ENGINEERING CELL-SHAPE AND FUNCTION

An elastomeric stamp, containing defined features on the micrometer sc ale, was used to imprint gold surfaces with specific patterns of self- assembled monolayers of alkanethiols and, thereby, to create islands o f defined shape and size that support extracellular matrix protein ads orption and cell attachment. Through this technique, it was possible t o place cells in predetermined locations and arrays, separated by defi ned distances, and to dictate their shape. Limiting the degree of cell extension provided control over cell growth and protein secretion. Th is method is experimentally simple and highly adaptable. It should be useful for applications in biotechnology that require analysis of indi vidual cells cultured at high density or repeated access to cells plac ed in specified locations.