Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modifying membranous tissue, growing cells on modified membranous tissue, and for transplantation of modified tissues and modified tissues with attached cells are provided. In particular, the invention provides methods and apparatus for modifying membranous tissue such as lens capsule tissue and inner limiting membrane tissue, for growing cells such as iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells on modified membranous tissue, and for modifying membranous tissue and growing cells on biodegradable polymer substrates. A method of modifying membranous tissues comprises depositing micropatterns of biomolecules onto membranous tissue with a contacting surface such as a stamp; other methods include mechanical ablation, photoablation, ion beam ablation, and modification of membranous tissues via the action of proteolytic enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method and means for molecularly patterning a surface to promote the patterned attachment of a target adherent. In some preferred embodiments the target adherent is a biological cell, but it can more generally be a biological or chemical species for which attachment at specific sites is desired. The method generally involves using a stamp to microcontact print a first type of molecule on the surface. With the stamp remaining in situ, the process then involves fluidic patterning of a second type of molecule through selected openings defined by selected recesses in the stamp and the surface itself. The second type of molecule should have an adhesion property relative to the target adherent that is complementary to that of the first type of molecule. The stamp is removed only after both the first and second types of molecules have been transferred to the surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for modifying membranous tissue, growing cells on modified membranous tissue, and for transplantation of modified tissues and modified tissues with attached cells are provided. In particular, the invention provides methods and apparatus for modifying membranous tissue such as lens capsule tissue and inner limiting membrane tissue, for growing cells such as iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells on modified membranous tissue, and for modifying membranous tissue and growing cells on biodegradable polymer substrates. A method of modifying membranous tissues comprises depositing micropatterns of biomolecules onto membranous tissue with a contacting surface such as a stamp; other methods include mechanical ablation, photoablation, ion beam ablation, and modification of membranous tissues via the action of proteolytic enzymes.