FIG. 3.

(a) An uncovered cell suspension droplet placed on the patterned surface. (b) Droplets covered with a 6 mm diameter circular parafilm coverslip to suppress convective flows. (c) Convective flow pattern generated within uncovered droplets as a result of droplet dimension and drying behavior. (d) Sketch of suppressed convection within the droplet covered with a suspended parafilm coverslip. (e) Non-uniform cell patterning due to the creation of a convective zone in the middle of the droplet where cells are in motion and fail to adhere. (f) An even and efficient cell patterning under covered droplet conditions.