Flow cells with patterned bonding regions

A flow cell, comprising:

• a patterned substrate having an active region and a bonding region that at least partially surrounds the active region, wherein the active region includes:
• first posts defined in a layer of the patterned substrate;
• surface chemistry positioned over the first posts;
• and
• first interstitial regions surrounding the first posts;
• and wherein the bonding region includes:
• second posts defined in the layer;
• and
• second interstitial regions surrounding the second posts;
• an adhesive positioned over the second interstitial regions and over the second posts;
• and
• a cover attached to the adhesive such that a flow channel is defined between a portion of the cover and the active region.

A method, comprising:

• forming a patterned substrate by:
• defining an active region within a layer by:
• defining first posts at first predetermined locations within a predetermined region of the layer that is surrounded by a second predetermined region of the layer;
• and
• introducing surface chemistry to each of the first posts;
• defining a bonding region of the layer by defining second posts at second predetermined locations within the second predetermined region of the layer;
• introducing an adhesive to the bonding region at least around each of the second posts;
• and
• positioning a cover in contact with the adhesive, thereby securing the cover to the bonding region and creating a flow channel between a portion of the cover and the active region.