Active colloidal molecules

Like ordinary molecules are composed of atoms, colloidal molecules consist of several species of colloidal particles tightly bound together. If one of these components is self-propelled or swimming, novel active colloidal molecules emerge. Active colloidal molecules exist on various levels such as homonuclear, heteronuclear and polymeric and possess a dynamical function moving as propellers, spinners or rotors. Self-assembly of such active complexes has been studied a lot recently and this perspective article summarizes recent progress and gives an outlook to future developments in the rapidly expanding field of active colloidal molecules. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2018