a method to assemble functional materials , such as nanomaterials , onto a polymer surface to create a corresponding functionalized surface involves creating a solution of the functional material , providing a sacrificial substrate , disposing the functional solution onto a surface of the substrate and then covering the substrate with a liquid polymer . the sacrificial substrate is then dissolved , leaving behind a functional surface embedded within the cured polymer . one specific aspect of the invention relates to the embedding of functionalized carbon nanotubes onto a polymer surface for creating a nano - engineered surface . devices employing functional surfaces are disclosed that are suitable for the immobilization of enzymes , dna , peptides , proteins , cells , catalyst , and / or other chemicals or molecules for chemical , biochemical , or biological analysis , reactions , filtration .