SEM imaging allows for interactions between cells and colloidal nanotopographies to be investigated. For example, complementary SE and BSE detection can be utilized to image colloidal nanotopographies underlying cells, (a), with imaging in SE mode allowing for direct interactions between the peripheral extensions of cells, for instance lamellapodia, and the surrounding colloids to be identified, (b). (Boxed area in upper half of (b) is shown at higher magnification in the lower half.)