Exopolysaccharides (EPS) extracted from Nostoc commune cyanobacteria were used to prepare low-adhesion cell substrates for tumor-selective cell growth. The substrates were reinforced with chitin whiskers and starch nanoparticles and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and tensile tests. Two anchorage independent cells, green fluorescent protein-modified HeLa and THP-1 cells were seeded on the samples to assess their interaction with the composites. The results confirmed the cell–surface interaction of EPS-based composites. The mechanical properties of these films can be tailored by controlling the type and concentration of the reinforcement, which can be used in the design of different types of biomaterials. © 2017 Taylor & Francis.