Speckle Tweezers in Action: Manipulating the Run-and-Tumble of Bacteria

Abstract: This study explores the use of optical speckle tweezers (ST) to manipulate the motility of Escherichia coli bacteria. By employing the generated speckle patterns, we demonstrate the ability to control bacterial dynamics through optical forces. Our findings reveal that ST effectively modulates run-and-tumble behavior and alters motility patterns, providing insights into active matter systems. The results establish optical ST as a versatile and non-invasive tool for investigating and controlling the behavior of active particles, offering potential applications in active matter research.