The invention relates to a microarray structure including a substrate material layer, a continuous three-dimensional (3D) surface layer on the substrate material layer that is capable of functionalisation for use as an array, and an inert material wherein the structure includes accurately defined and functionalisable isolated areas which are millimeter to nanometer in size. The functionalised areas are part of the continuous 3D surface layer and are isolated by the inert material and are interconnected within the structure by the continuous 3D surface layer.