Integrating microfabrication and biology

The use of microfabricated devices and surfaces in investigating how agronomically important plants are attacked by fungal pathogens is discussed. It is shown that microfabrication of specific topographies on artificial surfaces is leading to an improved understanding of how one type of plant disease, known as rust, might be better controlled. The surface features that signal the bean rust fungus to form an appressorium have been identified. Such signals consist, in general, of a 0.5- mu m-high ridge. Other microfabricated devices are now being used to understand how this fungus is able to sense such a small topographical feature and distinguish it from all the other features found on leaves.<>