There is provided an adherent cell-culture support comprising gold nanoparticles on the surface where the cells attach to, wherein the size of the nanoparticles is from 5 nm to 2 microns, the distance between the nanoparticles is from 2nm to 30 nm and the anisotropy aspect ratio is greater than 1. These substrates have improved properties for allowing the culturing and subsequent detachment of cells, with potential applications in a wide range of fields such as stem cell research and tissue engineering. There is also provided a process for their preparation and several uses thereof.