Engineered antifouling microtopographies: mapping preferential and inhibitory microenvironments for zoospore attachment

An algorithm was developed and implemented to map the locations of attached spores of Ulva linza on patterned surfaces. Using this mapping algorithm, spore preference among regions within a pattern can be detected and quantified. Settlement maps of spores on patterned topographies from several assays showed clear preferences in spore settlement. Over 94% of the spores attached within the depressed regions on the surfaces, including a surface containing pits instead of protruding features. The spores attached primarily at the intersections of several features, with over half and up to 96% of spores settling in these regions. The highest spore densities occurred at intersections where the features were most dissimilar. In contrast, the location of attached beads on the surfaces was nearly uniform across the surface. Identification of preferential attachment locations allows for the study of localized properties that influence cell behavior and aids in the development of new surfaces to control cell–surface interactions.