The quantitative effects of micropatterned laminin surfaces on neurite outgrowth and growth cone morphology were investigated. Using microlithography, 20- or 30-mu m-wide laminin stripes were applied to the surface of a glass coverslip, alternating with BSA-coated glass stripes of the same dimension. Growth on these surfaces was strongly biased in the direction parallel to the stripes, but the mean length of outgrowth was reduced relative to that on uniform laminin surfaces. Growth cones were slightly more elongated on micropatterned surfaces than on controls and were aligned with the pattern. These results provide a starting point for examining the fundamental effects of micropatterned surfaces on neurite outgrowth and ways in which these may be useful in controlling and guiding neurite outgrowth for biotechnological applications.