Method for obtaining three-dimensional actin structures and uses thereof

A method for preparing a three dimensional structure of actin, said method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a polymerization solution comprising actin monomers, an Arp2/3 complex, a capping agent, ATP, a divalent cation and profilin wherein the molar ratio of Arp2/3 to capping agent ranges from 0.1 and 4.0;
• b) providing at least one surface having thereon at least one pattern, the said pattern being coated with a nucleating agent selected from the group consisting of members of the WASp family, members from SCAR/WAVE family, VCA domains thereof, peptides from VCA domains, functional homologs of SCAR/WAVE and WASp proteins and combinations thereof;
• and
• c) contacting the at least one surface of step (b) with the polymerization solution of step (a) so as to induce the polymerization of actin and obtain the said three-dimensional actin structure.