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One objective of active matter science is to unveil principles by whichchaotic microscale dynamics could be transformed into useful work. A nematicliquid crystal environment offers a number of possibilities, one of which is adirectional motion of an active droplet filled with an aqueous dispersion ofswimming bacteria. In this work, using the responsiveness of the nematic to theelectric field and light, we demonstrate how to control the direction and speedof active droplets. The dielectric response of nematic to the electric fieldcauses two effects: (i) reorientation of the overall director, and (ii)changing the symmetry of the director configuration around the droplet. Thefirst effect redirects the propulsion direction while the second one changesthe speed. A laser beam pointed to the vicinity of the droplet can trigger thedesired director symmetry around the droplet, by switching between dipolar andquadrupolar configurations, thus affecting the motility and polarity ofpropulsion. The dynamic tuning of the direction and speed of active dropletsrepresents a step forward in the development of controllable microswimmers.

Dynamic control of speed and trajectories of active droplets in a nematic environment by electric field and focused laser beam