Cell-surface contacts are vital for many eukaryotic cells. The surface provides anchorage (facilitating spreading and proliferation), is involved in sensation, i.e., via mechano-, osmo- and chemoreceptors, and in addition nutrients may also be supplied via vessels adjacent to the basal lamina. Hence, the ability to manipulate the surface characteristics provides a mechanism for directly influencing cell behaviour. Applications such as medical implants and tissue engineering require biocompati...