  We demonstrate a novel method to assemble and transport swarms of colloidal
particles by combining liquid crystals enabled electrophoresis and
photo-sensitive surface patterning. Colloidal particles are propelled in a
nematic liquid crystal via application of an alternating current electric
field. Swarms of particles are assembled into a rotating mill cluster, or moved
as a whole along predefined paths photo-imprinted on chemically functionalized
substrates. This technique represents an alternative approach to fluid based
lab-on-a-chip technologies guiding the motion of large ensembles of micrometer
scale solid or liquid inclusions.
