To generate model substrates for cell adhesion, we have developed two different biocompatible strategies based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiolates on gold terminated with latent ketones and aldehydes. Under spatial control, the hydroquinone and alcohol-terminated SAMs can be oxidized to allow for oxyamine ligand patterning on the surface with microfluidic cassettes. These immobilization strategies were characterized by electrochemistry, fluorescence, and utilizing a cell adhesive peptide, cell patterns were generated.