Cell imprinting and AFM imaging of cells cultured on nanoline patterns

We demonstrate a simple technique for the sample preparation of cells cultured on nanostructure patterns for microscopic imaging. Conventional cell fixation technique was used for the preparation of template. Then, soft lithography was applied to produce negative replica. If necessary, positive replica could be obtained by a second imprinting with negative replica as mold. For illustration, Hela cells were cultured on 350nm period gratings etched in a silicon wafer. The cell replicas were then analyzed by using taping mode atomic force microscopy, showing detailed cell morphology on patterned substrates.