Aqueous lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) constitute a class of anisotropic fluids valuable for self-assembly at the microscale. Disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) (commonly used commercially as an anti-asthmatic drug), is of particular interest to explore the behavior of microscopic biological organisms (such as rod-like bacteria and mammalian cells) in an environment where local rotational symmetry is broken. The fabrication of LCLC-based devices critically depends on the well-controlled molecular orientation/alignment of LCLC assemblies. This, however, has traditionally been difficult compared to more traditional thermotropic LC phases due to the low surface anchoring energy provided by conventional-rubbed alignment layers. Uniform alignment and spatially non-uniform patterned LCLCs facilitate emerging applications. In the proposed project, we present the planar alignment of DSCG LCs by modifying the surface anchoring strength using a UV-cured polymer layer (SU-8) for alignment. Furthermore, we demonstrate the controlled topological defects by patterning the DSCG LCs into micro-patterned arrays (prepared via photolithography) using square air pillars. The primary objective of the project is to direct distributions and trajectories of active and passive matter using pre-engineered LCLC director arrangements. The primary objective of the project is to direct distributions and trajectories of active and passive matter using pre-engineered LCLC director arrangements.