Several fabrication techniques for making three-dimensional arrays of micro
-wells for biological cell patterning and single-neuron guidance are presen
ted. Methods for making complex 3d high-aspect-ratio structures in poly-dim
ethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane are explored. In this work, three-dimensional
micro-molds are made directly on silicon wafers though inductively coupled
plasma reactive ion etching (ICP-RIE), and also using SU-8 negative photor
esist. Cell placement is achieved through an array of 50-mum square holes i
n a 150-100 mum thick PDMS membrane, which is placed on a glass substrate.
Vertical holes in the membrane are linked by horizontal tunnels on the glas
s side of the membrane, for use in neural guidance or delivery of drugs or
nutrients. The effectiveness of the membrane for cell placement, growth and
guidance was tested using fluorescent yeast cells and PC12 neuronal cells.