A perspective on guided electrophoretic transport of particles in liquid crystals

Nonlinear electrophoresis in complex fluids like nematic liquid crystals provides new pathways toward achieving precisely controlled motion and assembly of microscopic objects. The nematic host introduces a paradigm shift in the mechanism of electrophoretic transport by generating unbalanced electro-osmotic flows around the colloidal particle due to symmetry breaking of the medium caused by the induced topological defects. Rationally designed particles, which induce various types of defects and asymmetries, provide new opportunities in this regard. In this Perspective article, we discuss how the asymmetry in the shape and interfacial properties help in piloting the particles using an AC electric field. Finally, we propose some feasible strategies to achieve navigational control using magnetic and photo-responsive particles, guided by orthogonal electric, magnetic fields, and light, respectively.