on a new propulsion mechanism for the particles. It enables us to study and understand the emergence of collective motion on the basis of the interactions between the individuals. Finally, I investigate the propagation of non-linear excitations of these assemblies of self-propelled particles in heterogeneous media

An interactive key to the Chrysochromulina species (Haptophyta) described in the literature

Volume: 34Start Page: 47End Page: 6

Hydrodynamic Fluctuations in Confined Particle-Laden Fluids

[eng] We address the collective dynamics of non-Brownian particles cruising in a confined microfluidic geometry and provide a comprehensive characterization of their spatiotemporal density fluctuations. We show that density excitations freely propagate at all scales, and in all directions even though the particles are neither affected by potential forces nor by inertia. We introduce a kinetic theory which quantitatively accounts for our experimental findings, demonstrating that the fluctuation spectrum of this nonequilibrium system is shaped by the combination of truly long-range hydrodynamic interactions and local collisions. We also demonstrate that the free propagation of density waves is a generic phenomenon which should be observed in a much broader range of hydrodynamic systems

Aluminum Ingestion Promotes Colorectal Hypersensitivity in RodentsSummary

Background & Aims: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a multifactorial disease arising from a complex interplay between genetic predisposition and environmental influences. To date, environmental triggers are not well known. Aluminum is commonly present in food, notably by its use as food additive. We investigated the effects of aluminum ingestion in rodent models of visceral hypersensitivity, and the mechanisms involved. Methods: Visceral hypersensitivity was recorded by colorectal distension in rats administered with oral low doses of aluminum. Inflammation was analyzed in the colon of aluminum-treated rats by quantitative PCR for cytokine expression and by immunohistochemistry for immune cells quantification. Involvement of mast cells in the aluminum-induced hypersensitivity was determined by cromoglycate administration of rats and in mast cell-deficient mice (KitW-sh/W-sh). Proteinase-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) activation in response to aluminum was evaluated and its implication in aluminum-induced hypersensitivity was assessed in PAR2 knockout mice. Results: Orally administered low-dose aluminum induced visceral hypersensitivity in rats and mice. Visceral pain induced by aluminum persisted over time even after cessation of treatment, reappeared and was amplified when treatment resumed. As observed in humans, female animals were more sensitive than males. Major mediators of nociception were up-regulated in the colon by aluminum. Activation of mast cells and PAR2 were required for aluminum-induced hypersensitivity. Conclusions: These findings indicate that oral exposure to aluminum at human dietary level reproduces clinical and molecular features of IBS, highlighting a new pathway of prevention and treatment of visceral pain in some susceptible patients. Keywords: Visceral Hypersensitivity, Risk Factors, Mast Cells, PAR

Presence of adherent Escherichia coli strains in ileal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease

International audienceBackground & Aims: Infectious agents are suspected of being involved in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease. This study was designed to look for the presence of virulent Escherichia coli strains associated with the ileal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease. Methods: E. coli strains were recovered from resected chronic ileal lesions (n = 20), neoterminal ileum after surgery from patients with (n = 19) and without (n = 11) endoscopic recurrence, and controls (n = 13). Bacterial adhesion was determined in vitro using intestinal cell lines; other associated virulence factors were assessed by DNA hybridization and polymerase chain reaction experiments. Results: None of the strains harbored any of the virulence factor–encoding genes of E. coli involved in acute enteric diseases. However, mannose-resistant adhesion to differentiated Caco-2 cells was found for 84.6% and 78.9% of the E. coli strains isolated from chronic and early recurrent lesions, respectively, compared with 33% of controls (P < 0.02). In addition, 21.8% of the strains induced a cytolytic effect by synthesis of an α-hemolysin. Conclusions: E. coli strains isolated from the ileal mucosa of patients with Crohn's disease adhere to differentiated intestinal cells and may disrupt the intestinal barrier by synthesizing an α-hemolysin

New FAAH inhibitors based on 3-carboxamido-5-aryl-isoxazole scaffold that protect against experimental colitis

Growing evidence suggests a role for the endocannabinoid (EC) system, in intestinal inflammation and compounds inhibiting anandamide degradation offer a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. In this paper, we report the first series of carboxamides derivatives possessing FAAH inhibitory activities. Among them, compound 39 displayed significant inhibitory FAAH activity (IC(50)=0.088 μM) and reduced colitis induced by intrarectal administration of TNBS

Bacteriophages targeting adherent invasive Escherichia coli strains as a promising new treatment for Crohn's disease

International audienceBackground and AimsAdherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) are abnormally predominant on the ileal mucosa of Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. They bind to the CEACAM6 receptor expressed on the surface of epithelial cells. We aimed to assess the potential of bacteriophages, viruses infecting bacteria, to decrease the levels of AIEC bacteria associated with the intestinal mucosa.MethodsWe combined ex vivo and in vivo experiments with murine and human intestinal samples to quantify the ability of virulent bacteriophages to target the prototype AIEC strain LF82.ResultsWe found that three virulent bacteriophages were able to replicate in ileal, cecal and colon sections and feces homogenates from murine gut samples colonized with the prototype AIEC strain LF82. A single day of per os treatment with the three bacteriophages cocktail given to LF82-colonized CEABAC10 transgenic mice, expressing the human CEACAM6 receptor for AIEC, decreased significantly the number of AIEC in feces and in the adherent flora of intestinal sections. In addition, a single dose of the cocktail reduced over a two-week period DSS-induced colitis symptoms on conventional mice colonized with the strain LF82. The cocktail targeted also LF82 bacteria in homogenates of ileal biopsies taken from CD patients.ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that bacteriophages are a new treatment option for targeting AIEC in CD patients and represent a strong basis for a clinical trial evaluation