Approaches to organize cells on surfaces

The binding of cell surface receptors to local bioactive ligands is the principal mechanism by which cells survey their microenvironment and accordingly modulate their behaviors, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, and suicide. Using microfabrication approaches to engineer cellular microenvironments, we examine how the spatial positioning of cells and their intercellular contacts can control cellular functions. Here, we describe methods to pattern the adhesivity of surfaces to 1) control the position of cells on surfaces, 2) measure forces generated by cells against deformable substrata, and 3) control the extent of cell-to-cell contact. We hope to use the microengineered substrates to improve the interface between artificial surfaces and living cells.