A non-equilibrium thermodynamic route for control: From activity patterns in cytoskeletal networks to memory

Biological materials, such as the actin cytoskeleton, exhibit remarkable structural adaptability to various external stimuli by consuming different amounts of energy. Using methods from large deviation theory we identify a thermodynamic control principle for structural transitions in a model non-equilibrium cytoskeletal network. Our work demonstrates how a thermodynamic quantity can be used to renormalize effective interactions, which in turn can tune structure in a predictable manner, suggesting a thermodynamic principle for the control of cytoskeletal structure and dynamics. In the second part of the talk, we will explore how non- equilibrium activity can be used to endow materials with memory storage and recall properties, in some cases far in excess of what is allowed at equilibrium. Together, these results identify potential ways in which non-equilibrium forcing may be used to create adaptive information processing materials.