Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Colloidal “caterpillars” are self-assembled chains of tiny particles that move through a nematic liquid crystal when an electric field sets up circulating fluid rolls. Individual particles hop between the rolls; chains undulate across them, perpendicular to the rolls’ axes. In a 2014 laboratory demonstration, researchers also used the chains to tow microcargo.
What are colloidal caterpillars?
They are chains formed when surface-modified silica particles self-assemble in a nematic liquid crystal. “Caterpillar” describes the chain’s appearance and motion; it does not refer to an animal or a biological device.
A nematic liquid crystal has molecules with a shared orientational order. In the experiment, the particles and their distortion of that molecular alignment interacted with electrically driven fluid motion. The resulting movement was directed rather than random.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
How do the particles and chains move?
An applied electric field produces electrohydrodynamic convection (EHC) rolls in the liquid crystal. The researchers associate particle motion with an asymmetric distortion of the surrounding molecular orientation, together with the effects of the flow and electric field.
#1 Best Overall
- FAST-GROWING CRYSTALS IN 6 COLORS - Grow blue, red, purple, green, yellow, and glow in the dark crystals! Crystal chemistry has never been so fast (grows in 3 - 4 days), fun, and colorful, making this the perfect educational activity or gift!
- GROWING IS EASY – Easy-to-follow instructions and the 2 included silicone growing chambers make growing your crystals easier than ever!
- NIGHT LIGHT DISPLAY – Show off 5 of your favorite home-grown crystals in the USB-powered (cable included) light-up display! This fun kids STEM activity can help inspire a lifelong love of science and learning.
- INCLUDES REAL CRYSTAL SPECIMENS – Start or expand your rock collection with 4 real gemstone specimens: rose quartz, fluorite, blue calcite, and quartz geode. Learn about the gemstones in the kit with the included full-color Learning Guide.
- AMAZON EXCLUSIVE - Blue Marble has developed this product exclusively for Amazon.
| Object | Observed motion | Direction relative to the rolls |
|---|---|---|
| Individual colloidal particle | Hops from one roll to another | Between rolls |
| Self-assembled chain | Moves with a caterpillar-like undulation | Perpendicular to the roll axes |
The two behaviors are related but distinct: the chain’s coordinated, undulating movement is what gives the system its nickname.
Can the chains carry cargo?
Yes. The authors report using the chains as microtraction engines to transport different kinds of microcargo. The Royal Society of Chemistry’s explainer describes the cargo as larger particles and liquid droplets that the EHC rolls could not move on their own. The chains therefore demonstrate a way to couple small-scale motion to the transport of larger objects.
Rank #2
- GROW VIBRANT COLORED CRYSTALS - Grow crystals in 3 amazing colors: blue, purple, and green. With this engaging and educational science experiment for kids, chemistry has never been so fun and colorful!
- NIGHT LIGHT DISPLAY - Show off your crystals on the patent-pending light-up display. With 7 single color modes, rainbow color mode, and 3 brightness levels to choose from, your crystal treasures will shine!
- COMPLETE SCIENCE KIT – Contains all you need! Growing powder, clear seed rocks, growing chamber, light-up display, and easy-to-follow instructions. Our uniquely flexible growing chamber allows you to easily remove your crystals for display without damage!
- START A ROCK COLLECTION – This kit comes with 3 real gemstone specimens, including a geode, green fluorite, and blue calcite, along with a detailed learning guide explaining how crystals grow and more! Makes an excellent STEM gift for boys and girls.
- AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS - Blue Marble, winner of the Toy Association's prestigious Toy of the Year Award, proudly develops products that foster education, imagination, and creativity, with a U.S. support team to ensure a stellar experience!
The paper abstract states: “We demonstrate the use of colloidal chains as microtraction engines for the transport of various types of microcargo.” This is a laboratory result, not evidence that a deployed cargo-transport system is ready for practical use.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What the demonstration does—and does not—show
The authors place the work in the context of potential applications such as drug delivery and lab-on-a-chip systems. Those are research contexts, not demonstrated clinical treatments or commercial devices. The paper’s abstract and the RSC explainer do not establish a numeric speed, cargo-size threshold, or transport efficiency. Precise particle sizes, field strengths, loading methods, and biological compatibility should not be inferred from these summaries.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Paper details
The study, “Colloidal caterpillars for cargo transportation,” was written by Yuji Sasaki, Yoshinori Takikawa, V. S. R. Jampani, Hikaru Hoshikawa, Takafumi Seto, Christian Bahr, Stephan Herminghaus, Yoshiki Hidaka, and Hiroshi Orihara. It appeared in Soft Matter, volume 10, pages 8813–8820 (2014), DOI 10.1039/C4SM01354A. The journal lists first publication on 21 August 2014; PubMed records 28 November 2014 as the publication date, reflecting different publication-date conventions.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Perfect Epoxy Resin Kit】 Includes 32 ounces of clear resin, 32 ounces of clear hardener, 2 pump heads, 5x240-milliliter measuring cups, 2 plastic spatulas, 10 wooden mixing sticks, 4 disposable aprons, 4 disposable tablecloths, 2 pairs of gloves, and an epoxy resin instruction manual. The kit includes everything you need to get started, making it easy for both experienced hobbyists and beginners to get started.
- 【High Quality Resin Epoxy】Crystal clear, easy to mix, less bubbles and self defoaming self-leveling function, safe and non-toxic, filler does not settle after mixing, easy to complete perfect works without worry.
- 【Perfect Works】Glossy surface after the table top epoxy resin is cured, perfect texture, no yellowing and high temperature resistance, wear-resistant and durable, ideal for projects such as desktop coating.
- 【Easy to Use】Epoxy resin 1:1 easy to mix, 8 hours drying 24 hours curing, resin heat dissipation temperature is not high will not damage the mold, easy to use very suitable.
- 【Wide Range of Applications】Ideal for casting, coating, artwork, suitable for coasters, countertops, crafts, jewelry making, painting, molds, woodwork, etc. Create your great works.
Rank #4
- GROW CRYSTAL COVERED TREES - Watch as crystals grow from the branches of the included evergreen and cherry trees like magic; you’ll see the first crystals in minutes and trees will be fully covered in as little as 6 hours.
- YOU CHOOSE THE COLORS - This is more than just a science kit! Color each tree any way you’d like with the 5 watercolor pens in the kit and grow crystals in the colors you’ve chosen. It's a craft project and crystal kit all in one!
- REAL SPECIMEN INSIDE - After the crystals are grown, you'll enjoy examining the genuine geode specimen in the kit! A full-color learning guide is included and is packed with fascinating facts about crystals. This STEM craft kit is unforgettable!
- COMPLETE ACTIVITY SET - Because the crystals absorb the ink from the markers and grow in the colors drawn, this kit combines the science of a crystal growing lab with the creativity of an art project, making this a great activity for girls and boys.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
