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Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are endowed with an exquisite orientationmechanism allowing them to swim along the geomagnetic field lines [1-3]. Thismechanism consists of a chain of bio-synthesized magnetic nano-crystals[1,4,5]. Although the physics behind the minimum size of this biologicalcompass is well understood [6], it is yet unclear what sets its maximum size[6-8]. Here, by using a macroscopic experiment inspired in thesemicroorganisms, we show that larger magnetic moments will drive the collectivebehavior of MTB into a phase where bacteria are unable to swim freely, indetriment of their evolutive fitness [3,9]. Simple macroscopic experiments,numerical simulations, and analytic estimates are used to explain the upperlimit for the size of the chain of nano-crystals in MTB. Our macroscopicbio-inspired experiment, and physical model provide new opportunities toexplore and understand the phases of magnetic active matter at all scales.

Bioinspired magnetic active matter and the physical limits of magnetotaxis