Cell guidance by alterations in monomolecular films.

Monolayers of stearic and behenic acids were transferred to quartz slides by the Blodgett technique. Troughs of different depths were cut into these multilayers (substrata), and additional monolayers were superimposed. When cultured and fresh embryonic cells were grown on these substrata, the cells were entrapped within troughs whose depths were as small as 60 angstroms. The results demonstrate cellular responses to molecular changes in contact surfaces.