Liquid metals can mimic the behavior of leukocytes, including shape shifts and obstacle navigation

The scientists, led by Professor Li Jing of the Institute for Technical Physics and Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), have created leukocyte-like liquid metallic entities that vividly simulate a variety of white blood cell behaviors.

In an article published in Journal Matter on February 10, researchers said that these “liquid metal white blood cells” could engulf foreign bodies, change shape, move in a pulsating way, and even climb gravity. We have demonstrated how to autonomously perform complex actions. Similarity to the dynamic behavior of living cells.

A research team working with Tsinghua University has introduced a new approach by combining chemotaxis and asymmetric chemistry mechanisms. This synergistic effect allows liquid metals to exhibit a variety and autonomous behavior similar to actual leukocyte behavior, such as shape shifts and complex surfaces of navigation.

According to the researchers, these liquid metal structures can climb slopes up to 5° on their own, travel complex surfaces, and highlight the versatility and potential of future applications. Moreover, they can easily change their shape and adapt well to avoiding obstacles, making them extremely versatile and capable.

The core principle is that the self-adaptive surface tension of liquid metals changes continuously during alternating processes of oxidation, reduction and deoxidation. Furthermore, experiments have confirmed that liquid metal leukocytes depend on the difference in material conversion and electrochemical energy in their environment, allowing them to dynamically move and respond.

This chemotactic liquid metallic system demonstrates great potential for a wide range of applications, including autonomous adaptable sensors, microfluidics, and medical therapy. Additionally, it opens new pathways for developing advanced natural simulation systems that mimic a variety of organisms, marking the beginning of a new frontier at the intersection of material science and synthetic biology.