# Locomotion Dynamics in Yield Stress Fluids

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Florida State University (FL) · $500,000

## Abstract

The movement of microorganisms through thick, gel-like materials plays an important role in many real-life situations. For example, Helicobacter pylori swim through the sticky mucus lining the stomach, contributing to ulcers and cancer. Other bacteria move through food gels and medical hydrogels, which can lead to contamination. Even tiny worms called nematodes burrow through wet soil, helping to improve its fertility. Despite the importance of these biological processes, the mechanics behind movement in such resistant, gel-like environments remain poorly understood. This award will fill that gap by combining innovative experiments using a helical corkscrew and self-propelled robotic swimmer with advanced three-dimensional simulations to uncover the physical principles governing locomotion in gel-like materials.  Project outcomes could lead to non-antibiotic methods to prevent Helicobacter pylori infections in human, improve microrobot design for safe drug delivery, and optimize bacterial hydrogels for filtration and sensing. Additionally, the developed models will support innovations in 3D printing, drilling, and natural hazard prediction. Finally, the project will contribute to workforce development by building a collaborative fluid dynamics research and education program at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.

Yield-stress fluids behave like solids below a critical stress threshold, creating a mechanical barrier that organisms must overcome to initiate motion. Although this

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2512810
- **Awardee organization:** Florida State University (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JF2BLNN4PJC3
- **PI:** Hadi Mohammadigoushki
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** —
- **Estimated total:** $500,000
- **Funds obligated:** $500,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2512810

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2512810, Locomotion Dynamics in Yield Stress Fluids. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2512810. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*