Patternable cell immobilization is an essential feature of any solid-state device designed for interrogating or exploiting living cells. Immobilized cells must remain viable in a robust matrix that promotes fluidic connectivity between the cells and their environment while retaining the ability to establish and maintain necessary chemical gradients. A suitable inorganic matrix can be constructed via evaporation-induced self-assembly of nanostructured silica, in which phospholipids are used in place of traditional surfactants as the structure-directing agents in order to enhance cell viability and to create a coherent interface between the cell and the surrounding three-dimensional nanostructure. We have developed several distinct cell immobilization and patterning strategies that have tailorable properties; the validity of each patterning method has been demonstrated with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and mammalian cells. Biocompatible selective wetting techniques are used, as well as aerosol deposition and ink-jet printing. Viability of immobilized cells with respect to the different patterning techniques has been assessed. Transport of various biomolecules, such as sugars, proteins, and lipids, between the cells and their environment has been studied. Ability of the immobilized cells to establish relevant chemical gradients, such as pH or signaling molecules, has been characterized. Cell to cell communication within the matrices has also been investigated. With many of these patterning techniques, cells are also able to actively integrate into the host matrix by means of local process similar to the cell-directed assembly process we recently reported (Science 21, July 2006). This active integration of cells into a host matrix not only provides enhanced viability, but also provides a unique way of integrating bio- and nano-materials. In this instance, a nanomaterial with bulk functional properties can serve as a host matrix, maintaining its functionality while patterned cells create their own microenvironments. This provides not only new platforms for cellular interrogation, but also a novel yet simple procedure for creating new bionanomaterials.