The purpose of this review is to explore the development, applications and outcomes of using plasma-deposited (polymeric) surfaces as culture and delivery vehicles for cells in the replacement, repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. After a brief introduction to biomaterials and cell therapy, examples of the use of plasma polymerization in surface engineering are presented. The use of these surfaces for both in vitro cell culture and ex vivo delivery is reviewed with a particular emphasis on the epithelium. The review concludes with a look at some of the emerging and potential future directions for this technology in mediating cell-surface interactions. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010