Self-organized elastic membranes with life-like oscillatory dynamics

Subjects FluidsSelf-assembly Chaotic flows generated by a microtubule-based active fluid are shown to enhance the motion of passive actin fibres and assemble them into a hierarchical elastic membrane. Active flows also actuate the multiscale dynamics of the emerging membrane, and non-reciprocal feedback between the active and elastic stresses yields macroscopic oscillations. Access through your institution Buy or subscribe This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution Access options Access through your institution Access Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journals Get Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription $32.99 / 30 days cancel any time Learn more Subscribe to this journal Receive 12 print issues and online access $259.00 per year only $21.58 per issue Learn more Buy this articlePurchase on SpringerLinkInstant access to the full article PDF.USD 39.95Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout Fig. 1: Membrane assembly and actuation in an active fluid. ReferencesGrober, D. et al. Unconventional colloidal aggregation in chiral bacterial baths. Nat. Phys. 19, 1680–1688 (2023). This paper includes an example of active assembly where bacteria-based active fluids drive the assembly of sticky colloids.Article Google Scholar Sanchez, T., Chen, D. T. N., DeCamp, S. J., Heymann, M. & Dogic, Z. Spontaneous motion in hierarchically assembled active fluids. Nature 491, 431–434 (2012). This paper describes the dynamics of microtubule-based active fluids.Article ADS Google Scholar Lieleg, O., Claessens, M. M. A. E. & Bausch, A. R. Structure and dynamics of cross-linked actin networks. Soft Matter 6, 218–225 (2010). A paper describing the mechanics and structure of a passive cross-linked actin network.Article ADS Google Scholar Ross, T. D. et al. Controlling organization and forces in active matter through optically defined boundaries. Nature 572, 224–229 (2019). This paper demonstrates external optical control of microtubule-based active matter.Article ADS Google Scholar Berezney, J., Goode, B. L., Fraden, S. & Dogic, Z. Extensile to contractile transition in active microtubule–actin composites generates layered asters with programmable lifetimes. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 119, e2115895119 (2022). This paper describes how microtubule-based active fluids modify the behaviour of entangled actin filaments.Article Google Scholar Download referencesAdditional informationPublisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.This is a summary of: Berezney, J. et al. Active assembly and non-reciprocal dynamics of elastic membranes. Nat. Phys. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03215-5 (2026).Rights and permissionsReprints and permissionsAbout this articleCite this article Self-organized elastic membranes with life-like oscillatory dynamics. Nat. Phys. (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03238-yDownload citationPublished: 07 April 2026Version of record: 07 April 2026DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41567-026-03238-yShare this articleAnyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:Get shareable linkSorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.Copy shareable link to clipboard Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative Active assembly and non-reciprocal dynamics of elastic membranes John BerezneySattvic RayZvonimir Dogic Nature Physics Article 02 Apr 2026