Substrates with independently tunable topographies and chemistries for quantifiable surface-induced cell behavior

A method for determining cell response to a combination of topographical and chemical signaling cues, tuned independently, the method comprising:

• lithographically patterning functionalized structures on a substrate in one or more array, wherein the one or more arrays is in contact with a fluid containing at least one living cell, wherein the substrate, the fluid, and at least one living cell comprise a chip;
• adding topographical substrate features to at least one area of the lithographically patterned substrate by either etching or deposition;
• for each of a plurality of times, receiving and combining surface characterization data and cell characterization data for at least one array of functionalized structures or topographical areas of the lithographically patterned chip;
• for a plurality of times, determining the topographical structure's area, size and shape that interfaces with at least one living cell;
• for a plurality of times, determining the surface topography of both the structures and patterned topographical areas that interface with at least one living cell;
• and
• for a plurality of times, determining the chemical functionalization of structures and topographically patterned areas interfacing with at least one living cell.