a microfluidic system , particularly suited as a cell culture system , is provided having a single monolithic biocompatible substrate with both a surface having an ordered array of nano - scale elements required for plasmonic response monitoring and a network of microchannels for precisely controlling cellular environment . the system has the additional advantages of low - volume consumption , rapid low - cost fabrication of molds with easily interchangeable microfluidic channel layouts , amenability to mass production , and in situ label - free real - time detection of cellular response , viability , behavior and biomolecular binding using plasmonic techniques . a ratio of greater than 0 . 2 between the cross - sectional dimension and the spacing distance of the nano - scale elements is useful for plasmonic response monitoring . a process for producing such a system involves fabrication of a master mold containing the nano - scale elements etched into a hard substrate , and the micro - scale and meso - scale features , such as channels and chambers , provided in a soft membrane bonded to the hard substrate . a stamp may be created by setting a settable liquid polymer or metal placed in the master mold and then the features of the intended device transferred to a polymeric substrate using the stamp .