Micropatterning of proteins on non-planar surfaces is achieved by immobilization of proteins on silica nanoparticles and self-assembly of the nanoparticles in patterned microwells. The atomic force microscopy (Figure, left, 3 mum x 3 mum) and fluorescence (right) images of protein-coated silica nanoparticles in microwells confirm the viability of this process.