The critical role of microscale cellular environments in regulating cell behavior has led to the development of a variety of biomicropatterning technologies. Most of these methods are adapted from silicon nucromachining, polymer micro-molding, stamping, or inkjet printing where the substrate on which the patterns are created is substantially dry and often hard. The canvas of life, however, is wet, soft, and alive. Is it possible to directly sketch microscale gene expression and suppression experiments onto the delicate surface of cells without compromising their viability? Here we show some of our initial biopainting results that support this view.
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