The present invention relates to novel substrates, to methods of making them and to uses therefor. The substrates of the invention comprise a base portion and a surface layer covering at least part of the base portion, with a binding layer provided therebetween. The surface layer provides, on at least a part of the substrate, topographical features having at least one nano scale dimension. These topographical features are adapted to facilitate, influence, control or inhibit cell or tissue growth thereon and/or therebetween and the substrate may be used for the study, manipulation or modification of at least one cellular or tissue behavior or response.