Surface modification of polymers with self-assembled monolayers that promote adhesion, outgrowth and differentiation of biological cells

A process for forming longitudinally oriented neo-vascular capillaries, said process comprising the steps of:

• (a) providing a combination ultra-thin film (UTF) pattern of at least one cell adhesion promoter and at least one cell adhesion inhibitor wherein said cell adhesion promoters have a linewidth of between about 50-490 .mu.m;
• (b) seeding said combination UTF pattern with cells capable of forming capillaries at an initial seeding cell density;
• (c) adding a first medium for incubating said seeded cells until said cells are grown to confluency, wherein said first medium is a medium for promoting cell growth;
• (d) replacing said first medium with a second medium at confluency, wherein said second medium is a medium for promoting cell differentiation;
• and
• (e) allowing said cells to differentiate into spatially oriented neo-vascular capillaries oriented parallel to said UTF pattern of said at least one cell adhesion promoter.