Optimum flow rate of actively deformable particles in the overdamped regime

Abstract In this study, we investigate the behavior of actively deformable particles in a two-dimensional system as they flow through a narrow constriction under overdamped conditions. The model simulates particles that oscillate by harmonically changing their radius over time, with dynamics and interaction forces reflecting general cellular systems. We identify an optimal self-oscillation frequency at which the flow rate is maximized, occurring when the oscillation period matches the time needed for a particle to traverse a few of its own radii. While the model is a highly simplified abstraction and not intended to replicate the complexity of biological systems, it offers valuable insights into the mechanisms that may underlie efficient movement in crowded cellular contexts.